Airborne pathogen extraction system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an airborne pathogen extraction system that provides continuous extraction of airborne pathogen particles from a specific target area in a room or a specific target area proximate to a user. The pathogenic particles are filtered and / or disinfected before the air returns near its starting position or are directed to an area away from the user. The airborne pathogen extraction system and method reduce the chance of contagion or infection by airborne pathogens such as viruses.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an airborne pathogen extraction system, and more particularly, to an airborne pathogen extraction system focused on extracting airborne pathogens proximate to one or more users. Background Art

[0002] With the increasing prevalence of highly contagious viruses and other pathogens, studies have shown a direct relationship between the inhalation of infectious aerosol pathogen particles and the chance of an individual becoming infected within the area containing such particles. Due to this reality, certain activities that involve close proximity to the head area, such as dental procedures, hair styling, optical testing, and other activities, by their nature, require close and prolonged proximity between the head areas of two or more individuals, which creates a potentially dangerous infection situation. The only known mitigation solution is to discontinue these activities, except in emergency situations, which effectively eliminates the chance of infection resulting from these inherently infection-increasing activities. While canceling many such routine procedures can achieve the desired potential infection mitigation, the immediate benefits provided by canceling these activities are offset by many secondary health problems created by canceling these activities. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Studies have shown that infected individuals, even asymptomatic individuals, are capable of rapidly releasing sufficient viral particles to infect numerous other individuals within a room or area. More importantly, these studies have also shown that those individuals closest to an infected person have the most infectious agents in their exhaled air, and as such, these individuals not only become infected the fastest, but their health outcomes are also much more severe, thus demonstrating the negative outcomes associated with pathogen exposure levels. These studies have also shown that even those individuals located at a distance from a particular infected individual and practicing "social distancing" can become infected, and it has been found that these socially distanced individuals become infected because their position is downstream of the infected person, while the infected person is upstream of the room's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) return air path. Individuals upstream of the infected person's position are not infected to the same extent.

[0004] As a result of these studies, we now know that active air currents can carry airborne pathogen particles away from an infected individual. For traditional HVAC systems, there is a continuous air flow in the area utilizing the supply air duct to the corresponding return air duct. Even when traditional air filters are used in the HVAC system, extremely small-sized pathogen particles (such as viruses) are mostly able to pass through the system's air filters and return to the room.

[0005] Special locations, such as isolation rooms in hospitals, use negative pressure technology or disinfection equipment, such as UV-C lights located in the duct system, to remove airborne pathogens and / or other airborne contaminants. Because these systems attempt to process all the air flowing over a large area, they are both expensive and inefficient as they employ a "shotgun" method for air filtration and disinfection.

[0006] In contrast, if only specific areas of concern are addressed, such as the immediate area between a dentist and a patient, the efficiency of extracting viral or other pathogen particles from only that specific area becomes quite high. In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, an airborne pathogen extraction system (APES) is provided that reduces the chance that the concentration of viral particles or other pathogens in a specific area rises to a level that could become an infection vector. Different from traditional methods for treating the air in an entire area or room, the APES unit of the present disclosure is capable of extracting airborne pathogens almost immediately before the airborne pathogens leave an individual and can be inhaled by an uninfected individual. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1A A top view of an airborne pathogen extraction system in accordance with the present disclosure is shown, the airborne pathogen extraction system having an extraction nozzle ring and an air disinfection unit, the extraction nozzle ring having an extraction air hose connector located behind the extraction nozzle;

[0008] Figure 1B A top view of the extraction nozzle ring in accordance with the present disclosure is shown, the extraction nozzle ring having an extraction air hose connector located on one side of the extraction nozzle;

[0009] Figure 1C A top view of the extraction nozzle ring in accordance with the present disclosure is shown, the extraction nozzle ring having an extraction air hose connector located in front of the extraction nozzle;

[0010] Figure 1D A side view of the extraction nozzle ring in accordance with the present disclosure is shown, the extraction nozzle ring having an air hose located at the bottom of the extraction nozzle;

[0011] Figure 1E A top view of the extraction nozzle ring in accordance with the present disclosure is shown;

[0012] Figure 2 A perspective view of the air disinfection unit in accordance with the present disclosure is shown; Figure 1A in accordance with the present disclosure

[0013] Figure 3 An airborne pathogen extraction system used during a dental procedure in accordance with the present disclosure is shown;

[0014] Figure 4Shows an airborne pathogen extraction system with multiple extraction nozzle rings used during an assembly line process according to the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 5 Shows an airborne pathogen extraction system with fixed linear extraction nozzles used during an assembly line process according to the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 6 Shows an extraction nozzle connected to a drum support according to the present disclosure; and

[0017] Figure 7 Shows a vertically extending extraction nozzle in the environment where a worker works according to the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0018] Before further describing various embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described. It should also be understood that the terms used are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present application.

[0019] In the drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same features of the airborne pathogen extraction system of the present application. Therefore, although some descriptions may refer only to certain drawings and reference numerals, it should be understood that such descriptions may equally apply to the same reference numerals in other drawings. Additionally, although various features are shown in different drawings for simplicity, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various features can be combined without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] Referring to Figure 1A , there is shown an airborne pathogen extraction system (APES) 100A according to the present disclosure. The airborne pathogen extraction system 100A includes an extraction nozzle ring 10A having an annular body 12 and defining a central opening 14. The central opening 14 is large enough to accommodate a user's neck and / or head therein. The body 12 includes a plurality of air extraction openings 16, each air extraction opening fluidly connecting the external environment of the body 12 to an internal volume 18 defined by the body 12. The air extraction openings 16 are spaced apart around the circumference of the body 12. The body 12 is connected to a flexible air hose 20 at the rear portion 22 of the body 12. The flexible air hose 20 is fluidly connected to an air disinfection unit 24 of the airborne pathogen extraction system 100A, the structure and function of which will be discussed in more detail later.

[0021] In some embodiments, the connection of the flexible air hose 20 to the extraction nozzle ring 10A can be at different radial (or horizontal) connection points of the body 12. For example, see Figure 1B and 1C, which respectively show the extraction nozzle rings 10B and 10C, and the flexible air hose 20 can be connected to the side 26 of the body 12 ( Figure 1B ) or the front 28 of the body 12 ( Figure 1C ). In some embodiments, the connection of the flexible air hose 20 can be arranged axially (or vertically) from the body 12. For example, referring to Figure 1D , which shows the extraction nozzle ring 10D, the flexible air hose 20 can be connected to the bottom 30 of the body 12. The connection of the flexible air hose 20 can be at any angle between a radial connection to the body 12 (i.e., Figure 1A - 1C ) and an axial connection to the body 12 (i.e., Figure 1D ). For example, the connection of the flexible air hose 20 to the body 12 can be at a 45° angle to the plane aligned with the central opening 14. However, any connection angle is within the scope of the present disclosure, such as but not limited to 15°, 30°, 60°, or 75°.

[0022] The size, spacing, number, and location of the air extraction openings 16 can vary between embodiments. For example, see Figure 1E , which shows the extraction nozzle ring 10E. The extraction nozzle ring 10E can include a region 32 that has air extraction openings 16 of a larger size and / or a higher density than another area of the extraction nozzle ring 10E (i.e., the distance between adjacent air extraction openings 16 is smaller or the average distance is smaller, or there are a greater number of air extraction openings 16 per unit surface area of the extraction nozzle). In some embodiments, these air extraction openings 16 are only located in the region 32 and there are no air extraction openings 16 elsewhere on the body 12. The region 32 can be a part of the extraction nozzle ring 10E that is smaller than the rest of the extraction nozzle ring 10E. For example but not limited to, the region 32 can constitute 30° or less, 60° or less, 90° or less, 120° or less, 150° or less of the angular range of the circumference of the extraction nozzle ring 10E. In the extraction nozzle ring 10E, the region 32 is located at the front of the body 12, while the connection of the flexible air hose 20 is located at the rear of the body 12. The shape, size, location, and number of the air extraction openings 16 are configured to shape, affect, and / or optimize the operation of the air near the extraction nozzle ring 10 and possible pathogens.

[0023] In some embodiments, one or more regions or parts of the extraction nozzle ring 10 can be temporarily removable at the connection point. For example, Figure 1EThe region 32 of the extraction nozzle ring 10E is configured to be removed and reattached at the connection point 34. The region or portion can be connected and / or disconnected by a slip fit or other known connection method. If the central opening 14 is too small to accommodate the user's head, the region 32 is removable and configured to be reattached to allow the user's neck to be inserted into the central opening 14. Removal also allows for cleaning or other maintenance of the extraction nozzle ring 10, or allows for replacement with a new part.

[0024] The size and airflow capacity of the air disinfection unit 24 can vary depending on the number of extraction nozzle rings 10 operatively connected thereto. While the air disinfection unit 24 is typically designed for local use with a single extraction nozzle ring 10, the air disinfection unit 24 can be scaled up to a larger capacity unit that can be designed to accommodate multiple extraction nozzle rings 10 with different designs and capacities simultaneously. The air disinfection unit 24 can be configured to operate from a main power supply and / or the air disinfection unit 24 can also be configured to operate with an internal rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery.

[0025] Referring to Figure 2 , more particularly shown is Figure 1A the air disinfection unit 24. The air disinfection unit 24 includes a body 36 having an air input connector 38 that is fluidly connected to Figure 1A the flexible air hose 20. The air disinfection unit 24 includes an airflow generating device 25 configured to generate a negative pressure within the flexible air hose 20 such that air in the external environment of the extraction nozzle ring 10A ( Figure 1A ) flows through the air extraction opening 16, into the internal volume 18, into the flexible air hose 20, and then into the air disinfection unit 24. In the context of the present disclosure, the phrase "negative pressure" refers to a air pressure that is less than the ambient air pressure outside the extraction nozzle ring 10A. The negative pressure can be generated by the air disinfection unit 24 by any one or more known structures and methods, including but not limited to one or more fans, one or more vacuum pumps, etc. The airflow rate is configured to be regulated by a control element 40. The current airflow rate can be monitored at the input and / or output air flow meters 42. While the air disinfection unit 24 is shown as having a single air input connector 38, the air disinfection unit 24 can be configured to have any number of air input connectors 38 for connection to multiple flexible air hoses 20 and extraction nozzle rings 10, or can have a single air input connector 38 that fluidly connects multiple flexible air hoses 20 to the air disinfection unit 24 using an external manifold.

[0026] The air disinfection unit 24 includes a light source 44 within the body 36, the light source 44 being configured to generate a disinfection light emission that acts on air that is directed to flow into the air disinfection unit 24 from the extraction nozzle ring 10A. Before or after the light source 44, air may flow into an optional mechanical filter (or physical filter) 45 that mechanically filters the air by passive electrostatic media filtration, by active electrostatic media filtration, or by other types of HEPA filtration. The intensity and / or emission frequency of the disinfection light emission may be controlled by a control element 46, or there may be separate control elements 46 for light intensity and light emission frequency, respectively. For the manual operation mode, a chart 48 is connected to the air disinfection unit 24 to assist in matching the air flow rate setting with the desired or expected disinfection light intensity setting to optimize effectiveness against a specific pathogen. Input and / or output air flow meters 42 may provide an indication of the air flow rate at any selected setting to assist in air flow / intensity setting matching. Alternatively or additionally, the air disinfection unit 24 may be equipped with an automatic air flow speed / light intensity matching system that is configured to be performed by a controller 50 in the automatic operation mode. In the automatic mode, the controller 50 instructs the light source 44 to operate at a predetermined light intensity and / or light emission frequency for a selected fan speed (or introduced air flow rate) by the selected fan speed (or introduced air flow rate) of the control element 40. The predetermined light intensity and / or light emission frequency may increase as the fan speed (or induced air flow speed) increases. In some embodiments, the operating light intensity and / or light emission frequency may be adjustable from the predetermined light intensity and light emission frequency such that the automatic mode helps the user provide an appropriate light source 44 intensity and / or emission frequency, but still provides the user with different light source 44 control capabilities to address specific pathogen conditions. The air disinfection unit 24 may be provided with a mode selector switch 52 that is configured to switch the air disinfection unit 24 between the manual operation mode and the automatic operation mode. The air disinfection unit 24 includes one or more output ventilation holes having one or more grilles 54 that are angled to direct the output air flow 56 downward outside of the body 36 of the air disinfection unit 24 after the air flow has passed through the air disinfection unit 24 and been exposed to the light emission from the light source 44. In other words, the output air flow 56 is directed to the ground and away from the user's location after being processed and / or filtered. The air disinfection unit 24 may be operated with an internal battery (rechargeable or disposable) and / or be configured to operate on the power connection discussed above.

[0027] In operation, the air disinfection unit 24 draws in air through the air input connector 38 to create a continuous negative pressure in the flexible air hose 20, which causes air outside the extraction nozzle ring 10 to flow through the air extraction openings 16, into the internal volume 18, into the flexible air hose 20, and into the air disinfection unit 24. The airflow causes airborne pathogens to be continuously extracted from the air in the area adjacent (or proximate) to the extraction nozzle ring 10, which may be worn or used by a user who may shed infectious pathogens. After the air has been directed to the air disinfection unit 24, the air may be filtered and / or treated and then the air returns to the room at a physical height lower than where the air / pathogens were extracted through one or more output ventilation holes having one or more grilles 54. In some embodiments, the air disinfection unit 24 may direct the air to a location remote from the user (or other individual) without filtering or treating the air at the air disinfection unit 24. In these embodiments, instead of having a vent with a grille 54, the output of the air disinfection unit 24 may be connected to a ventilation distribution system to direct the air to a remote location. Even when the air disinfection unit 24 does not filter or treat the air before directing the air to a remote location, the air disinfection unit 24 may still be considered an air "disinfection" unit because the air near the user or other individual wearing or using the extraction nozzle ring 10 is still extracted from near the user or other individual and potential pathogens exhaled by the user are drawn into the extraction nozzle ring 10. In some embodiments, the airflow generating device 25 is configured to extract pathogens within a distance of 6 inches, 12 inches, 18 inches, or 24 inches from the extraction nozzle ring 10. However, other extraction ranges are within the scope of the present application and depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the strength of the airflow generating device 25 of the air disinfection unit 24, the diameter and length of the flexible air hose 20, the size and number of the air extraction openings 16, and the presence of any blockage of the air extraction openings 16 (e.g., due to clothing, dust, dirt, water, etc.). In some embodiments, the extraction nozzle ring 10 has a maximum extraction rate of 18 inches. The extraction rating represents the effective distance rating for effectively extracting pathogens from the extraction nozzle.

[0028] Reference Figure 3 , in which like reference numerals represent like elements, shows an APES 100B according to the present disclosure for use during a dental procedure. The APES 100B includes an extraction nozzle ring 110, a flexible air hose 120, and an air disinfection unit 124, which may be configured similar to those described above in connection with Figure 1A - 1EThe extraction nozzle rings 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, the flexible air hose 20, and the air disinfection unit 24 discussed in FIGS. 1 and 2. During a dental procedure, the patient 58 wears the extraction nozzle ring 110 around their neck. The air extraction opening 116 is located on the extraction nozzle ring 110, near the patient's 58 mouth and nose, to maximize the collection of air and potential pathogen / viral particles 59 in this area by the extraction nozzle ring 110. The flexible air hose 120 connects the neck-worn air extraction nozzle ring 110 to the air disinfection unit 124, which may reside on the floor below the patient 58. This allows the return air flow 156 from the air disinfection unit 124 to be directed along the floor and away from the dentist and / or dental hygienist. This operation essentially limits the accumulation of air-borne pathogens within the general vicinity of the patient, and these pathogens that accumulate in the general vicinity may also pose a risk to subsequent patients.

[0029] Referring Figure 4 , another exemplary embodiment of the APES 100C according to the present disclosure as used in an assembly line process is shown. In this embodiment, workers 60 are arranged in close proximity to each other in an assembly line manner, where each worker 60 wears an extraction nozzle ring 210. Although each worker 60 may be operatively connected to a dedicated single air disinfection unit 24, 124 ( Figure 2 and 3 ), in this embodiment, the extraction nozzle rings 210 of the workers 60 are effectively served by operatively connecting a plurality of extraction nozzle rings 210 to a single central air disinfection unit 24, 124 of larger or greater capacity. Although the central air disinfection unit 24, 124 may filter and / or process the air flow from the extraction nozzle rings 210 and return the air to the general area from which it was extracted, in some embodiments, the air disinfection unit 24, 124 may alternatively direct the air flow from these extraction nozzle rings 210 in an unfiltered (or untreated) manner into the outside ambient air such that any pathogens are diluted and dispersed, and the air does not locally return to the same room or local environment as the worker 60 from which it was extracted.

[0030] Referring Figure 5, shows another exemplary embodiment of the APES 100D according to the present disclosure for use in an assembly line process. In this embodiment, a linear collection extraction nozzle 62 is used instead of providing an extraction nozzle ring for all workers 60. The linear collection extraction nozzle 62 has a plurality of air extraction openings 64 that are strategically located near the workstation positions of each worker 60 to optimize the collection air flow around each assembly line worker 60. The linear collection extraction nozzle 62 is connected to the central air disinfection units 24, 124 of the APES 100D and operates in the same manner as the APES 100A, 100B, and / or 100C to extract and optionally filter and / or process the air near the worker 60.

[0031] Advantageously, the APES 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D according to the present disclosure are capable of capturing and removing airborne virus particles and / or other airborne infectious pathogens 59 from the surrounding air near an individual who actively expels the virus particles from the nose and mouth of the individual before the virus particles have an opportunity to substantially leave the individual and infect other individuals. In some embodiments, the APES 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D may include an air extraction nozzle attached to a drum bracket that is physically connected to an extraction hose 66. Referring to Figure 6 , shows an exemplary extraction nozzle 72 according to the present disclosure connected to a drum bracket 68 having a plurality of wheels 70. The extraction nozzle 72 has a suction inlet 67 and is connected to an air disinfection unit (not shown), such as Figure 2 the air disinfection unit 24 shown. The suction inlet 67 is used to receive air and airborne pathogens when the air flow generating device operates to create a negative pressure in the extraction hose 66, as discussed above in connection with Figure 1A - 1E the air extraction opening 16. The extraction hose 66 can be flexible or extensible such that the extraction nozzle 72 is positioned or articulated to be disposed in a particular position and / or orientation to extract air and airborne pathogens. The air disinfection unit can be remote from the drum bracket 68 and / or the extraction nozzle 72, or can be part of the drum bracket 68 assembly. Alternatively, an annular nozzle ring 10 ( Figure 1A - 1E ) can be used instead of the extraction nozzle 72 shown. The air outlet of the air disinfection unit may include directional vanes or other means for guiding the output air flow. In some embodiments, the output air flow is directed to the ground, and gravity helps to ensure that any residual pathogen particles will remain on the ground. Optionally, in addition to UV light source treatment, HEPA, electronic, electrostatic (passive or active), or other types of filter media can be used to capture extremely small viruses or other pathogens that survive the light source treatment.

[0032] It should be readily understood that the extraction nozzles of the APES 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D can be configured in different sizes and / or shapes to optimize various usage scenarios. By way of example and not limitation, the extraction nozzle ring 10 can be square, triangular, star-shaped, oval, or any other shape defining a central opening that fully or partially surrounds a central opening and is configured to straddle the user's neck. Similarly, the collection extraction nozzle, rather than being a linear collection extraction nozzle 62, can be formed into an arc, an S-shaped bend, or any other similar shape to accommodate the desired application. Similarly, depending on the air flow rate requirements, flexible air hoses of different sizes and / or lengths can also be used.

[0033] The air flow generating means 25 of the air disinfection units 24, 124 can include a blower assembly having a variable speed fan motor to allow the air flow rate of the system to be adjusted and set to a selectable rate, such as a cubic feet per minute (CFM) target. A visual or digital CFM flow meter can optionally be provided on the air disinfection units 24, 124 to assist in achieving a particular CFM target or goal. In some embodiments, a selector switch can be provided that enables selection of one or more preset fan speeds. In some embodiments, the fan motor can have a fixed speed.

[0034] In operation, depending on the desired application, the extraction nozzles of the APES of the present disclosure are placed around the neck or near the user, and the highly flexible air hoses connect the extraction nozzles from one or more users to the air disinfection unit, which can be portable and dedicated to a single hose and extraction nozzle, or connected to handle the needs of personnel arranged along an assembly line, a meat processing plant, etc.

[0035] APES creates a small area of negative pressure (relative to ambient air pressure) in a given space near the extraction nozzle. Operationally, this is similar to a smoke extraction system, but the disclosed APES is designed to draw air into the extraction nozzle to capture and remove any viral or other pathogen particles that are emitted simultaneously with a person's exhalation through the nose and / or mouth, so as not to allow the particles to become airborne and travel a significant distance away from the emitter. Once the air is drawn into the air disinfection unit of the system, the air flow is mechanically filtered by passive electrostatic media filtration, active electrostatic media filtration, or other types of HEPA filtration. Once the air flow moves past the filtration section, any remaining pathogen particles are subjected to intense bombardment by disinfection light emitted from the light source 44, which can be UV-B light, UV-C light, or a combination of the two UV frequencies. The intensity level is calibrated to expose airborne pathogens to a level sufficient to effect a change to prevent subsequent infection. The system is capable of operating at variable light intensities by adjusting the intensity of the actual lamp or light source, the LED itself, etc., or by turning on or off emitter groups to appropriately match the predetermined germicidal requirements at a given air flow rate, and by providing variable air flow rates using a variable speed motor and fan and / or adjustable air flow dampers. Each APES described herein can be equipped with an air flow meter and chart to allow the operator to appropriately match the desired air flow rate with the required or desired level of UV radiation. Optionally, an automatic air flow rate / UV light intensity level system can also be incorporated.

[0036] The filtered and disinfected air is intended to be output at a physical height dimension lower than the height at which the air is drawn into the extraction nozzle, in an effort to keep any pathogens from the user that survive the system away from the "T" zone of other parties, i.e., the facial portion consisting of the eyes, nose, and mouth, and to keep any surviving pathogens passing through the system away from the "normal" room circulation air flow so as to minimize migration, and further to keep the particles close to the floor where natural electrostatic attraction and gravity tend to prevent airborne particles from rising.

[0037] As described above, the extraction nozzle ring may include a circular nozzle ring that is placed around and worn on the user's neck. The extraction nozzle ring is used in combination with a lightweight and highly flexible air hose connected to the extraction nozzle ring, and can be connected around the user's neck at various rotational angles as needed. In this way, the hose can be connected (usually at a downward angle) to the side or underside of the extraction nozzle ring, or relative to the user facing forward, to the side of the user, or to the back of the user. The extraction nozzle ring is characterized by a whole series of upward- and / or downward-facing air extraction openings that have the effect of generating a downward (relative to the user's nose and mouth) suction air flow that captures any expelled virus / pathogen particles once they are expelled from the user's nose and / or mouth or shortly thereafter. The diameter of each air extraction opening may be different in size from other air extraction openings in the air extraction nozzle ring, an uneven opening spacing may be achieved, and the direction of the air extraction openings may also be adjusted in an effort to promote air flow from a specific location or direction.

[0038] In some embodiments, the air extraction openings may not be present around the entire circumference of the extraction nozzle ring, such as in the area behind the user's neck for a person reclined backward in a dentist chair. Additionally, the air extraction openings closest to the user's nose and mouth may have larger diameter openings and / or more closely spaced openings / density to increase or tilt the extraction air flow in the target direction so that the area of maximum extraction air flow better matches the exhalation emitted by the user. The magnitude and location of this increased air flow bias can also be varied to allow for various nozzle designs that attempt to match and conform to the expected lateral head rotation movement / amount of head rotation of the user relative to their type of work, conversations with colleagues, or level of communication, etc. To facilitate the placement and removal of the extraction nozzle ring from the user, design variations of the extraction nozzle ring may include removable portions that are incorporated into the body of the extraction nozzle ring and that are press-fit together to allow for easier placement and removal of the nozzle by removing and replacing a portion of the ring from another portion.

[0039] As described above, in some embodiments, the extraction nozzle may be mounted on a stand. The stand may be equipped with one or more wheels to allow the stand and the attached extraction nozzle to be conveniently moved to a desired point or location. The stand may be equipped with a height adjustment mechanism that allows the desired height of the extraction nozzle to be set. Optionally, the stand may also have an extraction nozzle and hose connected to an articulated arm assembly mechanism for further spatial adjustment.

[0040] In some embodiments, these extraction nozzles may include multiple perforated air tubes that are vertically suspended between workers, optionally with a suspended air curtain providing enhanced individual isolation, which may be particularly suitable for assembly line procedures or other procedures where users are very close to each other in an assembly line or other production line. Referring to Figure 7 , a vertically extending suspended extraction nozzle 74 according to the present disclosure is shown. The extraction nozzle 74 extends in a vertical direction 76 and each defines a plurality of air extraction openings 316. The extraction nozzle 74 is connected to an air disinfection unit (not shown) similar to the air disinfection unit 24 shown in Figure 2 . The function of the air extraction openings 316 is to receive air and air-borne pathogens when the air flow generating device operates to create a negative pressure in the area of the extraction nozzle 74, as discussed above in the section related to the air extraction openings 16 of Figure 1A - 1E . The extraction nozzle 74 may be fixed near the location where the workpiece is located during operation. The layout, number, and orientation of the air extraction openings 316 will be fixed and correspond to the specific needs of the work being performed. The air extraction openings 316 may be grouped and arranged at head height, with one extraction nozzle 74 arranged on opposite sides of the heads of the workers in pairs. The rotational direction of the air extraction port perforations is designed to correspond to the positions of the workers. Alternatively or additionally, a single nozzle in a linear manner may be placed in front of each worker in a horizontal direction along the edge of the assembly line. As Figure 5 shows, as an alternative to a single nozzle used in combination with a component or assembly line, a single extraction tube may extend laterally through a number of workers, but the air extraction perforations of these tubes may only be present in the general area of each worker.

[0041] In some embodiments, APES may be implemented in a theater or other seated venue, where each seat will be equipped with an extraction loop and an air hose, and the extraction loop and air hose will be fluidly connected to a distribution manifold that may extend linearly under a row of seats and be connected to a central air extraction system for filtration and disinfection, or be directed to the outside air without filtration. Optionally, an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) may be used to supply supplementary air from the outside to supplement a certain volume of extracted air in an energy-efficient manner.

[0042] In some embodiments, APES may be implemented in a passenger aircraft, where each seat will have an extraction nozzle loop that is fluidly connected via an air hose to a distribution manifold located under each row of seats, and the distribution manifold will then be fluidly connected to the return air duct of the aircraft, where the return air duct will be filtered by an existing HEPA filter and then treated with UV light before being reintroduced into the aircraft cabin.

[0043] In some embodiments, the APES can be implemented by a person who needs to move between physical locations, and a portable (portable) embodiment will be used, where the air handling unit will have a shoulder strap that will keep the system near the user and function as the user moves between different locations.

[0044] In the case of a large industrial environment, the filtered and disinfected aggregated output of the building APES can be discharged into the outside air to minimize or not increase the air flow within the structure, further restricting the spread of any errant virus / pathogen particles within the building or structure.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as in a hospital or healthcare environment, an optional hanging area enclosure with side curtains or a collapsible framed tent can be used with the APES to further isolate individuals without having to rely on the use of an entire negative pressure room.

[0046] In an environment such as a public dining hall, the extraction loop can run under the table at the edge of the table or can be located in the center of the table to generate an extraction air flow from the people sitting at each table, thus minimizing the likelihood of infection of customers at adjacent tables.

[0047] Although the invention has been illustrated and described with respect to specific embodiments of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An airborne pathogen extraction system, characterized in that, Comprising: An extraction nozzle having a nozzle body that defines a plurality of air extraction openings fluidly connected to an internal volume of the nozzle body; And An air disinfection unit fluidly connected to the internal volume of the extraction nozzle via an air hose; Wherein the air disinfection unit is configured to create a negative pressure in the air hose to cause air to flow from outside the extraction nozzle through the plurality of air extraction openings, into the internal volume of the nozzle body, into the air hose, and then to the air disinfection unit; And Wherein the plurality of air extraction openings include a first set of air extraction openings and a second set of air extraction openings, the first set of air extraction openings being different in size and / or density from the second set of air extraction openings, wherein the air extraction openings close to the user's nose and mouth are configured to have large diameter openings and / or closely spaced openings / density to increase or tilt the extraction air flow in a target direction, maximize the area of the extraction air flow, and match the exhalation of the user.

2. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 1, wherein Further comprising: A second extraction nozzle having a second nozzle body that defines a second plurality of air extraction openings fluidly connected to a second internal volume of the second nozzle body; Wherein the air disinfection unit is fluidly connected to the second internal volume of the second extraction nozzle via a second air hose; and Wherein the air disinfection unit is configured to create a negative pressure in the second air hose to cause air to flow from outside the second extraction nozzle through the second plurality of air extraction openings, into the second internal volume of the second nozzle body, into the second air hose, and then to the air disinfection unit.

3. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of air extraction openings are configured to capture air exhaled by a first user.

4. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 2, wherein The second plurality of air extraction openings are configured to capture air exhaled by a second user.

5. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 1, wherein The air disinfection unit includes a physical media filter configured to filter air.

6. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 1, wherein The air disinfection unit includes a light source configured to generate ultraviolet light emission to disinfect the air flowing into the air disinfection unit.

7. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air disinfection unit includes: a physical media filter configured to filter the air flowing into the air disinfection unit; and a light source configured to generate ultraviolet light emission to disinfect the air flowing into the air disinfection unit.

8. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 7, wherein The air disinfection unit includes: An air flow control element configured to regulate the air flow rate of the air flowing into the air disinfection unit; and A light source control element configured to regulate the intensity of the ultraviolet light emission.

9. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air disinfection unit includes an air flow control element configured to regulate the air flow rate of the air flowing into the air disinfection unit.

10. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air disinfection unit is configured to be connected to a plurality of extraction nozzles.

11. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 10, wherein The air disinfection unit is configured to extract air containing infectious pathogens from the immediate vicinity of a plurality of users of the plurality of extraction nozzles and discharge the air to a location away from the plurality of users.

12. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air disinfection unit is configured to extract air containing infectious pathogens from an immediate position of a user of the extraction nozzle and discharge the air to a position away from the user.

13. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 1, wherein The extraction nozzle is a linear extraction nozzle.

14. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 10, wherein, Each of the plurality of extraction nozzles is a linear extraction nozzle.

15. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 1, wherein, The distance between adjacent air extraction openings of the first group of the plurality of air extraction openings is greater than the distance between adjacent air extraction openings of the second group of the plurality of air extraction openings.

16. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 1, wherein The extraction nozzle is annular, wherein the air hose is connected to the rear of the nozzle body, and wherein the plurality of air extraction openings are provided in the front of the nozzle body.

17. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle body defines a central opening, and wherein the air hose is connected to the nozzle body parallel to the plane defined by the central opening.

18. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle body defines a central opening, and wherein the air hose is connected to the nozzle body perpendicular to the plane defined by the central opening.

19. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle body defines a central opening, and wherein the air hose is connected to the nozzle body at an angle of 45º with the plane defined by the central opening.

20. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air disinfection unit includes an air flow meter configured to detect and display the air flow velocity of the air flowing into or out of the air disinfection unit.

21. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 1, wherein, The air disinfection unit includes one or more vents having one or more louvers for outputting the air flowing into the air disinfection unit.

22. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 1, wherein The first group of air extraction openings and the second group of air extraction openings are arranged such that when the air disinfection unit creates a negative pressure in the air hose, the air outside the extraction nozzle flows in a target direction before flowing into the plurality of air extraction openings.

23. An airborne pathogen extraction system, comprising: An extraction nozzle having a nozzle body that defines a plurality of air extraction openings fluidly connected to an internal volume of the nozzle body; And An air disinfection unit fluidly connected to the internal volume of the extraction nozzle through an air hose; Wherein the air disinfection unit is configured to create a negative pressure in the air hose to cause air to flow from outside the extraction nozzle through the plurality of air extraction openings, into the internal volume of the nozzle body, into the air hose, and then to the air disinfection unit; And Wherein the extraction nozzle is configured to be worn around a user's neck.

24. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 23, wherein, The extraction nozzle is annular.

25. The airborne pathogen extraction system according to claim 23, wherein A portion of the extraction nozzle body is configured to be removed and reattached to the remainder of the extraction nozzle body.

26. A method for extracting airborne pathogens, characterized in that, Comprising: Providing an extraction nozzle around a user's neck, the extraction nozzle having a nozzle body that defines a plurality of air extraction openings fluidly connected to an internal volume of the nozzle body, and the internal volume of the nozzle body being fluidly connected to an air disinfection unit through an air hose; And A negative pressure is generated in the air hose by the air disinfection unit, causing air to flow from the outside of the extraction nozzle through the plurality of air extraction openings, into the internal volume of the nozzle body, into the air hose, and then to the air disinfection unit.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein The method further includes generating ultraviolet light emission by the air disinfection unit, and the ultraviolet light emission acts on the air within the air disinfection unit to disinfect the air.

28. The method according to claim 26, wherein Further included is: providing a second extraction nozzle surrounding the neck of a second user, the second extraction nozzle having a second nozzle body, the second nozzle body defining a second plurality of air extraction openings fluidly connected to a second internal volume of the second nozzle body, and the second internal volume of the second nozzle body being fluidly connected to the air disinfection unit through a second air hose; and generating a negative pressure in the second air hose by the air disinfection unit, causing air to flow from the outside of the second extraction nozzle through the second plurality of air extraction openings, into the second internal volume of the nozzle body, into the second air hose, and then to the air disinfection unit.

29. The method according to claim 26, wherein Further included is: providing a second extraction nozzle surrounding the neck of a second user, the second extraction nozzle having a second nozzle body, the second nozzle body defining a second plurality of air extraction openings fluidly connected to a second internal volume of the second nozzle body, and the second internal volume of the second nozzle body being fluidly connected to a second air disinfection unit through a second air hose; and generating a negative pressure in the second air hose by the second air disinfection unit, causing air to flow from the outside of the second extraction nozzle through the second plurality of air extraction openings, into the second internal volume of the nozzle body, into the second air hose, and then to the second air disinfection unit.

30. An airborne pathogen extraction system, comprising: a linear extraction nozzle having a nozzle body, the nozzle body defining a plurality of air extraction openings, the plurality of air extraction openings being fluidly connected to an internal volume of the nozzle body; and an air disinfection unit fluidly connected to the internal volume of the extraction nozzle through an air hose; wherein the air disinfection unit is configured to generate a negative pressure in the air hose, causing air to flow from the outside of the extraction nozzle through the plurality of air extraction openings, into the internal volume of the nozzle body, into the air hose, and then to the air disinfection unit; wherein the plurality of air extraction openings includes a first set of air extraction openings configured to receive air from a first worker at a first workstation location when the air disinfection unit generates a negative pressure in the air hose. Among them, the plurality of air extraction openings include a second set of air extraction openings configured to receive air from a second worker at a second workstation location when the air disinfection unit creates a negative pressure in the air hose; and Among them, the first set of air extraction openings and the second set of air extraction openings are separated by a portion of the nozzle body without air extraction openings.

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