Device for disinfecting ambient air by means of a laser beam filter

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (100; 200) for disinfecting any bacteria, viruses, dust or any other organic or inorganic bodies present in the air of public or private spaces using a disinfection chamber (110, 110"; 210) provided with a filter of laser beams (115, 115", 215). A dense grid of laser beams (115, 115", 215) is formed that saturates the disinfection chamber (110, 110"; 210). The air forced to pass through the entire disinfection chamber (110, 110"; 210) impacts every small particle, bacteria, virus, even nanometric, with laser beams (115, 115", 215), completely pulverizing, destroying and / or neutralizing itself by means of irradiation from a time ranging from 0.5 to 2 seconds of great beam energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for disinfecting ambient air by means of a laser beam filter.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for disinfecting any bacteria, viruses, dust, or any other organic or inorganic matter, including dangerous insects, present in the air in public or private spaces using a disinfection chamber equipped with a specific laser beam filter. Background Technology

[0003] Airborne aerosols are one of the fastest ways for pathogens such as Covid-19, or other viruses and bacteria, to spread between people.

[0004] Transmission mainly occurs when infected individuals sneeze, cough, or talk in crowded or close-contact areas.

[0005] The internal circulation of air in the enclosed space facilitates the diffusion of these microorganisms in the droplets, because these microorganisms can float in the air and travel a certain distance due to air recirculation.

[0006] In addition to viruses and bacteria that spread through the air, there are other risk factors associated with small flying insects in some parts of the world, which can, in certain circumstances, transfer serious pathogens such as malaria.

[0007] Current air disinfection devices comprise multiple systems, which utilize:

[0008] - Air filtration via EPA or UTRA filters or other various types and all kinds of filters; these filters have the cost of replacing the filters themselves and disposing of the contaminated waste generated by the filters themselves. In addition, the interior of the device is still contaminated by viruses or bacteria, which contaminate the space during maintenance or inspection.

[0009] - Aerosol chamber sprayers use alcohol and water-based mists to humidify a space; however, aerosol chamber sprayers can only be used in controlled spaces and when no one is in the space to be disinfected. In addition, aerosol chamber sprayers have low autonomy due to the need for supplemental active disinfectant products.

[0010] - Discharge in the air; discharge has the problem of emitting a large amount of electromagnetic radiation. In addition, the related devices are very heavy (usually tens of kilograms), large and expensive.

[0011] - UVC lamps, such as mercury vapor lamps, have a fixed device or a transportable device by means of wheels or a motorized system that moves within the space to be disinfected via commands managed by sensors and a processor. UVC lamps can only be used in controlled spaces and when no one is in the room to be disinfected. Furthermore, the emission of UVC wavelengths degrades materials present in the space, and in particular, it degrades the plastic materials that constitute the housing of medical devices or the housings of many other devices typically present in the space.

[0012] - UVA and UVB lamps, which are either fixed or transportable by means of wheels or a motorized system that moves the lamps within the space to be disinfected via commands managed by sensors and a processor. The UVA and UVB lamps can only be used in controlled spaces and only when no one is in the room to be disinfected.

[0013] Other systems simultaneously use one or more of the systems just described. These lights have the following problems: they cause significant space contamination during disposal and must be treated as special waste.

[0014] In addition, there are systems that use calibration or scanning laser beams for calibration or scanning via complex moving optical systems. These systems are very precise and expensive, and use dynamic motion systems and less stable and expensive laser sources that require frequent, complex, and costly periodic maintenance.

[0015] Other systems deliver air through conical elements or channels, allowing it to pass through a fixed laser beam. The interiors of these systems remain susceptible to contamination by viruses and bacteria, which can then contaminate the space during maintenance or inspection.

[0016] All of these systems use CW or YAG lasers with fast pulses that move through a scanner, but in these cases, the irradiance and wavelength involved cannot guarantee air sterilization.

[0017] In other systems, wavelengths in the UVA, UVB, and UVC range are used, but the exposure time (generally greater than 1200 seconds, but also exceeding three hours for more reliable results) is very long, and the danger of these ionizing wavelengths to humans does not allow them to be used in the presence of people. Furthermore, these wavelengths degrade components made of plastic materials, such as padding.

[0018] Finally, these radiation systems have limitations when scanning these spaces, including areas of darkness created by the presence of numerous objects occupying those spaces, in the case of insects where killing must be done electronically and the residue must be removed manually. After the lifespan of these lamps, their disposal pollutes the space, and they must be treated as special waste.

[0019] Even ozone cannot be used in densely populated spaces, and ozone is suitable for combined ozone-UV lamp systems.

[0020] However, although these systems are used without people, the most dangerous moment for infection occurs when the space is re-inhabited, because the possibility of infection is extremely small through contact with surfaces alone.

[0021] Almost all of these systems are non-transportable, bulky, or require fixed installation. Furthermore, these systems cannot be used for other purposes, and therefore cannot free up installation space.

[0022] Other systems utilize photocatalysis. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) exhibits a strong oxidizing effect in the presence of ultraviolet (UV) or visible light, and thus can be used as a photocatalytic disinfectant. While numerous studies have been reported on photocatalytic bacterial inactivation, few have addressed viral inactivation. This technology has historically been used to combat air pollution, primarily from transportation, industry, power plants and incinerators, domestic heating, pesticide use in agriculture, and dust from mining.

[0023] The problem with these systems is the handling of filters, including those for titanium dioxide and UV lamps, such as mercury vapor lamps that emit in the UVC band.

[0024] This type of filter must be replaced and disposed of as special waste.

[0025] US4115280A describes an apparatus having a chamber for inactivating or activating the biological or chemical activity of macromolecular species. This apparatus uses laser radiation at a frequency that excites the vibrational and rotational states of the irradiated species (including viruses and bacteria), and at an intensity sufficient to activate the species (but below a denaturation level), or to reach an intensity such that weak bonds—e.g., hydrogen bonds, which determine spatial properties and thus the biological activity of the macromolecule—are irreversibly broken to the extent that the macromolecule loses its original form (denaturation process) and adopts an inactive (denatured) configuration. One problem with this apparatus is that the species to be inactivated is essentially on a movable surface, and the incident laser beam is not effective because the laser is spread and / or focused and angled according to the beam characteristics and the size of the chamber; even in this case, no practical effect has been demonstrated against viruses and bacteria. The apparatus is complex to design, requires a beam absorber to handle the gas, and is expensive and not transportable.

[0026] US2013 / 248734 describes an air purification device. It uses an energy beam that creates one or more energy fields within a room to generate an outflow of sterilized air. To prevent contaminant residue from depositing on the surfaces of the duct through which the air to be sterilized passes, a load-generating system is implemented to remove particles from the room walls. This merely adds to the general principles described in US4115280A and therefore does not address the problems already pointed out.

[0027] JP 2000126549 relates to a system for decomposing waste gas from incinerators, etc., by irradiation with a CO2 laser beam. Since the waste gas contains a large number of CO2 molecules, these CO2 molecules are instantaneously heated by the CO2 laser beam. Dioxin molecules are adsorbed by incinerator ash, etc., and when the CO2 molecules are heated, they collide with dioxin molecules, and the heat energy possessed by the CO2 molecules is transferred to the dioxin molecules, thus effectively heating and decomposing the dioxin molecules. The application to viruses or bacteria is not described, and a beam absorber is used, thus leaving all the aforementioned problems unresolved.

[0028] There is a need for a laser sterilizer that has been proven effective against viruses and bacteria in gases, is economical, portable, and may not require a beam absorber, and optionally does not require a movable surface. Summary of the Invention

[0029] The object of this invention is to provide an apparatus that solves these problems and overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0030] This invention provides an apparatus for sterilizing a gas, the apparatus comprising: a sterilization chamber having an inlet and an outlet and a flow direction between the inlet and the outlet; a ventilation system configured and adapted to allow gas to flow from the inlet to the outlet; and one or more sources of at least one laser beam positioned such that the at least one laser beam passes through the sterilization chamber; wherein the at least one laser beam has a wavelength alternatively within ±15% of 1940 nm, 2950 nm, 9300 nm, and 10600 nm, and a predetermined irradiance; the sterilization chamber includes a mirror system configured and adapted to form a grid of laser segments within the sterilization chamber; the laser segments are incident relative to the flow direction; and the ventilation system is configured to... The apparatus is configured and adapted to allow gas to flow at a speed that depends on the number of laser segments, the wavelength of the at least one laser beam, and a predetermined irradiance. The apparatus is characterized in that the at least one laser beam is introduced into the sterilization chamber at a first inclination of 0.2° to 1° or 1° to 15° relative to a direction perpendicular to the flow direction; the at least one laser beam is introduced at a first end of the sterilization chamber along the flow direction, and is reflected by at least one corresponding mirror at a second end of the sterilization chamber, tilted opposite to the first end along the flow direction, at a second inclination of 0.2° to 1° or 1° to 15° relative to a direction perpendicular to the flow direction, wherein the second inclination differs from the first inclination. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The invention will now be described by way of example and with particular reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] - Figure 1 An embodiment of the device according to the invention, in a transportable variant with wheels and in a vertical position, is shown;

[0033] - Figure 2 exist Figure 2 (a) shows Figure 1 An internal view of the main part of the device, and Figure 2 A variant with an air deflector is shown in (b);

[0034] - Figure 3 The invention is shown Figure 2 The view in, where, Figure 3 (a) represents the first angular distribution of the laser beam, and Figure 3 (b) represents the second angular distribution of the laser beam;

[0035] - Figure 4 The invention is shown Figure 3A variation of the device, wherein the laser beam passes through the internal space of the device along its longitudinal dimension, wherein... Figure 4 (a) represents the first angular distribution of the laser beam, and Figure 4 (b) represents the second angular distribution of the laser beam;

[0036] - Figure 5 (a) and (b) show two possible directions of the airflow to be purified in the apparatus according to the invention;

[0037] - Figure 6 An embodiment of an air collection mesh according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0038] - Figure 7 exist Figure 7 (a) shows Figure 6 An example of assembling mesh components, and in Figure 7 (b) shows some airflow when the grid pieces are assembled;

[0039] - Figure 8 Another embodiment of the device according to the invention, suitable for installation in a manner aligned with a ventilation duct, is shown, wherein, in Figure 8 (a) shows the airflow (arrow) indication, and... Figure 8 (b) shows the indication of the module with the mirror;

[0040] - Figure 9 An embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 8 A top-view perspective view of the device, in which the upper wall has been removed, wherein... Figure 9 The first distribution of the laser beam is shown in (a), and Figure 9 The second distribution of the laser beam is shown in (b);

[0041] - Figure 10 The first virus destruction experiment using a 445nm blue laser is shown;

[0042] - Figure 11 The experiment demonstrates a second virus destruction test performed using a 445nm blue laser but with different irradiance.

[0043] - Figure 12 The experiment demonstrates a third virus destruction test performed using a 1940nm IR laser;

[0044] - Figure 13 A fourth experiment using three different wavelengths with higher irradiance is shown;

[0045] - Figure 14 It shows the use of a 1940nm IR laser, but used with Figure 12The fifth experiment was conducted with different levels of irradiance.

[0046] - Figure 15 It shows something similar to Figure 14 However, the sixth experiment was conducted using different irradiance levels;

[0047] - Figure 16 The seventh experiment was shown, conducted using a 10600 nm laser and three different irradiance levels.

[0048] - Figure 17 An example of the antiviral effect of the device of the present invention on GFP lentiviral vectors is shown: the images represent HEK293T cells infected with the vector 48 hours after infection, showing untreated variants (two images on the left, one stained with DAPI) and treated variants (two images on the right, one stained with DAPI). The GFP lentiviral vectors in solution were nebulized, collected, and cultured with cells. The aerosols were treated for 15 milliseconds with the device according to the invention (treated, gray bars) or not treated with the device according to the invention (untreated, Ctrl, black bars) before being added to the cells. In the left panel, the presence of bioactive viruses in the aerosols is indicated by a large number of positive GFP responses in the cells. The right panel shows the antiviral effect of the laser device according to the invention on GFP lentiviral vectors, where very few cells tested positive for infection. Separate channels on the lower panel highlight infected cells (green).

[0049] - Figure 18 An example illustrating the effect of the device according to the invention is shown: quantification of the area covered by normalized GFP+ cells on the DAPI region is shown;

[0050] - Figure 19 The antimicrobial effect of the device according to the invention on Legionella pneumophila in aerosols is shown; the image represents bacterial strips used to quantify Legionella pneumophila deposited on a plate for 4 days;

[0051] - Figure 20 A first embodiment of the device according to the invention using the Venturi effect is shown; and

[0052] - Figure 21 A second embodiment of the device according to the invention using the Venturi effect is shown.

[0053] It is worth noting that, in the following text, elements of different embodiments may be combined to provide other embodiments of the technical concept of the invention in a non-limiting manner, as those skilled in the art will readily understand from the description.

[0054] This description also refers to existing technologies for implementing this description in terms of detailed features not described—for example, minor elements commonly used in the same type of solution in the prior art.

[0055] When introducing elements, it is always understood that there can be "at least one" or "one or more" elements.

[0056] When a list of elements or features is given in this description, it will be understood that a creation according to the invention "comprises" or alternatively "is composed of" these elements. Detailed Implementation

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided comprising a sterilization chamber in which ambient air flows at a sufficiently low velocity by means of a ventilation system, the chamber being adequately filled with a laser beam. Preferably, the air velocity can be between 0.01 m / s and 10 m / s (depending on the wavelength of the laser, the number of laser segments, and the power or irradiance; preferably, the air velocity is below 3 m / s), such that a given volume of air is held under the action of the laser beam for at least 5 ms, preferably about 30 ms (typically, the air velocity will depend on the number of laser segments between the two mirrors, and the wavelength and predetermined irradiance of the laser beam, as defined below).

[0058] Although the present invention generally relates to air to be sterilized, the proposed device is also effective for sterilizing any other non-flammable gas.

[0059] Reference Figure 1 The device 100 includes a sterilization chamber 110 and a series of end portions 101. Wheels for transporting the device may be attached to one of the end portions, while the opposite end portion includes an opening for the discharge of sterilized air.

[0060] The portion 102 adjacent to the end portion 101 houses a ventilation and / or air supply system for ventilation and / or air supply by means of an electronically controlled fan. The lower portion 102 (closest to the wheel in this example) may also include a system having an ultrasonic proximity sensor and an RGB LED light indicator indicating the operating state of the invention. The proximity sensor allows for the detection of the presence or passage of a person. Based on this detection, the ventilation system adjusts the airflow and laser power from a low-power consumption state—that is, a low-power consumption state where the laser power and airflow are reduced when the proximity sensor does not detect a person or movement near the device—to a power state that maximizes the intake airflow and laser power when the sensor detects the presence or passage of a person near the device 100. The portion indicated by 104 illustrates, in a schematic manner, the laser optics, and the beam expander, which expands the beam (until it is equivalent to or equal to the dimensions—width—of mirrors 112 and 113), and reduces the beam angle to, for example, ≤0.7 mrad (typically less than 1 mrad, preferably between 0.3 mrad and 2 mrad), thereby producing parallelism that allows the beam to travel tens of meters while bouncing between the two mirrors and saturating the laser beam filter chamber. This saturation allows for a reduction in the power of the laser used, thus reducing the cost of the device.

[0061] Section 105 illustrates the laser beam generator and its power supply.

[0062] Other values ​​and specifications are possible regarding the concept of saturating a sterilization chamber with a laser beam.

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, the disinfection chamber 110 may have a length between 100 cm and 1000 cm (height shown in the figure). According to another aspect of the invention, the disinfection chamber may have a width between 20 cm and 1000 cm (vertical direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper). According to another aspect of the invention, the disinfection chamber may have a thickness of 2 cm to 8 cm (perpendicular to the paper, thickness not shown).

[0064] Similarly, refer to Figure 2 (a) A system in sterilization chamber 110 includes opposing mirrors 112, 113 located on two smaller internal walls. The mirror system, for example, reflects one or more laser beams carried by beam expander 104 to an inclined mirror 114 at the edge of one of the two smaller internal walls. The mirror system may be made of a material having a coating calibrated according to the wavelength of the laser used. Figure 2 (b) shows the relationship with Figure 2 The arrangement structure is the same as that in (a), but Figure 2The arrangement in (b) includes an inlet air deflector 116 (see the air inlet direction arrow), which is configured and adapted to direct airflow into a central volume within the sterilization chamber in the plane between the two mirrored sides, such that the air does not affect these two sides and does not deposit impurities on them, which would reduce the reflectivity of these sides. Clearly, this air deflection will be very effective at the beginning of the path, but less efficient at the end. According to the invention, other internal or external devices can be provided for deflecting the air to avoid the aforementioned impurities.

[0065] Device 116 is particularly effective in preventing material from depositing on the mirror and on the walls of the chamber. These devices 116 are all optional and are more efficient and cheaper than the amount of work required for patent application US2013 / 248734.

[0066] Also refer to Figure 3 In (a), a laser beam formed by a source and carried by an emitting mirror 111 is output at an acute angle relative to the smaller sidewall, so as to be reflected by the mirrored wall and travel along the length of the sterilization chamber 110. A final mirror 114 can be positioned on the same inner sidewall, which alters the angle of the laser beam 115 so that the laser returns in the opposite direction and can sample the sterilization chamber more closely, such as... Figure 3 As shown in (b).

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, after the laser's inlet tilt, the laser can also be alternatively reflected along a path perpendicular to the forward direction and again at an tilt (at an angle between 0.2° and 1° or between 1° and 15°, not necessarily the same as the inlet angle), thereby thickening the laser grid and thus increasing the air handling time (or reducing the laser power). This can be done on the forward path and / or on the return path.

[0068] The advantage of the described sampling is that it maximizes the intersection between the air to be purified and the laser beam.

[0069] Advantageously, mirrors can be positioned on opposite sides of the parallelepiped-shaped sterilization chamber. In this case, the laser is positioned such that the laser beam first strikes one of these mirrors at a non-zero angle at the first end of the smaller side, and then reflects multiple times from one smaller side to the other. According to an embodiment of the invention, a mirror at a certain angle is positioned at the second end of the smaller side to propel the laser beam along opposite paths but at different tilt angles, such that the entire laser path covers the entire volume.

[0070] According to one aspect of the invention, the laser source may have an average power ranging from 1W to 1000W CW depending on the volume of the sterilization chamber, or may have pulses with any modulation frequency range and duty cycle, but always with an average power ranging from 1W to 1000W. The wavelength will be specified in the following description. The temperature of the laser source may be kept constant by means of a Peltier or air cooling system from the same airflow to be sterilized, and / or by using a heat sink that may be made of aluminum or by using heat pipes. A driver may supply a constant current or voltage to the laser source, and a photodiode or thermopile system may control the power of the laser source, which is preferably constant. According to one aspect of the invention, a thermal sensor monitors and maintains the constant temperature of the laser source, thereby modulating the current of the cooling system.

[0071] The laser source can be formed by a single laser beam or by multiple beams covering all or part of the width of a smaller side of a parallelepiped-shaped disinfection chamber.

[0072] Regarding the tilt of one or more laser beams, the laser beams can be tilted at the laser source at an angle α between 0.2° and 1° or between 1° and 15° (applicable to all embodiments) relative to a direction perpendicular to the two smaller inner portions. Thus, one or more laser beams bounce multiple times from mirror to mirror until the laser beams reach the top corner of the sterilization chamber. These values ​​can also be applied to the return mirror 114 (optionally, depending on the beam power required to destroy a specific virus, multiple return mirrors may be available if multiple laser beams are present); however, the tilt β of the laser beams (i.e., the bounced beams) must be different from the tilt of the beam 115 relative to the laser source (a feature applicable to all embodiments). Thus, the returned "laser grid" can be formed by subsequent bounces between opposing mirrors, which further completes the "laser beam grid," which completely fills the sterilization chamber within the parallelepiped shape, thereby forming a laser beam filter for sterilizing the air flowing within the chamber.

[0073] Reference Figure 4 The first mirror 111', the opposing mirrors 112' and 113', and the return mirror 114' (optionally, depending on the beam power required to destroy a particular virus) that reflect one or more beams to the laser source can also be positioned to form a laser beam grid 115' relative to the other two smaller opposite sides without changing the functionality of the invention described below.

[0074] Figure 5 The airflow in device 100 was clarified more effectively. Figure 5 As can be seen, air can flow from one smaller side to another in two directions; that is, air can enter along 121 and exit along 122 or enter along 123 and exit along 124.

[0075] Optionally, simple filters (e.g., dustproof filters) are disposed at the two air inlet and outlet ends of the device according to the invention, but the color and material of these filters do not absorb the wavelength of the laser used, thus preventing large objects (e.g., any insects) from entering the disinfection chamber. Alternatively, small insects may be allowed to enter to be destroyed by the laser, as will be seen in the later description. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the inlet and outlet filters may have a safety function in case of device failure, thereby preventing one or more laser beams from leaving the disinfection chamber, or preventing foreign objects from entering through the outlet of the disinfected air.

[0076] According to one aspect of the invention, one or more safety sensors are placed in different locations (e.g., to prevent the disinfection chamber from opening during device operation), such as at the entrance and exit of the disinfection chamber. Two switches connected in series may also be provided, which, through an interlocking function, immediately interrupt the laser supply if the disinfection chamber is opened in some way (e.g., during inspection and / or periodic cleaning, when the plate forming the parallelepiped-shaped member housing the disinfection chamber is removed).

[0077] When the invention is in the form of a parallelepiped, the parallelepiped can be fixed to a wall vertically or horizontally, fixed to a top longitudinally or laterally, or suspended from the top horizontally or vertically by means of a metal cable or other means. The device may be equipped with wheels (see...). Figure 1 It can be positioned horizontally or vertically, and this allows the device to be positioned anywhere in the room.

[0078] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 In a specific embodiment of the invention, the device has an external panel (typically a "gas collector" mounted on a wall portion outside the disinfection chamber), which also at least partially forms the device housing 150 (e.g., removable). This external panel can also serve as a space for a variety of functions, including:

[0079] - Advertising services;

[0080] - General and urgent notices;

[0081] - Graphic or artistic drawing;

[0082] - A support for securing an LCD, OLED, or any other active computer or entertainment screen.

[0083] - Combine with loudspeakers or mono or stereo systems.

[0084] This panel 150 can be made of any metal or plastic material, for example.

[0085] The panel 150 may have a plurality of holes 151 of the same or different sizes for uniformly distributing air across the entire surface of the panel, and the panel 150 may be used as an air collector. In this case, the end 152 facilitates connection to an air inlet in the device 100.

[0086] The device according to the invention can be conveniently powered by a specific power supply device with an alternating voltage of 100V to 240V and an alternating current of 50Hz to 60Hz (AC), or conveniently powered with direct current of 12V to 48V (DC).

[0087] Now refer to Figure 8 In various embodiments, the disinfection device 200 has a shape and arrangement suitable for use in ventilation ducts in apartments and offices. The disinfection device is typically a rectangular tube 210, into which air enters and exits after being disinfected at the opposite end. Two opposing walls along the airflow direction include two sets of opposing internal mirrors 212, 213, between which a laser beam 215, generated by a laser source 240 and exiting from an outlet 230, bounces as described in the previous embodiments. A return mirror is also provided, as described in the previous embodiments (not shown in the figures).

[0088] Although a device with a parallelepiped-shaped sterilization chamber has been described in the foregoing embodiments, any other useful form that allows for the generation of a laser beam grid is possible. For example, according to the invention, a device in the form of a cylindrical member can be obtained, wherein a mirror is located on the inner sides of two circular bases, and the laser beam travels through the height of the cylindrical member at the same angle of inclination as in other embodiments; however, wherein the angle varies in two directions of the bases, or there are multiple laser sources emanating from one of the two bases or from both bases (in other embodiments, multiple laser sources emanating from one of the two bases or from both bases are also possible). Example of sterilization using the device according to the invention.

[0089] Example No. 1

[0090] This article illustrates the disinfection function based on an example mathematical model. Although the calculations have general values, a specific example of a disinfection chamber in the form of a parallelepiped will be referenced.

[0091] Therefore, a parallelepiped-shaped component with dimensions H, W, and T is considered. For example, these dimensions could be:

[0092] H = 1.5m

[0093] W = 0.6m

[0094] T = 0.04m.

[0095] The airflow moves at a velocity v along the length H of the parallelepiped-shaped member, thus passing through the section S of the parallelepiped-shaped member.

[0096] S = W·T

[0097] A specific airflow rate Q is considered for sterilization using laser radiation within a parallelepiped-shaped component. Therefore, the air velocity within the parallelepiped-shaped component must not exceed V. max ,

[0098] V≤V max =Q / S.

[0099] The exposure time t of the air to the laser radiation must be greater than T. min :

[0100] T≥T min =H / V.

[0101] From the example values ​​above, we obtain:

[0102] H = 1.5m

[0103] W = 0.6m

[0104] T = 0.04m

[0105] S = W·T = 0.6·0.04 = 0.024m 2

[0106] Q = 120m 3 / h=0.033m 3 / s

[0107] V≤V max =Q÷S=0.0333 / 0.024=1.39m / s

[0108] t≥t min =H / V=1.5 / 1.39=1.08s.

[0109] The results of this first example demonstrate how air can pass through this sterilization chamber at a speed of only 1.39 m / s and 120 m 3 The filtered gas flow rate of / h passes through the laser beam filter and is exposed to the laser beam filter radiation for 1.08s.

[0110] It should be noted here that, due to the specific positioning of the parallelepiped-shaped component, the laser manages to fill (sample) the entire sterilization chamber. In fact, only 4 cA laser beam with a thickness of m and a beam width of the same radius is sufficient to ensure disinfection.

[0111] For angles α and β, in this example, angles α and β can be chosen to be between 1° and 5° to particularly optimize the effect of the device. This interval also applies to the following examples that use more reflections or more beams. At the tilt angle, it is possible and particularly effective in all embodiments where, for example, the laser beam enters a small central opening in the wall of the device and the laser beam is reflected on both the right and left sides, and air exits from both sides, facilitating doubling the reflection of the laser beam—an embodiment different from that shown in the figures. Therefore, for angles α and β in each embodiment, an optimal range between 0.2 degrees and 5 degrees can also be chosen.

[0112] Regarding laser power, the following example can be used to illustrate:

[0113] Laser source power = 3W

[0114] Irradiance (E) = 30 KW / m 2

[0115] Exposure time (t) = 1.08s

[0116] Radiative exposure E*t = 32,400 J / m 2 .

[0117] Example No. 2

[0118] Therefore, parallelepiped-shaped parts with dimensions H, W, and T are still considered. For example, these dimensions can always be:

[0119] H = 1.5m

[0120] W = 0.6m

[0121] T = 0.04m.

[0122] The airflow flows at a velocity v along the length H of the parallelepiped-shaped member, thus passing through the cross section S of the parallelepiped-shaped member.

[0123] S = W·T

[0124] A specific airflow rate Q is considered for sterilization using laser radiation within a parallelepiped-shaped component. Therefore, the air velocity within the parallelepiped-shaped component must not exceed V. max ,

[0125] V≤V max =Q / S.

[0126] The exposure time t of the air to the laser radiation must be greater than T. min :

[0127] T≥T min =H / V.

[0128] From the example values ​​above, we obtain:

[0129] H = 1.5m

[0130] W = 0.6m

[0131] T = 0.04m

[0132] S = W·T = 0.6·0.04 = 0.024m 2

[0133] Q = 240m 3 / h=0.066m 3 / s

[0134] V≤V max =Q÷S=0.0666 / 0.024=2.77m / s

[0135] t≥t min =H / V=1.5 / 2.77=0.54s.

[0136] The results of this second example demonstrate how, compared to Example 1, air passes through this disinfection chamber at a speed of only 2.77 m / s and a considerable 240 m. 3 The filtered gas flow rate of / h passes through the laser beam filter and is exposed to the laser beam filter radiation for only 0.54s.

[0137] This can be achieved by doubling the number of laser beams passing through the filter chamber using a returning laser beam extending in a volume section parallel to the advancing beam, thereby doubling the thickness of the sterilization chamber (or halving the cross-section of the beam). Using the same concept, there can also be two or more parallel volumes.

[0138] In addition, other return mirrors can be positioned at the bottom and top relative to the airflow direction to bounce the laser beam multiple times at different angles, thereby forming a denser grid in the laser-irradiated section.

[0139] Considering the laser power, the laser power can remain constant, for example:

[0140] The laser source power is always 3W

[0141] Irradiance (E) = 30 KW / m 2

[0142] Exposure time (t) = 1.08s.

[0143] When the number of beams in the filter chamber is doubled, the radiation exposure will double, but compared to Example No. 1, even with doubled airflow, the radiation exposure will still remain at E*t = 32,400 J / m. 2 .

[0144] Example No. 3

[0145] Therefore, parallelepiped-shaped parts with dimensions H, W, and T are still considered. For example, these dimensions could be:

[0146] H = 1.5m

[0147] W = 0.6m

[0148] T = 0.04m.

[0149] The airflow moves at a velocity v along the length H of the parallelepiped-shaped member, thus traveling through the cross section S of the parallelepiped-shaped member.

[0150] S = W·T.

[0151] A specific airflow rate Q is considered for sterilization using laser radiation within a parallelepiped-shaped component. Therefore, the air velocity within the parallelepiped-shaped component must not exceed V. max ,

[0152] V≤V max =Q / S.

[0153] The exposure time t of the air to the laser radiation must be greater than T. min :

[0154] T≥T min =H / V.

[0155] From the example values ​​above, we obtain:

[0156] H = 1.5m

[0157] W = 0.6m

[0158] T = 0.04m

[0159] S = W·T = 0.6·0.04 = 0.024m 2

[0160] Q = 240m 3 / h=0.066m 3 / s

[0161] V≤V max =Q÷S=0.0666 / 0.024=2.77m / s

[0162] t≥t min=H / V=1.5 / 2.77=0.54s.

[0163] The results of this third example demonstrate how, compared to Example No. 1, air passes through this disinfection chamber at a speed of only 2.77 m / s and 240 m... 3 A double filtered airflow of / h passes through the laser beam filter and is exposed to laser beam filter radiation for only 0.54s.

[0164] This can be achieved by doubling the power of the laser source, as shown in the example:

[0165] Laser source power = 6W

[0166] Irradiance (E) = 60 KW / m 2

[0167] Exposure time (t) = 0.54s.

[0168] The radiation exposure will always be the same, but with the air flow rate doubled relative to Example No. 1, the radiation exposure will still remain E*t = 32,400 J / m. 2 .

[0169] Example No. 4

[0170] Therefore, parallelepiped-shaped parts with dimensions H, W, and T are still considered. For example, these dimensions could be:

[0171] H = 1.5m

[0172] W = 0.6m

[0173] T = 0.04m.

[0174] The airflow flows at a velocity v along the length H of the parallelepiped-shaped member, thus passing through the cross section S of the parallelepiped-shaped member.

[0175] S = W·T.

[0176] A specific airflow rate Q is considered for sterilization using laser radiation within a parallelepiped-shaped component. Therefore, the air velocity within the parallelepiped-shaped component must not exceed V. max ,

[0177] V≤V max =Q / S.

[0178] The exposure time t of the air to the laser radiation must be greater than T. min :

[0179] T≥T min =H / V.

[0180] From the example values ​​above, we obtain:

[0181] H = 1.5m

[0182] W = 0.6m

[0183] T = 0.04m

[0184] S = W·T = 0.6·0.04 = 0.024m 2

[0185] Q = 240m 3 / h=0.066m 3 / s

[0186] V≤V max =Q÷S=0.0666 / 0.024=2.77m / s

[0187] t≥t min =H / V=1.5 / 2.77=0.54s.

[0188] The results of this fourth example demonstrate how, compared to Example No. 1, air passes through this disinfection chamber at a speed of only 2.77 m / s and 240 m... 3 A double filtered airflow of / h passes through the laser beam filter and is exposed to laser beam filter radiation for only 0.54s.

[0189] This is achieved by using a wavelength with a much higher water absorption index compared to other wavelengths and by adjusting the laser source power, as described in the example:

[0190] Laser source power = 5.6W

[0191] Irradiance (E) = 56 KW / m 2

[0192] Exposure time (t) = 0.54s

[0193] Absorption index > 5 times at 1940nm wavelength.

[0194] Compared to Example No. 1, the radiative exposure will be slightly lower, but the absorption index is much higher than at the wavelength of 1940 nm, and the gas flow rate is doubled. Without amplification, the same result would be obtained, thus leaving room for further increases in gas flow rate. Specifically, the radiative exposure here is equal to E*t = 30,240 J / m². 2 However, the efficiency of radiation exposure at 10600nm is 5 times that at 1940nm.

[0195] Therefore, the same principle can be used to calculate the airflow velocity along shapes other than parallelepiped shapes, based on the number of laser segments, laser wavelength, and irradiance.

[0196] Available wavelength

[0197] The ICGEB (International Center for Genetic Biotechnology), located in Trieste, Italy, has independently evaluated the credibility and effectiveness of lasers in destroying viruses and bacteria, as well as insects carrying the infection. ICGEB is an autonomous intergovernmental organization operating within the United Nations system and managing 46 state-of-the-art laboratories worldwide.

[0198] The assessment revealed that the optimal wavelengths and irradiance for killing viruses are as follows: 1940 nm (semiconductor laser or thulium fiber laser), 2950 nm (erbium YAK laser), 9300 nm, and 10606 nm (CO2 laser), with a 15% variation around these values, which have been shown to be the peak absorption values ​​of the laser in water. While other values ​​outside these ranges are possible, the laser efficiency in these cases would be too low (less than 1%) to be effective and convenient for use.

[0199] The 9300nm wavelength is usable, but it has two drawbacks:

[0200] - Efficiency is lower than 10600nm (6% to 7%, while the efficiency of 10600nm is 10%);

[0201] - Water absorption rate is less than 10600nm.

[0202] These wavelengths lead to the destruction of viruses and bacteria through photomechanical and photothermal effects. Using photochemical effects would require excessively long irradiation times, which would prevent the achievement of the functional results of this laser beam filter, even at speeds exceeding 150 W / cm². 2 This is also true even under very high irradiance.

[0203] Confirmation test

[0204] Below are some confirmatory experiments regarding wavelengths between blue and infrared. Other similar experiments have been conducted at wavelengths above 12000 nm, with only one reported at 10600 nm. Although the virus used is HEK 293T and AAV lentiviral vectors, other viruses, such as coronaviruses, have similar structures and sizes, and therefore the device according to the invention will be effective because it acts to cause destruction through localized temperature increases (photothermal and photomechanical effects), rather than through some photochemical effect.

[0205] Experiment No. 1 - Experiment conducted using a 445nm blue laser

[0206] As from Figure 10 As can be seen, HEK 293T cell line was used; 50kJ per well; 24 wells (100μl, 200mm) 2 (Surface), containing two different viruses:

[0207] (a) Vector AAV-GFP;

[0208] (b) Lentiviral vector-GFP;

[0209] Even with an irradiance of 4W / cm 2 The energies ranged from 1.6 J to 18 J, with precise values ​​of 1.6 J, 4 J, 8 J, and 18 J at corresponding times of 200 ms, 500 ms, 1000 ms, and 2000 ms, respectively. No results were given for the blue laser at 445 nm.

[0210] Experiment No. 2 - Another 445nm blue laser experiment

[0211] The experiments used the same HEK 293T cell line but with different cell numbers and irradiance levels for durations ranging from 1 second to 4 seconds:

[0212] -HEK 293T; 6wp of 50k (5k cells / cm) 2 ), 1.2W / cm 2 Irradiance,

[0213] -HEK 293T; 96wp of 5k (15k cells / cm) 2 ), 8W / cm 2 Irradiance,

[0214] And it has a single viral AAV vector-GFP, 6 and 96 wells (10 μL of virus in PBS).

[0215] The blue laser is used with power of 8J, 24J, and 32J corresponding to 1, 3, and 4 pulses, respectively.

[0216] Reference Figure 11 As can be seen, for AAV viruses with (a) 6 wells and (b) 96 wells, despite the irradiance increasing to 8 W / cm², 2 And the energy was increased up to 32J, but no results were given for the blue laser at 445nm.

[0217] Experiment No. 3 - Experiment conducted using infrared laser

[0218] The wavelength used was 1940 nm, where the H2O absorption factor was 99.3%.

[0219] The laser power is 2.4W, and 0.35W / cm² is used. 2 and 3W / cm 2 Two irradiance values ​​were set and exposed for two seconds.

[0220] The viruses used include:

[0221] -HEK293T; 6wp of 50k (5k cells / cm³) 2 -5 drops of virus (1 μL each);

[0222] -HEK293T; 96wp of 5K (15k cells / cm²) 2 1 drop of virus (1 μL);

[0223] -AAV vector-GFP, in 6-well and 96-well (1 μL drop).

[0224] Reference Figure 12 Only results for AAV virus were reported, in which (a) the irradiance was 0.35 W / cm². 2 In the case of (a) a decrease in viral activity, and in (b) an irradiance of 3Wcm, a decrease in viral activity was achieved. 2 In this case, the virus was completely destroyed.

[0225] Experiment No. 4: Comparison of disinfection effects of three different wavelengths under high irradiance: 445nm; 970nm; 1980nm

[0226] The three wavelengths mentioned in previous experiments were tested, but with higher irradiance and exposure times of 1 second and 2 seconds (focused), or 1+1 seconds and 2+2 seconds (focused and unfocused: during the first exposure time of 1 second and 2 seconds, the laser is focused on the virus droplet (focused), and the subsequent second pulse of 1 second and 2 seconds irradiates the entire surface of the Eppendorf tube (unfocused) to prevent the virus from still adhering to the wall). The wavelengths and irradiances are as follows:

[0227] Wavelength 445nm - Irradiance 8KW / cm 2 ,

[0228] Wavelength 970nm - Irradiance 15KW / cm 2 ,

[0229] Wavelength 1940nm - Irradiance 2.5KW / cm 2 .

[0230] The virus used is:

[0231] -HEK 293T; 96 wells of 5K (15k cells / cm²) 2 ) - 1 drop of virus (1 μL) in Ependorf tube;

[0232] -AAV vector-GFP;

[0233] -Lentiviral vector-GFP (concentration: 1x and 10x formulations).

[0234] AAV and lentivirus were added to 1.5 mL Eppendorf tubes (1 μL drop).

[0235] like Figure 13 As shown in (a), three results are compared for three wavelengths used in AAV, while... Figure 13 In (b), the results for the three lentiviruses are compared. It is easy to conclude that, although the irradiance at a wavelength of 1940 nm is significantly lower than the other irradiances, only the 1940 nm wavelength achieves complete destruction of the virus.

[0236] Experiment No. 5 - Experiments conducted using infrared lasers with different irradiance levels

[0237] After discovering that the ideal wavelength was 1940 nm, the following experiment was used to calculate the minimum irradiance required to destroy the virus within 1 second.

[0238] Reference Figure 14 In this experiment, three different irradiances occurred during exposure times of 1 second and 2 seconds, with a laser source power of only 2.5W. The three different irradiances were as follows:

[0239] -(a)35.7W / cm 2 3mm spot diameter (0.07cm) 2 ),

[0240] -(b)9.8W / cm 2 6mm spot diameter (0.28cm) 2 ),

[0241] -(c)3.9W / cm 2 9mm spot diameter (0.63cm) 2 ).

[0242] The virus used was (small droplets were recovered around the Ependorf tube using cell culture medium):

[0243] -HEK 293T; 96 wells of 5K (15k cells / cm²) 2 ) - 1 drop of virus (1 μL) in the Ependorf tube;

[0244] -Lentiviral vector-GFP (10x formulation) in an Eppendorf tube (1 μL drop).

[0245] In all three cases, complete destruction of the virus was achieved. (11 o'clock)

[0246] Experiment No. 6 - Another experiment conducted using infrared lasers with different irradiance.

[0247] Reference Figure 15 The irradiance used at a wavelength of 1940 nm is 3.9 W / cm². 2 (Diameter is 9mm, 0.63cm) 2 ), 2.65W / cm 2 (Spot size: 11mm in diameter, 0.94cm) 2 ), 1.9W / cm 2 (Spot size: 13mm in diameter, 1.32cm) 2 ), 1.4W / cm 2 (Spot size: 15mm in diameter, 1.76cm) 2 (It was only exposed for one second.)

[0248] The virus used was (small droplets were recovered around the Ependorf tube using cell culture medium):

[0249] -HEK 293T; 96 wells of 5K (15k cells / cm²) 2 Add 1 drop of virus (1 μL) to an Ependorf tube and rotate downwards;

[0250] - Lentiviral vector-GFP (10x formulation) was added to an Ependorf tube (1 μL drop).

[0251] Experimental results show that a 1940nm laser was used to destroy the virus, and that the radiation intensity was only 1.9W / cm² within just one second of exposure. 2 The irradiance is safe.

[0252] Experiment No. 7 - Another experiment conducted using an infrared laser at 10600 nm.

[0253] Reference Figure 16 In this series of experiments, the lentiviral vector GFP was used, which was irradiated with laser light at 10600 nm and three different irradiances: 5.6 W / cm². 2 14W / cm 2 and 24W / cm 2 As can be seen from the figure, all three irradiation levels were effective in completely destroying viral load compared to the control standard of infected cells.

[0254] Experiment No. 8 - Experiment using lentiviral vectors in aerosols

[0255] Figure 17 An example of the antiviral effect of the device of the present invention on GFP lentiviral vectors is shown: the images represent HEK 293T cells infected with the vector 48 hours after infection, showing untreated variants (two images on the left, one stained with DAPI) and treated variants (two images on the right, one stained with DAPI).

[0256] The GFP lentiviral vector in solution was nebulized, collected, and cultured in cells. Before being added to the cells, the aerosol was treated for 15 milliseconds with the device according to the invention (which contains only one laser beam). In the left panel, the strong positive reaction of cells to GFP demonstrates the presence of biologically active virus in the aerosol. The antiviral effect of the laser on the GFP lentiviral vector according to the invention is shown in the right panel, where very few cells tested positive for infection.

[0257] Figure 18 This effect was quantified: the quantification of the area covered by normalized GFP+ cells on the DAPI region was shown. Figure 17 (The cell nuclei are clearer). Compared with the control standard (untreated -CTRL) – where the infection rate reached 40% of the cells – the antiviral effect of the device according to the invention was significantly demonstrated by the lower presence (less than 2%) of GFP-infected cells. Data are presented as mean ± SEM. Statistical significance was determined using a so-called “unpaired” Student’s t-test.

[0258] Test No. 9 - Test using Legionella bacteria in aerosols

[0259] Figure 19 The antibacterial effect of the device according to the invention on Legionella pneumophila in aerosols is shown. The image represents bacterial strips used to quantify Legionella pneumophila after deposition on a petri dish for 4 days.

[0260] The Legionella pneumophila sample in solution was nebulized, collected, and placed in a petri dish. The generated aerosol was treated with the prototype device of the present invention for 15 milliseconds (treated), and the generated aerosol was untreated (untreated -CTRL). It should be noted here that only one laser beam was used in the prototype, but more laser beams (and therefore longer exposure times) could be used to improve the sterilization effect. This consideration is valid for any type of sterilization—including sterilization for other tests reported in this description.

[0261] As shown in the leftmost image, the presence of active bacteria in the aerosol is demonstrated by the formation of actively growing colonies on the slide, particularly untreated colonies (CTRL). The antimicrobial effect of the laser on Legionella pneumophila using the device according to the invention is shown on a lower disc (with treated material), where only a few colonies are visible. The total number of active Legionella pneumophila cells after treatment with the device of the invention is also shown in the figure. The number of active Legionella pneumophila bacteria is significantly reduced by three orders of magnitude.

[0262] Test No. 10 - Test conducted using Sars-COV-2 in aerosols

[0263] Experiments were conducted to verify the antiviral effect of the device according to the invention against Sars-CoV-2 virus in aerosols.

[0264] Virus levels were quantified at 72 hours post-infection and with laser-treated virus according to the invention. Sars-CoV-2 virus in solution was atomized, collected, and deposited onto culture dishes containing Vero primate cells. The generated aerosol was treated with a prototype device according to the invention for 15 milliseconds and compared with an untreated control standard sample. The untreated sample showed a size of 5.5 x 10⁻⁶. 3 At a concentration of PFU / ml, the treated sample showed a reduction of 7 x 10⁻⁶. 2 With a PFU / ml level, the virus was reduced by 87% in just 15ms of treatment.

[0265] It should also be noted that only one laser beam was used in the prototype, which was already very effective, but more laser beams could be used (and thus longer exposure time) to improve the disinfection effect.

[0266] Another implementation method using the Venturi effect

[0267] Reference Figure 20 During their research and testing, the inventors discovered that combining the Venturi effect with the aforementioned laser disinfection produced unexpected results. These two methods work synergistically, ensuring a significant improvement in disinfection effectiveness, even at low laser power.

[0268] Basically, in device 300, the central body 310 is a chamber in which laser grid 315 is formed, as described above. Devices 360 and 370 are positioned at the inlet and / or outlet of the central body 310 to restrict the volume of the corresponding openings near the central body, thereby increasing the volume away from the central body. This results in a Venturi effect, i.e., an acceleration of the airflow (large arrow) inside the central body, while simultaneously increasing the pressure in pipes 360 and / or 370. It has been found that the increase in pressure affects viral survival, while the increase in pressure is less correlated with bacterial survival. At the outlet of the device according to the invention, a conduit 380 with a substantially constant portion can be positioned after the enlarged portion 370. Device 300 can be increased, i.e., multiple devices 300 can be connected in a row to increase the disinfection effect.

[0269] Variations of this implementation method are Figure 21 As shown, the device 400 has a narrowing portion 460 at the entrance of the chamber 410 of the laser grid 415. As in other embodiments, the laser grid can be formed by a vertical beam, i.e., the vertical beam travels along an extension of the chamber 410. An enlargement portion similar to 370 can be positioned at the outlet of the device to improve the disinfection effect. Figure 19 Compared to the previous implementation, in this case, the airflow passes through a right angle before reaching the laser, offering structural advantages in terms of compactness and cost.

[0270] The inventors theorize that, if the laser is used, the increased pressure can destroy known weaker viral materials, with a particular synergistic effect. Materials weakened by one laser can be completely destroyed by another laser, regardless of the order of application.

[0271] Advantages and applications

[0272] This invention includes a device employing a sustainable architecture, which, through innovative design and technology, allows for optimization in multi-functional applications, thereby providing advantages such as:

[0273] - Can be installed in spaces used for public transportation of people, food, or non-food items.

[0274] - It can cover high walls or long corridors, and has a small footprint and does not take up space in the room.

[0275] -No site preparation is required before or after installation;

[0276] - Relative and absolute weight reduction;

[0277] - Can be installed on public transport vehicles;

[0278] - Can be installed on food transport vehicles;

[0279] - Can be installed on medical emergency vehicles;

[0280] - Can be installed in medical clinics, public waiting rooms, cinemas, theaters, shops, department stores, supermarkets, work areas, conference rooms, medical, craft or various industrial laboratories;

[0281] - Can be installed on various small boats and ships;

[0282] - Rooms and living rooms, such as those in hotels, spas, changing rooms, sports areas, gyms, and all public spaces where food is handled, including bars and restaurants;

[0283] - Can be installed on passenger and private aircraft, public and private transportation vehicles, and cargo planes;

[0284] - It can be installed in all government offices, ministries, banks, insurance companies and similar places, especially in places where people are more concentrated;

[0285] - Can be installed in airports, railway or sea stations;

[0286] - Can be installed in refrigerated cabinets for storing food;

[0287] - It can be easily installed in elevators, which are likely to be points of transmission between people;

[0288] - Can be installed in private spaces and residential homes;

[0289] - Compared to traditional sterilizers, it reduces power consumption through an ultrasonic sensor system that adjusts power when it senses the presence of someone nearby;

[0290] - Easy to use and practical (“user-friendly”), with no major taboos;

[0291] - Long product lifespan and reduced maintenance.

[0292] Under existing technology, air cannot withstand large laser exposure energy and remain stable for ≥500ms, but this invention can achieve this.

[0293] In addition to the advantages listed above, installation space is restored and can be used for a variety of functions, including modern features, such as:

[0294] - Advertising services;

[0295] - General and urgent notices;

[0296] - Graphic or artistic drawing;

[0297] - To fix an LCD, OLED, or any other active-matrix computer or entertainment screen; and

[0298] - Combined with a speaker or mono or stereo system.

[0299] The device according to the invention can destroy any virus, bacteria, or insect, and in particular,

[0300] Among the following viruses:

[0301] Influenza A and B viruses

[0302] • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

[0303] Human parainfluenza virus

[0304] Rhinovirus

[0305] adenovirus

[0306] Coronavirus

[0307] Enteroviruses

[0308] Human metapneumovirus.

[0309] And in bacteria:

[0310] Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis

[0311] Chlamydia pneumoniae

[0312] Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

[0313] And insects carrying the following diseases:

[0314] Zika virus,

[0315] Sleeping sickness,

[0316] ·malaria,

[0317] Leishmaniasis

[0318] West Nile virus,

[0319] Yellow fever,

[0320] Japanese encephalitis

[0321] Tuscan viral encephalitis,

[0322] Dengue virus,

[0323] Chikungunya fever.

[0324] This invention not only destroys viruses in just one second, but can also be used with maximum safety and without contraindications—specifically, in the presence of humans—in any space by introducing aerosols and sterilizing them within just one second. Therefore, this invention is applicable to all spaces, whether fixed or movable, such as any mode of transport, buses, ships, airplanes, etc.

[0325] This invention produces no polluting materials that need to be disposed of and requires maintenance every 24 months. It can be transported using a wheeled support, suspended from the ceiling, tilted, or wall-mounted in any dynamic position. No special installation techniques are required; it simply connects to a common low-voltage power supply: 100VAC to 240VAC 50 / 60Hz. Depending on the size of the model to be installed, this invention consumes approximately 100W / h.

[0326] According to one aspect of the invention, the described and claimed device can measure the concentration of droplets present in the space where the device is installed, as well as the proximity or presence and aggregation of people in that space, by means of suitable sensors. This allows the device to be dynamically activated, thereby adjusting the intensity of its operation in a very dynamic manner, saving energy, and extending the lifespan of wearable components. Due to this "smart" use, the absorbed electrical power varies from tens of watts to a peak of 600W.

[0327] Preferred embodiments and possible variations of the present invention have been outlined above, but it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make modifications and changes without departing from the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device (100; 200) for disinfecting a gas, the device (100; 200) comprising: - a disinfection chamber (110, 110'; 210) having an inlet and an outlet and a flow direction between the inlet and the outlet; - a ventilation system configured and adapted to flow the gas from the inlet to the outlet; - one or more sources (240) of at least one laser beam (115, 115'; 215) positioned so that the at least one laser beam (115, 115'; 215) travels through the disinfection chamber (110, 110'; 210); wherein: - the at least one laser beam (115, 115'; 215) has a wavelength alternatively in the range of ± 15% of 1940 nm, 2950 nm, 9300 nm, 10600 nm, and a predetermined irradiance; - the disinfection chamber (110, 110'; 210) comprises a mirror system (112, 113; 212, 213) configured and adapted to form a grid of laser segments within the disinfection chamber; - the laser segments are incident with respect to the flow direction; and - the ventilation system is configured and adapted to flow the gas at a speed depending on the number of laser segments and depending on the wavelength of the at least one laser beam and the predetermined irradiance; the device being characterized in that: - the at least one laser beam (115, 115'; 215) is introduced into the disinfection chamber (110, 110'; 210) with a first inclination (a) from 0.2° to 1° or from 1° to 15° with respect to a direction perpendicular to the flow direction; - the at least one laser beam is introduced at a first end of the disinfection chamber (110, 110'; 210) along the flow direction and the at least one laser beam is reflected by a respective at least one mirror inclined at a second end of the disinfection chamber (110, 110'; 210) along the flow direction opposite the first end, with a second inclination (b) from 0.2° to 1° or from 1° to 15° with respect to a direction perpendicular to the flow direction, wherein the second inclination is different from the first inclination. The gas is air.

2. The apparatus (100; 200) of claim 1, wherein The one or more sources (240) have a total average power from 1 W CW to 1000 W CW.

3. The apparatus (100; 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The total average power is between 1 W CW and 30 W CW.

4. The apparatus (100; 200) of claim 3, wherein The ventilation system is configured to flow the gas between the inlet and the outlet at a speed between 0.5 m / s and 5 m / s or between 5 m / s and 10 m / s.

5. The apparatus (100; 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein ​ 6. The apparatus (100; 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein An additional funnel-shaped chamber (360, 370) is arranged before the inlet and / or after the outlet, which respectively reduces the volume proximal to the inlet and / or outlet, or distal to the inlet and / or outlet, to create a Venturi effect in the sterilization chamber (110, 110'; 210) and a pressure increase in the volume in the additional chamber.

7. The apparatus (100; 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The mirror system (112, 113; 212, 213) is configured so that, after the first inclination (a), the at least one laser beam (115, 115'; 215) is reflected alternatively with a path perpendicular to the flow direction and again with an inclination between 1° and 15° with respect to a direction perpendicular to the flow direction, and, after the second inclination (β), the at least one laser beam (115, 115'; 215) is reflected alternatively with a path perpendicular to the flow direction and again with an inclination between 1° and 15° with respect to a direction perpendicular to the flow direction.

8. The apparatus (100; 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The sterilization chamber (110, 110'; 210) has a substantially parallelepiped shape, in which the length is along the flow direction, the bases perpendicular to the flow direction comprise the inlet and the outlet, respectively, and the smaller side along the flow direction has a predetermined thickness, which depends on the thickness of the at least one laser beam (115, 115'; 215).

9. The apparatus (100; 200) of claim 8, wherein The predetermined thickness is a multiple of the thickness of the at least one laser beam (115, 115'; 215).

10. The apparatus (100; 200) of claim 8, wherein The mirror system (112, 113; 212, 213) comprises at least one portion of surface that reflects the at least one laser beam (115, 115'; 215), which at least one portion of surface faces the inside of the sterilization chamber (110, 110'; 210) and is positioned on the smaller side.

11. The apparatus (100; 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The sterilization chamber (110, 110'; 210) has a substantially cylindrical shape, in which the height is along the flow direction, the inlet and the outlet are along the lateral wall, and the base comprises the mirror system, the one or more sources of the at least one laser beam being positioned so that the at least one laser beam travels through the sterilization chamber in the direction of the height.

12. The apparatus (100; 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein After the one or more sources of the at least one laser beam, a respective at least one beam expander is arranged, which is configured to reduce the divergence of the at least one laser beam to a value between 0.3 mrad and 1 mrad, and to increase the surface of the at least one laser beam to a size comparable to the size of the mirrors of the mirror system.

13. The apparatus (100; 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein At the inlet, a gas deflection device (116) is provided, which is configured and adapted to convey the gas towards the central portion of the sterilization chamber (110, 110'; 210) as observed in a perspective view perpendicular to the flow direction.

14. The apparatus (100; 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein A collector (150) of the gas is assembled around at least one portion of the outer wall of the sterilization chamber (110, 110'; 210), the collector (150) being fluidly connected to the inlet.

15. The apparatus (100; 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first inclination (a) and / or the second inclination (b) is / are comprised between 0.2 and 5 degrees.

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