Multi-functional sterilization device and method

Abstract

The disclosed multifunctional germicidal device and method is a mobile floor air convection system equipped with a lifting actuator, which includes a disk mounted with an electromagnetic radiation swing head having a zoom and focusable UV beam projector that sweeps across a horizontal plane to inactivate airborne pathogens. An open-ended germicidal chamber behind an open center nozzle is equipped with a multi-wavelength UV lamp to inactivate passing pathogens and to irradiate a TiO2-coated charge plate to generate hydroxyl radicals. A fan propels contaminated air through the chamber, expelling a mixture of residual pathogens and air through the nozzle to produce a high-speed air mixture that moves away from the opening. The swinging and focused UV beam forms a tubular virtual cage that encircles the outgoing pathogens for continuous inactivation. Forced convection of pathogens dispersed to the floor is picked up by a floor fan and sent back to the chamber and UV beam for repeated inactivation.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] The applicant claims priority to provisional patent application 63 / 206,151 entitled “Multifunctional Sterilization Apparatus and Method” filed on January 29, 2021, and provisional patent application 63 / 258,335 of the same title filed on April 26, 2021, which is also in the possession of Simon Siu-Chi Yu. The full text of these two patent applications is incorporated in this non-provisional patent application. Background Technology

[0003] UV tube lamps for disinfecting pathogens are heavy, inefficient, have short lifespans, contain toxic mercury, require constant cleaning of the lamp reflectors, and need trained operators to install them on walls seven feet high or ceilings, making installation and maintenance very expensive. These sterilization fixtures use arrays of louvers to direct UV light upwards to avoid irradiating occupants. A drawback of tube lamps is that energy decay follows an inverse square law. At a distance of ten feet from the UV source, only one percent remains. They require multiple unit units to compensate for this deficiency. Natural air convection rates are very low and slow. Some models are equipped with circulating fans, but often certain areas of the room remain completely unaffected, giving occupants a false sense of security. There are currently no products available on the original equipment or accessory market to address this problem.

[0004] Devices that address output attenuation and active convection systems enable large-area disinfection without being limited by the inverse square law. However, there are currently no products available on the original equipment or accessory market to address this issue. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention discloses a two-step completely clean air solution to protect indoor occupants. The first step is to prevent pathogens from being brought in from the outside. The second step is to continuously and safely disinfect the house where occupants are located. The two steps share some of the same components but achieve different results.

[0006] Multifunctional sterilization devices and methods involve using a handheld, portable, high-speed, high-volume jet fan-feeding air jet cannon and a mobile floor station to disinfect airborne and surface viruses and bacteria. The handheld personal and item sterilization cannon is also converted via the air jet station into a hands-free, floor-standing unit for intercepting pathogens. The invention also discloses an active convection upper room sterilization system equipped with a solid-state semiconductor zoom and focusable UV projector. The invention fires multiple focused beams that sweep across a horizontal plane to effectively disinfect viruses over long distances. The air jet station also uses a parametric ultrasonic speaker array to eliminate pathogens over a wide area.

[0007] This handheld, cordless, battery-operated high-speed, high-volume air jet cannon ejects high-speed air at speeds of up to 600 cubic feet per minute and up to 110 miles per hour. This high-momentum air is capable of removing dust, pollen, bacteria, and viruses that cling to skin and clothing.

[0008] The high-speed, high-volume air jet cannon is equipped with a sterilization chamber on the outlet side of its high-speed airflow fan. Inside the chamber, a set of sterilization modules is configured to inactivate pathogens as they are expelled from the fan.

[0009] The indoor module includes an ozone generator for spraying ozone onto objects or people. The ozone, carried by the high-speed air impacting the objects or people, causes the translocation of pathogens, and the residue of pathogens impacted by the high-momentum ozone is rapidly oxidized and inactivated.

[0010] The indoor module also includes multi-wavelength UV LED (light-emitting diode) lamps. The UV lamps are configured to generate hydroxyl radicals using passing water molecules from the ambient air, while simultaneously irradiating the TiO2 semiconductor coating to generate a photocatalytic process.

[0011] The indoor module also includes a hydroxyl generator for spraying objects or people. Hydroxyl radicals carried by high-speed air collide with objects or people, thereby removing pathogens, and any remaining pathogens from the high-momentum hydroxyl radical impacts are rapidly oxidized and inactivated.

[0012] The indoor module also includes a bipolar ion generator for additional spraying of people or objects. Ions carried by high-speed air bombard people or objects and cause translocation of pathogens, and the residue of pathogens bombarded by high-momentum ions is rapidly oxidized and inactivated.

[0013] The indoor module also includes a photocatalytic converter. Pathogens rapidly inactivated on a TiO2-coated charge plate are irradiated with multi-wavelength UV lamps and transformed into harmless molecules, which are then ejected from the chamber.

[0014] The high-speed, high-volume air jet cannon also equips the user with a set of foldable blades mounted at the center of a swinging opening, which is motorized on a turntable via hinges. A set of zoomable and focusable UV LEDs or UV laser diodes are mounted on the blades. A set of red 650nm laser diodes are mounted at the tips of the blades to guide the user to visualize the target being irradiated for disinfection, as UV rays are invisible.

[0015] Other advantages of this invention include the ability to quickly convert an air jet cannon into a wheeled, column-mounted landing platform, configured to intercept pathogens via an air jet station. A lifting vertical motion linear actuator mounted on the landing platform provides the air jet cannon with upward and downward movement.

[0016] A hinge connects the vertical motion linear actuator to the base plate that holds the motorized turntable. An arc-shaped motion actuator is connected to the base plate. The arc-shaped motion linear actuator moves up and down to move the plate in an arc-shaped motion.

[0017] In the multi-motion docking assembly, a turntable is clamped between a base plate and a docking plate, which securely holds the gun in place and prevents it from falling. A synchronous AC horizontal sweeping motion motor is anchored to the base plate, while the docking plate is mounted on the motor lever linkage drive to move the gun in a sweeping motion. When the gun jams with another object, the synchronous AC motor automatically reverses.

[0018] Another advantage is the automated implementation of a contactless active infrared sensor that eliminates cross-contamination. Another advantage of this implementation is the interception of pathogens from a higher altitude via an air jet station, achieving surface disinfection.

[0019] Another advantage of embodiments of the invention is the interception of transformed pathogens by a wheeled air jet station ideally positioned behind the front entrance door. Once activated, the air jet cannon sprays air at the occupant and blows the resulting contaminated air from inside the house to the outside.

[0020] Another advantage of embodiments of the invention is that it is configured as a variant of a multi-functional sterilization station, which, through fully automatic operation of selective disinfection modes, is operable by an occupant present in the room to be optimally suited for a particular and predetermined application.

[0021] The multi-functional sterilization station is ideally suited for sterilization operations in upper rooms, including a wheeled floor mount with a lifting actuator to provide upward and downward movement to adjust the external disc head conical nozzle sterilization assembly, thereby cleaning the occupant's head to ensure safety.

[0022] In one embodiment, the multi-motion docking assembly includes a motorized turntable with its top side connected to a docking plate and its bottom side connected to a base plate. Additionally, the upper room sterilization station includes a drive fan configured to push a large volume of air through an opening in an oscillating external disc with a conical nozzle sterilization assembly.

[0023] The embodiment includes an external sterilization tray mount having a zoomable and focusable LED UV projector or UV laser diode array for pathogen inactivation and a set of red laser diodes mounted on the edge of the tray to visually guide the user to the intended target area.

[0024] The internal sterilization chamber comprises multiple modules selected for specific applications, including an ozone generator, a hydroxyl radical generator, a multi-wavelength UV light source, a TiO2 photocatalytic processor, a bipolar ion generator, and a parametric ultrasonic speaker array.

[0025] Another advantage of this invention includes long-distance active air convection, which is configured to repeatedly circulate air from its floor-standing unit to a distance from the sterilization station. Purified air, horizontally sprayed from the ceiling of the upper room, rapidly diffuses to the floor level below and is picked up and returned for repeated sterilization.

[0026] Another advantage of this invention is the disclosure of a tubular virtual UV beam sterilization cage. A virtual cage is created when a zoomed and focused UV LED or laser diode projects a UV beam around an external conical nozzle sterilization assembly. The beam, effectively surrounding pathogens exiting from the center of the opening in a co-extrusion pattern, is continuously struck by the UV beam, achieving rapid inactivation.

[0027] In another embodiment, a parametric ultrasonic loudspeaker array is mounted on an external sterilization plate to cavitate and bombard pathogens from air and solid surfaces with acoustic energy.

[0028] Another advantage of this embodiment is the parametric ultrasonic loudspeaker array mounted inside the air delivery bend. The loudspeakers face the oncoming airflow. The ultrasound propagates in the opposite direction, causing residual pathogens that have leaked through the internal sterilization chamber during rotation to press against the inner wall of the flexible air duct for a length that will also weaken the intensity of the residual pathogens.

[0029] Another advantage of this embodiment is the active noise cancellation circuitry that reduces fan noise in the room. Yet another advantage is that the system can be wirelessly operated from a remote location. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a plan perspective view of a battery-operated cordless portable high-speed mass air jet cannon according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing some of its internal components.

[0031] Figure 1A This is a plan perspective view of a battery-operated cordless portable high-speed mass air jet cannon according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an externally foldable blade sterilization assembly with a UV projector mounted on a swaying surface; the blade is in a folded, non-use position.

[0032] Figure 1B This is a plan perspective view of a battery-operated cordless portable high-speed mass air jet cannon according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an externally foldable blade sterilization assembly mounted on a swing surface, with the blades in a fully extended position for use.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a plan perspective view of a high-speed, high-volume air jet cannon that is converted into an automatic germ-intercepting air jet station that sprays ozone or hydroxyl groups according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an oscillating UV projector mounted on blades in a folded, non-use position.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a plan perspective view of a high-speed, high-volume air jet cannon that is converted into an automatic pathogen-intercepting air jet station to achieve upper room sterilization according to an embodiment of the present invention. It shows an oscillating UV projector and a parametric ultrasonic loudspeaker mounted on a fully deployed blade for inactivation of pathogens by UV beams, parametric ultrasonic loudspeakers, and air jets.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a multifunctional battery-operated cordless portable high-speed mass air jet cannon according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a group of people using air jets for sterilization.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a multi-functional sterilization station for performing sterilization of an upper room according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is placed in a classroom so as to operate continuously in the presence of an occupant.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a multi-functional sterilization station placed inside the structure for continuous operation in the upper room while an occupant is present. It shows that the UV beam is always above the level of a person's head, forcing air to travel a long distance before being picked up by a fan at the floor level below for repeated pathogen inactivation. According to an embodiment of the invention, there is an active noise cancellation control circuit for reducing the noise of the high-capacity fan.

[0038] Figure 6A This is a front perspective view of a virtual cage formed by a UV beam from a oscillating disc head according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a pathogen surrounded by a UV beam.

[0039] Figure 6B This is a front perspective view of a virtual cage formed by a UV beam from a oscillating disc head according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing departing pathogens surrounded by the UV beam in a co-extrusion pattern.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a plan perspective view of a multifunctional sterilization station according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the exposed internal modules and vaporized liquid injection port inside the internal sterilization chamber.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a front perspective view of a multifunctional sterilization station according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an external disc head conical nozzle sterilization assembly equipped with a zoomable and focusable UV LED, a parametric ultrasonic loudspeaker array and a UV laser diode, and a set of red 650nm laser diodes for guiding the user to the desired target area.

[0042] Figure 8AThis is a diagram illustrating the pattern of the projected beams. The larger beam is shown to be a focused UV LED, and the smaller beam is a UV laser. According to an embodiment of the invention, the darker beam is a red laser used to indicate the location of the beam.

[0043] Figure 8B This is a rear plan perspective view of an external disc head conical nozzle sterilization assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the rear side of the disc head mounted on a turntable at the center of the opening, with an AC synchronous motor driving the turntable to make the disc swing.

[0044] Figure 8C According to an embodiment of the present invention, a silencer is provided with an egg-shaped foam liner attached to the front of the exhaust cone nozzle to reduce wind noise.

[0045] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a multifunctional sterilization station according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing its relationship with... Figure 6 As an alternative to different layouts, this multi-functional sterilization station achieves horizontal sweeping motion by inserting flexible air ducts.

[0046] Figure 10 This is a front view of a multifunctional battery-operated cordless portable high-speed mass air jet cannon according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing deployed blades equipped with zoomable and focusable UV LEDs and UV laser diodes, a parametric ultrasonic speaker array, and a motor that drives the central turntable of the opening to generate oscillation.

[0047] Figure 11 This is a top view of a multi-functional, handheld, high-speed, high-volume air jet cannon used to disinfect people with treated air. According to an embodiment of the invention, the removed pathogens and ozone are captured at the rear via a tent.

[0048] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating how indoor photocatalysis works according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a pattern of UV beams emitted from an externally mounted disc used in a sterilization station according to an embodiment of the present invention, indicating that the UV projectors are alternately spaced to minimize pixelation.

[0050] Figure 13A This is a diagram illustrating a pattern of UV beams emitted from a disc used in a sterilization station according to an embodiment of the present invention, indicating that space is filled with UV beams when the disc is oscillating.

[0051] Figure 13B This is a diagram illustrating a pattern of UV beams irradiated from a disc used in a sterilization station according to an embodiment of the present invention, indicating that when the disc oscillates and the head begins to sweep horizontally, the pattern becomes an elongated, invisible image covered with UV beams.

[0052] Figure 14 This diagram illustrates how zoomable and focusable LED lights operate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 14A This is a perspective view showing a zoomable and focusable LED lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 15 This is a top view of a multifunctional sterilization station that implements an alternative method of horizontal sweeping motion according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a short flexible air duct connected between an air delivery bend and an external disc head cone nozzle sterilization assembly (EDHCNGA), wherein the other end of the bend is connected to a longer flexible air duct below.

[0055] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the use of a loop of audio-modulated ultrasonic directional beams generated by an array of parametric ultrasonic loudspeakers according to an embodiment of the present invention to eliminate pathogens in the air.

[0056] Figure 16A This illustrates a pathogen trapping device in the ultrasonic action zone according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the pathogen is pushed to the right during the compression phase.

[0057] Figure 16B This illustrates a pathogen trapping device in the ultrasonic action zone according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the pathogen is pulled to the left during the sparse phase.

[0058] Figure 17 This illustrates the operation of a multifunctional battery-operated cordless, portable, high-speed, high-volume air jet cannon that converts into a pathogen-intercepting air jet station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a multifunctional sterilization station with active air convection according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Throughout this specification, similar reference numerals may be used to identify similar elements depicted in various embodiments. Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not limited to the specific form or arrangement of the described and illustrated parts. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and specific language will be used to describe these exemplary embodiments herein. However, it will be understood that this is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Changes and further modifications to the inventive features illustrated herein, as well as additional applications of the inventive principles illustrated herein, that would occur to those skilled in the art upon assuming possession of this invention, are considered to be within the scope of the invention. In the description, the external disc head conical nozzle sterilization assembly (EDHCNGA) 246 includes a ceiling-level internal sterilization chamber 230 and an external disc head sterilization assembly 308.

[0062] Figure 1 This is a multi-functional cordless portable high-speed mass air jet cannon 10, equipped with a fan and motor 23, which moves a large volume of air into a sterilization chamber 30 inside the blower duct. This sterilization chamber houses a set of modules including an ozone-generating ceramic plate 34, a set of titanium dioxide (TiO2) coatings 35 on the surfaces of electrostatic charge switching plates 36 and 37, a multi-wavelength UV LED array 38 that irradiates the TiO2 35 surface to induce hydroxyl groups when water vapor-carrying air passes through, and bipolar ion generators 40 and 41. An externally mounted high-voltage 3500V, operated by a 16kHz inverter 25 mounted on the cannon body 18, supplies power to the ozone plate 34 via a high-voltage cable 26. A handle 19, an air speed control switch 20, a module selection switch 22, and a battery 24 are conveniently arranged around the body 18. The chamber 30 is also part of an externally foldable blade sterilization assembly mounted on the blower duct surface, which is attached to a quick-release adapter 33 for easy maintenance of the chamber 30.

[0063] In operation, when switch 20 is triggered, fan 23 propels air through the module. If ozone module 34 is selected, active oxygen (O3) 60 carried by the air at a speed of 110 mph through nozzle 42 can reach thirty feet for disinfection. If multi-wavelength UV lamp module 38 is selected, hydroxyl radicals (OH) 70 carried by the air at a speed of 110 mph through nozzle 42 inactivate most pathogens before reaching their thirty-foot travel distance due to the very short lifespan of approximately 2 seconds in the air. To generate more hydroxyl 70 by injecting a vaporized liquid (such as water or vaporized hydrogen peroxide) through inlet 74, electrostatic charge plate modules 36 and 37 are selected in combination with UV lamp module 38 and TiO2 coating 35 to achieve photocatalysis for rapid inactivation of pathogens 54. If bipolar ion modules 40 and 41 are selected, the presence of negative ions attracts positively charged airborne particles, and positive ions attract negatively charged airborne particles, causing them to become too heavy to remain in the air and quickly participate in ground contact. This specification is based on an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 1AIs with Figure 1 The same multi-functional cordless portable high-speed, high-volume air jet cannon 10. The mounted, swinging, externally foldable blade sterilization assembly 83 includes an open-center turntable 50 with an inner ring 64 mounted on the outer surface of the sterilization chamber 30. A rotating outer ring 57 is connected via a hinge 51 to foldable blades 46. Zoomable and focusable UV LEDs 61 and UV laser diodes 47 are mounted on the front of the blades 46, and a red 650nm laser diode is mounted at the tip of the blades 46 to guide the operator's visualization of the target. Figure 1A In the middle, blade 46 is folded, indicating that UV projectors 61 and 47 are not deployed. Figure 1B The diagram shows the external foldable blade sterilization assembly 83 fully deployed to unfold its UV projector 47 or 61. Because the external foldable blade sterilization assembly 83 has only three blades 46, it is capable of generating three rows of UV beams 55 from the zoomable and focusable LED 61. The invention uses beam scanning to fully fill, as shown in the diagram. Figure 13 , Figure 13A and Figure 13B The target to be illuminated is shown. This is achieved by driving the turntable 50 with the oscillating motor 52, causing the blade 46 to move along... Figure 10 The direction indicated by arrow 53 is swung to achieve... Figure 13B The illumination pattern shown is used to achieve this. This specification is based on an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 2It is a multi-functional cordless portable high-speed large-volume air jet cannon 10, which is securely fixed to a wheeled landing frame 173 via a multi-motion docking assembly 104, thereby converting the cannon 10 into a hands-free, fully automatic personal disinfection and germ-intercepting air jet station 100. The station 100, including an electronic system controller 195, houses a battery pack 197, a height-adjustable Y-motion power supply 194, a horizontal sweeping X-motion power supply 193, an arc-shaped B-motion power supply 192, a UV oscillating external foldable blade sterilization component power supply 191, a UV LED power supply 190, an ozone generator power supply 189, a hydroxyl generator power supply 188, a bipolar ion generator power supply 187, a fan power supply 186, and a controller WiFi power supply 110. An active or passive infrared sensor 185 measures distance via an IR beam 172. If an occupant 80 is present, the system 100 uses a pre-programmed operating mode for twenty to forty seconds, such as selecting ozone module 34, to spray ozone 60 onto the occupant 80, which is carried by high-speed air expelled from nozzle 42 of cannon 10. Particles and pathogens 54 will be removed from the occupant's clothing and skin; pathogens 54 attached to the occupant 80 will be inactivated. The spraying of ozone 60 takes approximately twenty seconds, producing approximately 10.46 × 10^20 ozone molecules that actively seek out pathogens 54 to be inactivated. The pathogen-intercepting air jet station 100, including a multi-motion docking assembly 104, includes an upper mounting docking plate 101 attached to the top side of turntable 120 and a lower mounting base plate 145 attached to the bottom side of turntable 120. An AC synchronous horizontal sweeping motion motor 102 integrated into the turntable 120 drives the upper docking plate 101, thereby causing the gun 10 to sweep across the horizontal plane indicated by arrow 103. A hinge 143 is attached to the underside of the lower mounting base 145 and bolted to a lifting actuator assembly, which includes a lifting motor 180, a support tube 170, and a linear actuator push rod 171. Activating the Y-motion power supply 194 will cause the gun 10 to rise or fall to the appropriate height as indicated by arrow 184 to maximize the disinfection of the occupant 80. The bow-shaped motion linear actuator 150 includes a motor 160, a push rod 158, a bottom bracket 146 attached to the push rod 171, and a top bracket 144 attached to the lower mounting base 145. Activating the B-motion power supply 192, as indicated by arrow 182, drives the actuator rod 158, causing the cannon 10 to tilt in an arc-shaped motion as indicated by arrow 161, spraying the occupant 80 from head to feet with ozone 60 or hydroxyl 70. The power socket 108, in conjunction with the power plug 43, supplies power to the cannon 10, bypassing its battery 24. When the UV projectors 47, 61 are operational, the camera 181 detects the presence of the occupant and plays a pre-recorded warning notification via speaker 112 to clear the area. This specification is based on an embodiment of the invention.

[0066] Figure 3 and Figure 2Similarly, the externally foldable blade sterilization assembly 83, which swings, unfolds. If an occupant 80 is present, activated UV irradiation 55 should not be used. For illustrative purposes, only zoomable and focusable UV LEDs 61 are selected. When focusing is very important for long-distance irradiation, UV laser diodes 47 project a very narrow beam. For small rooms, the focusing lens is removed; allowing the built-in collimated coherent beam of laser diode 47 to produce a wide range of irradiation is ideal for small, non-occupied room applications. If sterilization station 100 is intended for use as an upper room sterilization application, the height is set above the occupant's head level, and only the focusing beam setting on LED 61 or laser diode 47, or a combination of both, is used to avoid stripe irradiation shifting below the occupant's head. Parametric ultrasonic loudspeakers 32 are shown mounted on blades 46. If loudspeaker 32 is selected, ultrasonic loudspeaker 32 ejects modulated ultrasonic energy to eliminate airborne pathogens 54. This specification is based on an embodiment of the invention.

[0067] Figure 4 An application example of the sterilization cannon 10 is shown, in which a user 56 sprays hydroxyl 70 or ozone 60 to disinfect a group of occupants. Ozone 60 or hydroxyl 70, carried by high-speed air departing from the cannon 10 at speeds up to 110 MPH at 600 CFM, is sprayed onto the occupants. The accelerated ozone 60 or hydroxyl 70 removes particles from the occupants' skin and clothing and inactivates pathogens 54. The high-impact hydroxyl 70, accelerated due to a cascade effect, generates hydrogen peroxide 76 or ozone 60 deeply embedded in the weave threads between the fabric materials, thereby efficiently inactivating pathogens 54 attached to the occupants. The ozone 60 can remain in the clothing for approximately fifteen minutes, providing sufficient time to inactivate stubborn pathogens 54.

[0068] Figure 5 This is a multi-functional sterilization station 200 placed in the upper room of a small classroom 277. Its focused LED UV beam 257 sweeps across the horizontal plane to the other side of the wall. Pathogens 54 will be inactivated along the path of the focused beam. This specification is based on an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 6 and Figure 5 Similarly, it is shown that the occupant 280 is safely standing below the irradiated focused beam 257. The station 200, executing user-selected modules, may include ozone 234, a hydroxyl radical generator combination module 294, a cascade effect generating hydrogen peroxide 76, including switching electrostatic charge plates 236, 237 coated with titanium dioxide 235 and having a multi-wavelength UV light source 238, or bipolar ion emitters 233, 239. This specification is based on embodiments of the present invention.

[0070] The use of ozone module 234 should only be in unoccupied rooms, as excessive exposure to ozone molecules 60 may damage the respiratory system of the occupant.

[0071] An alternative to the present invention 200 is to switch to using Figure 7 The harmless hydroxyl radical generator assembly module 294 shown activates the sterilization chamber 230. This module includes a multi-wavelength UV light source irradiator 238 that irradiates a photosensitive TiO2 semiconductor coating 235 on the surfaces of switching electrostatic charge plates 237, 236 to achieve photocatalytic conversion, generating a cascade effect of hydroxyl radicals 70, which in turn produces hydrogen peroxide 76 sprayed through sterilization nozzles 242. Once away, the hydroxyl radicals 70 ride on an airflow of approximately 35 MPH from fan 223, continuing their journey at a speed of 51 feet per second. If the room is less than 51 feet wide, the hydroxyl radicals 70 are forced downwards due to air convection. In larger rooms, the hydroxyl radicals 70 eventually disperse and move horizontally towards the lower floor. The dispersed hydroxyl radicals 70 inactivate pathogens 54 in their path and are then picked up from the lower floor fan 227 and particulate filter 260 via a flexible air duct 240 connected in series with bend 247 and returned to fan 223 for repeated pathogen inactivation, as indicated by arrow 210. Injecting a vaporized liquid (such as water or vaporized hydrogen peroxide) via inlet 274 or outlet 275 will increase the output of hydroxyl radicals 70. Figure 7 Additionally, a parametric ultrasonic speaker array 306 embedded within the air delivery bend 247 is indicated. When the speaker 306 is activated, ultrasonic waves traveling against the wind 210 from the speaker array 306 are refracted to all sides of the inner surface of the pipe 240, causing the pathogen 54 to rotate and oscillate, thereby weakening and destroying the pathogen 54. Because the sterilization chamber 230 is positioned as... Figure 7 and Figure 15 Arrow 203 indicates the sweeping motion movement, so the air delivery bend 247 connected to the flexible air duct 240 must sweep in the opposite direction synchronously with the bend 247. The invention discloses a stall-proof opening center turntable 290 with a large-diameter opening center 296, its inner ring 293 connected to the bend 247 and its outer ring 297 connected to the flexible air duct 240 to prevent stalling of the sweeping motion 203. Another alternative to providing the nozzle 242 in the sweeping motion is to install a oscillating motor between a vertical motion linear actuator 270 and a fixed wheel frame 273 to cause the entire station 200 to oscillate. Figure 9 and Figure 15 Another alternative method is shown, which involves inserting and connecting a short flexible air duct 307, similar in length to the long flexible air duct 240, between the external disc head conical nozzle sterilization assembly (EDHCNGA) 246 and the air delivery bend 247. This method prevents sweeping by locking the lower mounting base 245 to the air delivery bend 247, instead allowing the external disc head conical nozzle sterilization assembly (EDHCNGA) 246 to sweep across. Figure 9 and Figure 15The horizontal plane indicated by the middle arrow 203. This specification is based on an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] For dusty rooms, users can choose bipolar ion modules 233 and 239 to pre-filter the room. Negative ions 58 attract positively charged particles, while positive ions 59 attract negatively charged particles, making them too heavy to remain in the air and quickly leaving the particles on the floor for collection and dust disposal.

[0073] The method of using ozone module 234 and bipolar ion modules 233, 239 to inactivate pathogen 54 is the same as the procedure described above in the operation of hydroxyl module 294.

[0074] Back Figure 6 Station 200 includes a motorized or wheeled floor frame 273, a lifting actuator 270 with a push rod 271 having its supporting hinge 243, and a bow-shaped motion actuator 285. Station 200 also includes a multi-motion docking assembly 204, the lower side of a lower mounting plate 245 connected to an upper bracket of the hinge 243 and push rod 258, and a horizontal sweeping motion motor integrated into a turntable 220, sandwiched between the top side of the lower mounting plate 245 and the swing motion upper mounting docking plate 241. The upper plate 241 is securely bolted to a fan motor housing 223, which is connected to a bend 247 and... Figure 7 The sterilization chamber 230 and the head 308 are shown. Activating actuator 270 will move motor housing 223 in the up-down direction as indicated by arrow 284, and activating actuator 285 along direction arrow 282 will cause motor housing 223 to perform the bow-shaped motion indicated by arrow 261. The inner ring 263 of the turntable 265 at the opening center 266 is bolted to the outer surface of chamber 230, and the outer ring 267 is attached to head 308. An AC synchronous motor 252 attached to the outer surface of chamber 230 is driven by drive arm 268... Figure 8B , Figure 15 Arrow 253 indicates the swing motion that drives the pan head 308. This specification is based on an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] As previously mentioned, the flexible air duct 240 also needs to sweep in the opposite direction to the sweeping direction of the disc head 308. The inner ring 293 of the turntable 290 at the opening center 296 connects to the bend 247, and the outer ring 297 connects to the flexible air duct 240. When the bend 247... Figure 7 When the device swings along direction 249 as shown, only the turntable 290 rotates to avoid stalling the multi-motion component 204. This specification is based on an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Noise control is important when a high-capacity fan 223 is set to its highest power output in an occupied room. A microphone 291 listens for the white noise generated by the fan and then feeds it to a general-purpose fan noise suppression circuit; an active noise control AD73522 DSP converter, available from Analog Devices, is implemented as is, and is currently being developed. Figure 6 The diagram shows an anti-noise speaker 292 used for phase cancellation of fan noise. This specification is based on an embodiment of the invention.

[0077] Station 200 also includes Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 8B The external pathogen inactivation tray 308 shown is equipped with a multi-wavelength UV LED 248 or UV laser diode 250 for pathogen inactivation and an arrangement pattern of red 650nm or other color laser diodes to visually guide the user to a position irradiated by the invisible UV beam 257. The UV LED 248 can be zoomed and focused into a very strong narrow beam, such that pathogens irradiated by the beam 257 will be rapidly inactivated, such as... Figure 14 , Figure 14A For example, the laser diode 250 has been collimated, and the coherence is high for small room disinfection. A simple fused glass lens is placed in front of the laser diode to focus the beam for long-distance disinfection applications. Figure 8A The beam sizes of the zoom and focus LED 257, the focus laser diode 255, and the red laser 244 are compared for visual guidance purposes. This specification is based on an embodiment of the invention.

[0078] Figure 8 An array of parametric ultrasonic loudspeakers 300 mounted on a head 308 is shown, which in some cases provides a larger alternative to UV lamps 250, 248. This specification is based on embodiments of the invention.

[0079] The nozzle 308 has a central opening 242, and there are always some points in the sterilization chamber nozzle 242 that are not completely covered by the UV beam 257. Figure 8B The invention shown is equipped with an AC synchronous motor 252 and connected to an arm 268, which drives the placement of a disc head 308, such as a UV projector 248. Figure 13 The swinging motion is indicated by arrow 253 in the example diagram. Figure 13A It is a swinging motion pattern of bundle 257. Figure 13B Mid-plate head 308 swing and multiple motion docking components 204 such Figure 15 Arrow 203 indicates a sweeping motion that generates a completely covered UV beam 257, with the width of the disc head 308 being a rectangular beam 257. This specification is based on an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 6A The text describes a beam 257 projected from a head 308, configured to form a virtual UV beam cage 298. Pathogens 54 exiting the internal sterilization chamber 230 and traveling with the UV beam 257 are surrounded by the beam 257. Figure 6B The co-extrusion pattern is shown. When the disc 308 sweeps in the direction indicated by arrow 203, the surrounding bundle 257 will inactivate the pathogen 54. The pathogen 54 in the upper room area will also be rapidly inactivated. This specification is based on an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Turning Figure 11 The disinfection cannon 10 is used indoors (e.g., in an airport) to disinfect occupants 80, and the removed particles and pathogens 54 are collected in a rear compartment behind the sprayed occupant 80 for processing. This specification is based on an embodiment of the invention.

[0082] Figure 12 This describes the basic principle of how hydroxyl 70 is generated in an indoor environment using a UV lamp and a TiO2 semiconductor. This specification is based on embodiments of the present invention.

[0083] Figure 16 This is a diagram of a parametric ultrasonic loudspeaker 300 mounted on a oscillating head 308, configured with a highly directional focused beam propagating toward the door 303. The ultrasonic carrier F1 is 26 kHz, and the modulation of the audio frequency F2 is 500 Hz at the mixer circuit 301. Each loudspeaker 300 has a 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) diameter diaphragm to optimally match the frequency of the air impedance. The wavefronts of the individual loudspeakers 300 will naturally combine in the air to form a large plane wave 304 that propagates directly to the door 303 without being subject to the inverse square law and with minimal dispersion. The high-energy 26 kHz plane wave 304 destroys pathogens 54 in the air and pathogens leaving the ring wave 304. When wave 304 encounters a solid object (e.g., door 303), audio frequency 302 is released in the air through a heterodyne process, becoming a self-demodulated audio frequency. The self-demodulated audio frequency 302 generates a 500 Hz mechanical vibration that removes pathogens 54 from adhering to the door 303. The fallen pathogens 54 are then drawn in by fan 227 through forced air convection. The 500Hz tone is only audible when someone is facing the door 303, but this is annoying to unintentional listeners. If white noise audio F2 is the problem, it can be replaced. This specification is based on an embodiment of the invention.

[0084] Figure 16A This illustrates how ultrasound destroys pathogens. When source 300 expands, it pushes aside surrounding air molecules, causing them to clump together and increasing air pressure. This is called compression. Pathogen 54 is pushed to the right, as indicated by arrow 305. Figure 16BThis illustrates that when source 300 contracts, surrounding air molecules disperse to fill the increased space, resulting in a decrease in air pressure. This is known as rarefaction. Pathogen 54 moves back to the left, as indicated by arrow 305. Individual air molecules and pathogen 54 do not travel from source 300 to gate 303, but their oscillation or vibration around a fixed point 26,000 times per second can cause ultrasonic cavitation and disrupt pathogen 54 to perform its function. This specification is based on an embodiment of the invention.

[0085] Figure 17 The flowchart illustrates a handheld cordless high-speed, high-volume air jet cannon 10 for disinfecting people or objects, including those inside buildings and public transportation (such as airplanes and buses), by spraying high-speed air mixed with ozone 60 or hydroxyl 70. Figure 2 The floor rack 173 shown can be easily converted into a hands-free germ-intercepting air jet station 100. This specification is based on an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 18 Another flowchart illustrates an occupant-safe upper room sterilization station 200, characterized by active convection using air-sweeping nozzles 242 synchronized with opposing sweep-back flexible air ducts 240 to recirculate air from source to distal end (i.e., from floor level to ceiling level). Optional multi-modules include ozone 234, hydroxyl components 294, bipolar ions 233 and 239 for pathogen disinfection 54, a virtual UV beam cage 298 generated by a projected high-focus UV beam 257, and an array of parametric ultrasonic speakers 300 surrounding untreated pathogens 54 left from the internal sterilization chamber 230 and pathogens 54 in the upper room area. This specification is based on embodiments of the invention.

[0087] The sterilization station 200 is connected to its wireless modem for communication from a remote location. This feature allows the ozone 234 module to be activated and monitored via its camera 281 to shut down in case of an occupant. This specification is based on an embodiment of the invention.

[0088] Typically, a logarithmic reduction in surface disinfection requires a UV dose ranging from 2000 to 8000 microwatts per second per square centimeter at a distance of one meter from the UV source to kill 90% of most bacteria and viruses. The weak UV intensity provided by conventional tube lamps (such as commercially available mercury arc lamp sterilization devices) decreases according to the inverse square law. The present invention maintains its intensity much less affected by distance; the zoomable and focusable UV LED 248 and the directional focusing parametric ultrasonic speaker 300 are advantageous. When the Minamata Convention is soon implemented, the use of conventional low-pressure mercury UV lamps will be banned. This specification is based on embodiments of the invention.

[0089] In upper chamber sterilization, ideally, at a distance of 10 feet from the fixture, all upper chamber measurements should be approximately 30 μW / cm². 2 Up to 50 μW / cm 2 This invention utilizes a zoomable and focusable multi-wavelength UV LED projector 248 to provide a 3log99.9% reduction, adjusting the beam diameter to half an inch (12.7 mm) at approximately 10 milliwatts 275 nm at 20 feet (6 meters) to have sufficient energy to rapidly inactivate pathogens 54 upon irradiation. This specification is based on embodiments of the invention.

[0090] Although the operations of one or more methods herein are shown and described in a specific order, the order of operations of the various methods may be changed so that certain operations can be performed in reverse order, or that certain operations can be performed at least partially concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of different operations may be implemented in an intermittent and / or alternating manner.

Claims

1. A multifunctional sterilization station, comprising: A noise cancellation circuit, paired with a microphone and an audio speaker, is configured to reduce blower noise; A vertical linear actuator, supported by a wheeled column floor frame and an electronic system controller; A bow-shaped linear actuator, supported by multiple motion docking components; The first end of the air delivery bend is connected to a ceiling-level internal sterilization chamber, which is also connected to an external pan sterilization assembly. A swing motion opening center turntable, which surrounds the conical nozzle of the outer disc head conical portion of the sterilization assembly; An anti-stall opening center turntable connects the second end of the air delivery bend to a length of flexible air duct sandwiched between the opening center turntable and the floor-level internal sterilization chamber. as well as A high-capacity blower directs air from a floor-level intake filter through the external disc-shaped nozzle sterilization assembly, through at least one internal sterilization chamber, and through the anti-stall-resistant central turntable. The sterilization assembly comprises a ceiling-level internal sterilization chamber and an external disc-shaped sterilization assembly supported by the multi-motion docking assembly. The bow-shaped linear actuator guides a large amount of air away in the three-dimensional direction of the active forced air convection. The multi-motion docking assembly includes a motorized turntable, the top side of which is connected to a docking plate and the bottom side of which is connected to a base plate.

2. The multifunctional sterilization station according to claim 1, wherein, The multi-motion docking assembly is driven by a horizontal sweeping motion motor, which includes a fixed lower mounting base attached to the top of a hinge and a swinging upper mounting docking plate. The swinging upper mounting docking plate securely holds the ceiling horizontal air delivery bend and the external disc head conical nozzle sterilization assembly. A flexible air duct of a certain length is inserted between the external disc head conical nozzle sterilization assembly and the air delivery bend. By securely connecting the lower mounting base to the air delivery bend, the external disc head conical nozzle sterilization assembly and the air delivery bend are not allowed to sweep. Instead, the external disc head conical nozzle sterilization assembly is bolted to the swinging upper mounting docking plate of the horizontal sweeping motion motor. The horizontal sweeping motion motor is activated to rotate the external disc head conical nozzle sterilization assembly, thereby discharging air that swings in a horizontal sweeping motion.

3. The multifunctional sterilization station according to claim 1, wherein, The bottom of the hinge is attached to an extendable and retractable support rod of the vertical motion linear actuator, and the fixed portion of the housing of the vertical motion linear actuator is bolted to the wheeled column floor frame. The vertical motion linear actuator is activated to raise or lower the air delivery bend and the external disc head conical nozzle sterilization assembly for height adjustment.

4. The multifunctional sterilization station according to claim 1, wherein, The bottom of the hinge, which is connected to the fixed portion of the housing of the bow-shaped linear actuator, includes an extendable and retractable support rod of the bow-shaped linear actuator. The support rod is pivotally mounted to the lower mounting base of the multi-motion docking assembly away from the central axis of the hinge. The relative pivoting distance defines a processing area that actuates the bow-shaped linear actuator and causes the multi-motion docking assembly to rotate between clockwise and counterclockwise directions when viewed from the side.

5. The multifunctional sterilization station according to claim 1, wherein, The ceiling-level internal sterilization chamber includes a high-capacity fan, an ozone generator module, a hydroxyl generator module, an evaporation liquid inlet, a bipolar ion generator module, a multi-wavelength ultraviolet light source module, and a switching electrostatic charge plate coated with a titanium dioxide semiconductor material module that enables photocatalytic oxidation (PCO). The placement of the ceiling-level internal sterilization chamber, which is repositioned to the floor level, becomes a floor-level internal sterilization chamber.

6. The multifunctional sterilization station according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a surface-mounted external sterilization head assembly comprising a set of multi-wavelength zoomable and focusable UV LEDs (ultraviolet light-emitting diodes) and laser UV diodes having wavelengths from 200 nm to 400 nm and distributed throughout the head by means of collimators and optical lenses to adjust the focal intensity and light dispersion of the UV LEDs and laser UV diodes for rapid pathogen disinfection. A motor-driven oscillating rotating stage attached to the external head's conical nozzle sterilization assembly reduces pixelation gaps in the UV beam caused by the low-diffusion focusing group. A 650 nm red laser diode is mounted on the edge of the head to guide the user to the intended target location.

7. The multifunctional sterilization station according to claim 1, wherein, The external sterilization head assembly includes a parametric ultrasonic loudspeaker array configured to be modulated using an audio signal source to cause bodily damage to pathogens and small insects that are in the direct path of the directional self-demodulating ultrasound and audio beam.

8. The multifunctional sterilization station according to claim 2, wherein, The air delivery bend includes an anti-stall open central turntable to prevent the horizontal sweeping motion motor from stalling. A first side of the turntable is attached to the downward direction on the bend, and a second side of the turntable is attached to a wire-reinforced flexible air duct clamped to the outlet of the floor-level internal sterilization chamber. A parametric ultrasonic speaker array is installed inside the air delivery bend, configured to modulate an audio signal of upward-reverse incoming air facing a high-capacity blower. The resulting downward-traveling ultrasonic waves collide with residual pathogens refracted against the sidewalls and also weaken the intensity of the pathogens.

9. The multifunctional sterilization station according to claim 1, wherein, A surface-mounted oscillating motion opening center turntable is connected between the outer disc head and the conical nozzle, including a motor for the drive arm and a gear mechanism connected to the disc head, thereby causing the disc head to rotate in an oscillating motion to reduce the pixelation gap caused by the focused UV beam.

10. The multifunctional sterilization station according to claim 1, wherein, The ceiling-level external pan-head conical nozzle sterilization assembly is the air supply source, and the floor-level air intake filter via a high-capacity blower is the air return source. The pressurized air supply source is discharged through the conical nozzle, thus traveling further away from the sterilization station and dispersing throughout the entire ceiling-level area for repeated sterilization via a horizontal sweeping motion motor that drives the external pan-head conical nozzle sterilization assembly across the horizontal plane to actively sterilize large rooms in a shorter time.

11. A multifunctional germ-intercepting air jet station, comprising: An active noise cancellation circuit, paired with a microphone and an audio speaker, is configured to reduce blower noise. Multi-motion docking assembly, supported by an electronic system controller; A vertical linear actuator, supported by the electronic system controller and the multi-motion docking assembly; A bow-shaped linear actuator is configured to support a high-speed, high-volume air jet cannon; A swing motion opening center turntable surrounds the air jet cannon blower pipe and is attached to an external foldable blade sterilization assembly; as well as The blower pipe has an internal sterilization chamber connected to the high-speed, high-volume air jet cannon. The high-speed, high-volume air jet cannon pushes the intake air through the blower pipe's internal sterilization chamber and discharges it towards the center turntable of the swing-movement opening, passing through the external foldable blade sterilization assembly. The high-speed, high-volume air jet cannon is located on the multi-motion docking assembly, which is driven by a horizontal sweeping motion motor and activated by the bow-shaped linear actuator motor, thereby guiding high-speed air in three dimensions.

12. The multifunctional pathogen-intercepting air jet station according to claim 11, wherein, The multi-motion docking assembly is driven by a motor and has a fixed lower mounting plate attached to the top of the hinge and an upper mounting docking plate that securely holds the high-speed mass air jet cannon in a detachable manner.

13. The multifunctional pathogen-intercepting air jet station according to claim 11, wherein, The bottom of the hinge of the extendable and retractable support rod attached to the vertical motion linear actuator in the fixed part is attached to the column base, and wherein the motor that activates the vertical motion linear actuator causes the high-speed mass air jet cannon to rise and fall.

14. The multifunctional pathogen-intercepting air jet station according to claim 11, wherein, It also includes the bottom of a hinge, the bottom of which is connected to a fixed portion of the housing of the bow-shaped linear actuator, and an extendable and retractable support rod of the bow-shaped linear actuator is pivotally mounted away from the central axis of the hinge to the lower mounting base of the multi-motion docking assembly, wherein the relative pivoting distance defines the area to be processed, and when viewed from the side, the bow-shaped linear actuator motor causes the multi-motion docking assembly to rotate between clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

15. The multifunctional pathogen-intercepting air jet station according to claim 11, wherein, The sterilization chamber inside the blower tube includes an ozone generator module, a hydroxyl generator module, an evaporation liquid inlet, a bipolar ion generator module, a multi-wavelength ultraviolet light source module, and a switching electrostatic charge plate coated with titanium dioxide semiconductor material to achieve photocatalytic oxidation (PCO).

16. The multifunctional pathogen-intercepting air jet station according to claim 11, wherein, It also includes an external foldable blade sterilization assembly mounted on the surface of the blower duct. This assembly comprises a set of multi-wavelength zoomable and focusable UV LEDs or laser UV diodes with wavelengths from 200 nm to 400 nm, distributed throughout the foldable blade. The UV LEDs are zoomable and focusable by adjusting the focal intensity and light dispersion using collimators and optical lenses for rapid pathogen disinfection. A motor-driven oscillating rotating turntable at the center of the opening reduces pixelation gaps in the UV beam caused by the low-diffusion focusing group. A 650 nm red laser diode is mounted at the tip of the blade to guide the user to their intended target location.

17. The multifunctional pathogen-intercepting air jet station according to claim 11, wherein, It also includes an external foldable blade sterilization component comprising a parametric ultrasonic loudspeaker array modulated by an audio signal source to cause bodily damage to pathogens and small insects in the direct path of additional directional self-demodulating ultrasound and audio beams.

18. The multifunctional pathogen-intercepting air jet station according to claim 11, wherein, The high-speed, high-volume air jet cannon is detachable from the multi-motion docking assembly and can be carried by hand along with its own portable battery, internal sterilization chamber, and external foldable blade sterilization assembly. The high-speed, high-volume air jet cannon is configured to spray objects, people, or crowds to remove particles and pathogens attached to them for motorized pathogen disinfection.

19. A method for operating a multifunctional sterilization station, comprising: Select an internal sterilization chamber and an external disc head conical nozzle sterilization assembly for pathogen disinfection, and based on manual observation or sensor detection that no occupant is present in the room, lower the external disc head conical nozzle sterilization assembly from the ceiling level of the room, and raise the external disc head conical nozzle sterilization assembly to a predetermined level above the occupant's head, and select the internal sterilization chamber only for safe upper room use; as well as Based on the occupancy of the room, a hydroxyl radical generator, a bipolar ion generator, a multi-wavelength ultraviolet light source, a switching electrostatic charge plate coated with a titanium dioxide semiconductor material module that enables photocatalytic oxidation (PCO), and a parametric ultrasonic loudspeaker are selected. The internal sterilization chamber and the external pan-head conical nozzle sterilization assembly can be selected for rapid disinfection.

20. The method for operating the multifunctional sterilization station according to claim 19, wherein, Also includes: The internal sterilization chamber and external foldable blade sterilization assembly are selected to keep pathogens outside the house via an air jet station, which is ideally placed at the door entrance facing outwards so as to spray the occupant from head to toe before allowing the occupant to enter the house. The air jet station accelerates ozone and hydroxyl molecules with high momentum, and the air jet station is configured to remove pathogens and particles attached to the occupants. as well as The high-speed, high-volume air jet cannon is separated from the air jet station into a portable, handheld, long-range disinfection sprayer, which, via the internal disinfection chamber and the external foldable blade disinfection assembly, rapidly disinfects the interiors of public transportation vehicles and buildings without the use of liquid disinfectants.

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