A mobile purification device with heated filters to kill biological species, including COVID-19

Abstract

The device is used to treat air in an environment using a power supply. The housing is movable in the environment and has an air inlet and an air outlet. At least one main mover disposed between the air inlet and the air outlet is operable to move air of the environment through the housing from the air inlet to the air outlet. At least one ultraviolet light source disposed in the housing is electrically connected to the power supply and configured to generate ultraviolet light in at least one portion of the housing through which the moving air passes from the air inlet to the air outlet. At least one ventilation barrier disposed in the housing is configured to impede the flow of the moving air to an impedance limit. At least one permeable barrier is electrically connected to the power supply and configured to be heated to a surface temperature.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] <Reference to Related Applications> This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63 / 018,442 and 63 / 018,448, filed April 30, 2020, which are incorporated herein by reference. This application has attorney docket number 1766-0002US1 and is co-pending with U.S. patent application Ser. No. __ / __, entitled "Purification Device Having Heated Filter for Killing Biological Species, Including COVID-19," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] A variety of infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, can cause disease in humans. The pandemic of the deadly human SARS-CoV-2 strain (COVID-19) has affected humans at all levels of life worldwide. COVID-19 infection spreads persistently through circulatory air currents, which are the primary transmission mechanism. There are few effective strategies to protect the public from COVID-19, and currently, strategies are widely considered but are costly and inefficient. To immediately combat aerosolized COVID-19, passive approaches are required to condition and purify circulating air in all environments. This is because current filter and air purification technologies are not successful in killing the COVID-19 virus, which is small in size (0.05 to 0.2 microns).

[0003] Air filtration is commonly used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to remove dust, pollen, mold, particulates, etc. from the air moving through a facility. Filters used for filtration come in several forms and can be configured to filter particles of a given size with a given efficiency.

[0004] For example, high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are commonly used in clean rooms, operating rooms, pharmacies, homes, etc. These filters may be made of various types of media, such as fiberglass media, ePTFE media, and may have activated carbon-based materials. Generally, HEPA filters can filter out over 99% of particles having a diameter of a given size (e.g., 0.3 microns or size). Even with their efficiency, HEPA filters may not be able to stop pathogens (virons, bacteria, etc.) that are very small in size.

[0005] Ultraviolet (UV) germicidal lamps can kill pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and mold. UV germicidal lamps produce ultraviolet light, which damages the genetic material of microorganisms. That damage kills the pathogens or prevents them from multiplying. Prolonged exposure to UV light can also break down pathogens on irradiated surfaces.

[0006] One example of an ultraviolet light system is an upper room air ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) system. In a UVGI system, ultraviolet light lamps are installed near the ceiling of the room in which they are used. Air circulating by convection near the ceiling at the top of the space is then irradiated within the active area of ​​the UV light. UVGI systems can also be installed in HVAC system ducts to irradiate airborne particles, including microorganisms, as the air flows through the ducts.

[0007] While existing systems for filtration and germicidal irradiation are effective at treating air to remove particulates and damage pathogens, there is a continuing need to purify the air in densely populated areas such as institutions, homes, workplaces, hospitals, nursing homes, sports venues, etc. to better reduce the spread of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and mold.

[0008] In particular, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel virus of global health importance, caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 is believed to spread through respiratory droplets from person to person in close contact. Studies have shown that the virus can survive for hours at a time and can be persistently carried by air currents. For this reason, in situations where people spend extended periods together in a room, a constant 6-foot separation is thought to be ineffective, as it is transmitted simply by air currents.

[0009] For example, COVID-19 (Sars-CoV-2) can survive in droplets after coughing in the air for up to 3 hours, and air convection is thought to be the main mechanism of infection spread. Therefore, droplets and convection may facilitate direct airborne infection, and social distancing may not be effective in enclosed environments where people spend long periods together.

[0010] There is currently no cure for COVID-19, so environmental cleanup strategies can help slow the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, current systems that treat circulating air are expensive and primarily use UV germicidal lights. These products require professional installation, are not accessible to the general public, and have not been used to kill COVID-19. Additionally, filtration in HVAC systems can be ineffective. COVID-19 is between 0.05 and 0.2 microns in size, while HEPA filters can only filter particles larger than 0.3 microns, requiring additional protection against the spread of COVID-19.

[0011] For these reasons, the subject matter of this disclosure is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The subject matter of the present disclosure is directed to a mobile purifier that filters air to attempt to destroy pathogens (such as viruses, bacteria, mold, and pollen) and other elements, such as volatile organic compounds, allergens, and pollutants. The purifier is intended to be affordable, easy to install, accessible, and usable in both residential and commercial settings. The purifier can be applied to real-world solutions to most effectively reduce viruses, such as COVID-19, and other pathogens in circulating air, and the purifier can be deployed as a specialized heated filter for use in commercial, residential, mass transit, and public spaces.

[0013] For example, as described below, the purification device includes a barrier heater or heated filter that utilizes targeted heat transfer on a highly efficient nickel foam / mesh and is heated to a temperature proven to kill pathogens such as coronaviruses (e.g., COVID-19). The purification device may further include an ultraviolet (UV) light source that destroys viruses using UV-C light. The ultraviolet light source and barrier heater are combined together in a fire-retardant and flame-resistant filtration system that may be mobile and placed as desired in facilities or populated environments such as airport terminals, houses of worship, hospitals, workshops, office spaces, homes, transportation vehicles, schools, hotels, cruise ships, recreational venues, etc. As there is currently no cure for COVID-19 and many other pathogens, environmental purification strategies can help slow the spread of viruses, and the air purification provided by the disclosed device may provide a first line of defense against infection.

[0014] According to one embodiment, an apparatus for use with a power supply to treat airflow in a facility includes a housing, at least one prime mover, at least one ultraviolet light source, and at least one heater.

[0015] The housing is movable in the environment. The housing may also be a robot having powered wheels for moving in the environment. The housing has an inlet and an outlet. At least one primary mover is disposed in the housing between the inlet and the outlet and is operable to move air in the environment from the inlet to the outlet within the housing. At least one ultraviolet light source disposed in the housing is electrically connected to a power supply and configured to generate an ultraviolet action field in at least one portion of the housing through which the moving air passes from the inlet to the outlet. At least one heater is disposed over a surface area of ​​the housing and includes a ventilation barrier of a metallic material. The ventilation barrier is configured to impede the moving air flow up to an impedance limit, and the ventilation barrier is electrically connected to a power supply to heat the ventilation barrier to a surface temperature.

[0016] In another configuration, a method is used for treating air in an environment. An air flow is moved from an air inlet to an air outlet through a plenum of a mobile housing by powering a main mover disposed within the plenum. The air flow is filtered up to a filtration limit through a filter disposed over a surface area of ​​the plenum. An ultraviolet radiation working field within the plenum is generated within the housing by powering an ultraviolet light source disposed within the plenum. Meanwhile, the air flow is impeded up to an impedance limit through a heater air barrier disposed over a surface area of ​​the plenum and having a metallic material. The air barrier is heated to a surface temperature by applying an electric potential to the air barrier.

[0017] The above summary is not intended to summarize each potential embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an environment having an air handling system with a mobile purification device according to the present disclosure.

[0019] [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A shows a front view of a mobile purification device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B shows a side view of a mobile purification device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C shows a top view of a mobile purification device according to the present disclosure.

[0020] [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A shows a front view of a purification cartridge for use with the purification device of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B shows a side view of a purification cartridge for use with the purification device of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C shows an end view of a purification cartridge for use with the purification device of the present disclosure.

[0021] [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a side view showing an outline of a portion of the purification device together with the configuration of the components of the purification device. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a side view showing an outline of a portion of the purification device together with the configuration of the components of the purification device.

[0022] [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a side view showing an outline of the configuration of components of another purification device.

[0023] [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a graph of the performance of a barrier heater in a disclosed purification device. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a graph of the performance of a barrier heater in the disclosed purification device. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a graph of the performance of a barrier heater in the disclosed purification device.

[0024] [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A shows another heating configuration having multiple electrical elements disposed in the plenum of the frame and connected to a power control.

[0025] [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows another arrangement of the cartridge of the disclosed purification device. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C shows another arrangement of the cartridge of the disclosed purification device. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6D shows another arrangement of the cartridge of the disclosed purification device.

[0026] [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A illustrates how the mobile purification device moves through an institutional environment.

[0027] [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B shows a configuration having multiple electric fans positioned for the main mover of the disclosed purifier.

[0028] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration having multiple purifiers controlled by a master control unit.

[0029] [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A shows a side view of a ventilation barrier for the disclosed heater in a flat configuration. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B shows a side view of a breathable barrier for the disclosed heater in a corrugated configuration.

[0030] [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a graph for a barrier heater having a planar configuration. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a graph for a barrier heater having a planar configuration.

[0031] [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a graph for a barrier heater having a corrugated configuration. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a graph for a barrier heater having a corrugated configuration.

[0032] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a graph of exposure time versus temperature. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] The subject matter of the present disclosure is directed to a purification device for filtering and instantly eliminating pathogens, such as the COVID-19 virus, from circulating air by exposing them to high temperatures (above 200° C.) (above 392° F.) In doing so, the subject matter of the present disclosure may provide the public with the security and peace of mind to return to work, school, life, recreation, and medical care in a post-COVID-19 world while reducing the transmission of viruses and other biological species that may cause future pandemics.

[0034] The first mechanism of action of the purifier is a specialized heated filter or barrier heater that utilizes low energy, targeted heat transfer of a high performance, highly resistant porous metal foam encased in a flame retardant frame. The disclosed heated filter or barrier heater may be combined with a highly efficient HVAC filter. Additionally, ultraviolet light (UV-C) may be added to the system environment to add a killing effect. Studies have shown that heat and short wavelength light successfully inactivate COVID-19 over the course of exposure.

[0035] As described below, mobile / robotic COVID-19 purification devices may be deployed for use in public places, medical facilities, nursing homes, schools, airplanes, trains, cruise ships, fairgrounds, theaters, churches, grocery and retail stores, prisons, etc. Using the same technology, the purification devices of the present disclosure may be integrated into the air handling systems of facilities, vehicles, or other environments. Further details are described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. __ / __, entitled "Purification Device Having Heated Filter for Killing Biological Species, Including COVID-19," having Attorney Docket No. 1766-0002US1, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, an institutional environment 10, such as a home, hospital, office space, airport terminal, house of worship, or other enclosed environment, has an air handling system 20, such as a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, although other air handling systems may be used. Typically, the HVAC system 20 includes a return section 30, flutes 32, return ducts 34, etc., for directing return air drawn from an indoor space to the blower 22, heat exchanger 24, and cooling coil 26 of the system 20. The system 20 then provides conditioned supply air to the space via a supply duct 36, vents 38, etc. The heat exchanger 24 may include an electric or gas furnace for heating the air. The cooling coil 26 may be an evaporator connected in a cooling circuit to other conventional components outside the institution, such as a condenser, compressor, expansion valve, etc.

[0037] One or more mobile purification devices 50 are used to purify the air in an institutional environment. As shown in this figure, the mobile purification devices 50 may be used in spaces of the institutional environment. Several spaces of the institutional environment may have such mobile purification devices 50.

[0038] Briefly, the mobile purification device 50 includes a housing 60 that is movable in an environment and has an inlet 62 and an outlet 66. The mobile purification device 50 includes one or more purification elements or cartridges 100 and a main mover 150. The purification elements 100, positioned toward the inlet 62, may include at least one or more ultraviolet light sources and one or more ventilation barriers. The mobile purification device 50 may also include one or more filters at the inlet 62. For mobility, the mobile housing 60 may include caster wheels 61, a tow hitch 63, and a handle 65.

[0039] Airflow studies in conference rooms and office spaces have shown that convection patterns continue to transport infectious agents between chairs at conference tables and between cubicles in open office spaces, indicating that reliance on human separation is ineffective in crowded environments due to air convection.

[0040] Control of the mobile purifier 50 may be handled entirely by the local controller 200, which independently determines operation of the device. Alternatively, the local controller 200 may be integrated with the system controller 25 for the HVAC system 20, which may signal activation of the HVAC system 20. In a further alternative, the mobile purifier 50 may lack local control and be centrally controlled by the system controller 25. As will be appreciated, these control configurations may be used in any combination with a facility 10, multiple purifiers 100, conditioning zones, etc.

[0041] 2A, 2B, and 2C show front, side, and top views of a mobile purification device 50 according to the present disclosure for treating air in an environment. As described above, the device 50 includes a housing 60 having a main mover 150. The device 50 may include one or more permeable barrier heaters 140 and may also include one or more UV light sources 130. As described above, the barrier heaters 140 may be housed in one or more elements or cartridges 100 that are mounted in the device housing 60. The UV light sources 130 may also be housed in the cartridges 100. The filter 120 located in the air inlet 62 is labeled but not shown.

[0042] As shown, the inlet 62 may be an open side of the housing 60 for drawing in ambient air over a large surface area, while the outlet 66 is a port exiting the top of the housing 60 to redirect the treated air to an upper region of the environment. The housing 60 has sidewalls that enclose an internal or main plenum 64 for passing airflow from the inlet 62 to the outlet 66. At least one main mover 150 is disposed within the housing 60 between the inlet 62 and the outlet 66 and is operable to draw in air from the environment via the inlet 62 and exhaust treated air to the environment via the outlet 66.

[0043] As generally described herein, the apparatus 50 preferably includes at least one filter 120 disposed within the housing 60, preferably at the air inlet 62. The at least one filter 120 is configured to filter moving air up to a filtration limit. One or more barrier heaters 140 are disposed within the housing 60 to impede moving air flow therethrough up to an impedance limit. The one or more barrier heaters 140 are electrically connected to a power supply and heated to a target surface temperature.

[0044] When used, one or more ultraviolet light sources 130 are disposed within the housing 60, electrically connected to a power supply, and configured to generate ultraviolet radiation in at least a portion of the housing 60 through which moving air passes from the intake 62 to the exhaust 66.

[0045] As particularly shown in Figures 2A-2C, the device 50 includes at least one purification element or cartridge 100 configured to be replaceably positioned in the inlet 62 of the housing 60 (two cartridges 100 are shown in the figures). The cartridge 100 includes a plenum between the inlet and the outlet, and houses an ultraviolet light source 130 and a vent barrier heater 140. The cartridge 100 may include a dedicated filter 120 for the inlet, or multiple filters 120 on multiple cartridges 100 may cover the inlet 62 of the housing 60 of the device. Alternatively, the housing 60 may include an integral filter (not shown) that covers the inlet 62 separate from the cartridge 100.

[0046] As will be appreciated with the benefit of this disclosure, the use of a cartridge 100 is not strictly required, as one or more UV light sources 130 and barrier heaters 140 may be mounted and maintained in the plenum 64 of the housing 60. However, the use of a cartridge 100 makes the purification device 50 more modular, facilitating maintenance and replacement. For example, the cartridge 100 may be a removable and replaceable component within the housing 60, such that the purification device 50 may be configured for a given embodiment with different components, and thus the components used may be replaced. Although one or more cartridges 100 are shown as being arranged across the surface area of ​​the housing inlet 62, other configurations may be used. For example, the cartridges 100 may be arranged in series to process the airflow in series, or in parallel.

[0047] To treat the air in the environment, the airflow moves through the main plenum 64 of the mobile housing 60 from the air inlet 62 to the air outlet 66 by powering a main mover 150 disposed in the main plenum 64. As shown, the main mover 150 may be disposed downstream of the filter 120, the ultraviolet light source 130, and the barrier heater 140 such that air is drawn through the device 50, which is suitable for filtering purposes. Typically, the main mover 150 is comprised of one or more blowers, fans, or the like. For example, multiple blowers of the main mover 150 may be used to cover the surface area of ​​the housing 60.

[0048] Power may be provided to the mobile purification device 50 from an environmentally available power source, such as a conventional AC outlet. As shown, the device 50 may include a power cord for connecting to a facility power source. The device 50 may include its own power source 40 disposed in the housing to provide the supply power. For example, a rechargeable battery may be used for the power source 40.

[0049] The airflow is filtered up to its filtration limit through one or more filters 120 located in the plenum 64 (i.e., located at or across the inlet 62 or a portion thereof). Ultraviolet radiation is generated within the housing 60 by powering an ultraviolet light source 130 located within the plenum 64. The airflow is further impeded up to its impedance limit through one or more barrier heaters 140 located in the plenum 64. The barrier heaters 140 are heated to a surface temperature by applying a voltage potential across them. The drawn air then passes through an exhaust port 66 towards the top of the housing 60 where the heated flow and recently treated air are exhausted away from surrounding people and objects.

[0050] The mobile purification device 50 also includes a controller 200 disposed in electrical communication with the UV light source 130, the barrier heater 140, and the main mover 150. As described in more detail below, the controller 200 is configured to control (i) the emission of the UV light source 130, which is powered by the power supply, (ii) the heating of the barrier heater 140, which is powered by the power supply, and (iii) the flow of air drawn by the main mover 150 through the housing 60 from the air inlet 62 to the air outlet 68.

[0051] With an understanding of how the mobile purification device 50 can be used and where it can be located, the description now turns to specific details of the disclosed purification device 50. As mentioned above, the mobile purification device 50 may use one or more cartridges 100 that integrate a filter 120, a UV light source 130, and a barrier heater 140. For example, Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate front, side, and end views of an exemplary purification cartridge 100 of the present disclosure. The cartridge 100 includes a frame 110 configured to be attached to the air inlet 62 of the housing 60 of the mobile device.

[0052] Generally, the frame 110 has four side walls that enclose a plenum interior 116 and are exposed on opposing open faces, one for the intake 112 and one for the exhaust 118 of the plenum 116. If desired, the intake 112 may include a rim 114 that would typically engage around the opening of the intake 62 (FIGS. 2A-2C). Fasteners (not shown) may secure the rim to the surrounding structure. Although configured for a particular embodiment, a typical size for the frame 110 may include overall dimensions of 20 inches wide by 30 inches high by 7 inches deep.

[0053] 3A, the air inlet 112 or rim 114 may form a receptacle for holding a filter (not shown) for filtering the airflow entering the frame's plenum 116. Inside the plenum 116, the frame 110 holds a barrier heater 140. As shown simply here, the barrier heater 140 includes a vent barrier 142, constructed from metal and comprising a mesh, foam, screen, or tortuous media, that is disposed across the plenum 116 to provide a vent surface area for handling the airflow, as described below.

[0054] Also inside the plenum 116, the frame can hold a UV light source 130 as an additional treatment in addition to the barrier heater 140. (Other embodiments disclosed herein may not include the UV light source 130.) As simply illustrated here, the UV light source 130 includes two UV-C light emitting diode (LED) strips positioned across the plenum 116 to provide an action field for treating the airflow, as described below. More or fewer light sources 130 may be used, and different types of light sources 130 may be provided.

[0055] Turning now to FIG. 4A, a side view of the purification device 50 is shown, along with the arrangement of its components. As previously mentioned, the purification cartridge 100 may be used in the inlet 62 of the housing 60 of the mobile device. The frame 110 of the purification cartridge 100 fits into a window or receptacle in the inlet 62, covering at least a portion of the surface area of ​​the opening to the plenum 64. Here, the inlet 62 includes a shelf 61 within the housing 60 to support the cartridge 100. The filter 120 may fit into a receptacle in the frame 110, or the filter 120 may abut the inlet of the frame 110. Typically, the filter 120 simply fits snugly into the receptacle, although a fastener could be used.

[0056] Preferably, the filter 120 of the cartridge 100 first filters the airflow through the filter 120 up to its filtration limit. In this manner, the filter 120 prevents dust and other particulates from being drawn into the cartridge 100 and further into the housing 60 of the device.

[0057] As previously mentioned, a UV radiation working field can be generated within the plenum 116 of the cartridge 100 by powering the UV light source 130 located in the plenum 116 of the cartridge. In the plenum 116 of the cartridge, airflow is impeded up to the impedance limit via a barrier heater 140 located in the plenum 116. The barrier heater 140 includes a ventilation barrier 142 (e.g., mesh, foam, screen, serpentine media) of a metallic material such as nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, steel alloy. The ventilation barrier 142 may be flat, corrugated, curved, pleated, etc., and may be arranged in one or multiple layers. The metallic mesh / foam 142 of the barrier heater 140 is heated to a surface temperature by applying a voltage potential across the mesh / foam 142. Preferably, the UV light source 130 is positioned within the plenum 116 between the filter 120 and the barrier heater 140 such that radiation from the light source 130 can treat the airflow passing therethrough and also treat the exposed surfaces of the filter 120 and the barrier heater 140.

[0058] 4B, another schematic side view of the purification device 100 is shown with the layout of its components. The frame 110 of the cartridge 100 is shown holding the filter 120, the UV light source 130 and the barrier heater 140 within its plenum 116, and the cartridge 100 is shown mounted in the main plenum 64 of the housing inlet 62. The cartridge 100 is used with control circuitry and power. For example, the control circuitry includes a controller 200 having appropriate power and processing circuitry for powering and controlling the purification device 50 and the cartridge elements 130, 140. The controller 200 may be connected to one or more types of power sources 40, such as the facility's available AC power, battery power, or other power sources. The power circuitry of the controller 200 may convert the supplied power as necessary to generate DC power and voltage levels.

[0059] Looking at the cartridge 100, the filter 120 is positioned in the plenum 116 of the frame 110 and held in a receptacle 115 facing the air inlet 112. The filter 120 is constructed of a first material and is configured to filter the airflow therethrough up to a filtration limit. Preferably, the filter 120 is a metal filter media 122 made of stainless steel, aluminum, or the like, meshed in one or more layers depending on the amount of airflow and the level of filtration required. The filter 120 has a case 125, which is also constructed of metal and has a metal filter media fitted therein. Generally, the metal filter 120 may be a metal, fire-resistant, flame-retardant, and high-efficiency rated, 1-inch thick HVAC filter.

[0060] A barrier heater 140 may also be disposed in the plenum 116 and mounted facing the exhaust 118. Insulation 145, both thermal and electrical, may separate the barrier heater 140 from the frame 110. The barrier heater 140 includes a mesh / foam of metallic material and is configured to impede airflow therethrough up to an impedance limit.

[0061] The UV light source 130 may be positioned within the plenum 116, preferably between the metal filter 120 and the barrier heater 140, as described above. The UV light source 130 generates a UV-C light field within the plenum 116 to treat the airflow passing therethrough. As described herein, pathogens such as viruses can be eliminated by exposure to a dose of UV light. For example, sRNA coronaviruses up to 0.11 μm in size can be eliminated with a dose of approximately 611 μj / cm. 2 A UVGI dose of just 1000 nm can remove >99% of light.

[0062] Both the UV light source 130 and the barrier heater 140 are electrically connected to the power source 40 via a controller 200 , which controls the illumination of the light source 130 and the heating of the barrier heater 140 within the plenum 116 .

[0063] The UV light source 130 may include one or more UV-C lamps, light emitting diodes, etc., disposed in the plenum 116. For example, the light source 130 may use one or more ultraviolet germicidal lamps, such as mercury vapor lamps. The light source 130 may also use light emitting diodes having semiconductors that emit UV-C radiation.

[0064] One or more structures may be disposed on the frame 110 to support the UV light source 140. The structure used may vary depending on the type of light source 140 used and may include fixtures for lamps and strips for UV-C light emitting diodes. For example, the UV light source 130 may use multiple strips of UV-C light emitting diodes that extend across the plenum 116.

[0065] The effectiveness of UVGI treatment in an air stream depends on many factors, such as the microbiological species of interest, the intensity of exposure, the duration of exposure, the amount of moisture in the air, etc. A sufficient dose of radiation can kill DNA-based microorganisms. Thus, the intensity, exposure time, and other factors of the UVGI treatment can be configured and even controlled in the purification device 100 and HVAC system to reach the desired effectiveness.

[0066] The UVGI treatment provided by the purification cartridge 100 can be effective in destroying pathogens such as COVID-19. UV-C light or short wavelength light with wavelengths between 100 and 280 nanometers generated by UV light sources can have a proven germicidal effect. In particular, low-dose far-UVC light at 222 nanometers is effective in killing and inactivating aerosolized viruses over time of exposure.

[0067] In contrast to conventional uses of UVGI in HVAC systems, the disclosed purification device does not require expensive and specialized installation into the air return or duct systems. Instead, the disclosed purification cartridge 100 offers installation and operation that is as simple and practical as changing an HVAC filter in the home every 1-3 months.

[0068] As described in more detail below, the metallic material of the barrier heater 140 may include nickel mesh / foam. The barrier heater 140 is configured to provide a foam with at least 80% porosity to impede airflow therethrough up to an impedance limit of 20%.

[0069] The purification cartridge 100 may include an antimicrobial coating on one or more surfaces to eliminate live bacteria and viruses. For example, the filter 120 may have an antimicrobial coating to eliminate pathogens captured by the filter media. The inner walls of the frame plenum 116 may also have an antimicrobial coating. If practical under the heating conditions, the mesh / foam of the barrier heater 140 may have an antimicrobial coating.

[0070] As further shown in FIG. 4B , a controller 200 of the purifier 50 disposed in electrical communication with the UV light source 130, the barrier heater 140, and the main mover 150 is configured to control (i) the emission of the UV light source 130 powered by the power source 40, (ii) the heating of the barrier heater 140 by the power source 40, and (iii) the airflow generated by the main mover 150 powered by the power source 40. This controller 200 is a local controller and may include a communication interface 212 to communicate with other purifiers 50 and other components of the air handling system 20 ( FIG. 1 ) within the facility, such as the system controller 25. The local controller 200 may receive a signal from the HVAC system 20 indicating that the purifier 50 is to be turned on / off. The controller 200 may then control the heating of the barrier heater 140 and the illumination of the UV light source 130 based on the received signal. The controller 200 may then control the illumination, heating, and movement of the airflow based on the received signal.

[0071] To do this, the controller 200 is placed in electrical communication with a heater circuit 214 connected to the barrier heater 140. At least during the period when air is passing through the purifier 50 (drawn by the main mover 150), the controller 200 may control the heating of the barrier heater 140 by the heater circuit 214 powered by the power source 40. As will be appreciated, the controller 200 and heater circuit 214 include any switches, relays, timers, power transformers, etc. required to regulate and control the power provided to the barrier heater 140.

[0072] The controller 200 heats the barrier heater 140 at least when the controller 200 operates the primary mover 150 to move air through the device 50. Pre-heating before the primary mover 1450 draws in return air may occur before air is drawn through the purifier 50 so that the target temperature can be reached early. This may require an advance signal from the system controller 200, or may involve intermittent heating of the barrier heater 140 to maintain some baseline temperature. Post-heating after the primary mover 150 is turned off may also be beneficial for several reasons.

[0073] The controller 200 is also disposed in electrical communication with a drive circuit 213 that is connected to the UV light source 130. During at least the period when air is passing through the purifier 50 (pulled by the main mover 150), the controller 200 may control the illumination of the UV light source 130 using the drive circuit 213 powered by the power source 40. As will be appreciated, the controller 200 and drive circuit 213 may include any switches, relays, timers, power transformers, electronic ballasts, etc. necessary to regulate and control the power provided to the light source 130.

[0074] At a minimum, the controller 200 will brighten the light source 130 when the controller 200 is powering the main mover 150. To reach the target illumination, some pre-illumination may be required for the lamps of the UV light source 130, etc., to reach full illumination before air is drawn through the purifier 100. This may require an advance signal from the system controller 200. Post-illumination of the light source 130 after the main mover 150 is turned off may also be beneficial for several reasons.

[0075] The controller 200 is also disposed in electrical communication with a motor drive circuit 215 that is connected to the primary mover 150. To treat the ambient air, the motor drive circuit 215 can operate the primary mover 150, thereby moving the air through the device 50. As shown, the primary mover 150 can be used to draw air through the device 50 in a manner appropriate to the configuration of filtration. Of course, other configurations could be used. The controller 200 may not operate the primary mover 150 until the UV light source 130 is illuminated and the barrier heater 140 is heated to the target temperature.

[0076] For monitoring and control, the controller 200 may include one or more sensors 216, 217, and 218. For example, the controller 200 may include a temperature sensor 216 disposed adjacent to the barrier heater 140 within the plenum 116 and in electrical communication with the controller 200. The temperature sensor 216 is configured to measure a temperature associated with the heating of the barrier heater 140 so that the controller 200 can reach a target temperature. Depending on the embodiment and the pathogens affected, the barrier heater 140 may be heated to a surface temperature of about 54° C. (130° F.) or greater. Indeed, studies have shown that heating to temperatures above about 56° C. or about 56-67° C. (133-152° F.) can kill the SARS coronavirus, and that 222 nanometer far-UVC light is effective in killing and inactivating aerosolized viruses.

[0077] The controller 200 may be connected to a light sensor 218, such as a photocell or other light-sensing element, to monitor the illuminance, intensity, wavelength, operation, etc., of the UV light source 130. For example, the UV light source 130 may be configured to emit at least 611 μJ / cm in an applied field within the plenum 116. 2 and measurements from the light sensor 218 may monitor the radiation.

[0078] The controller 200 may be connected to further sensors 217, such as a flow sensor for sensing flow, velocity, etc., through the plenum 116. Detection of airflow at the flow sensor 217 may be used by the controller 200 to initiate operation of the UV light source 130 and heater barrier 140 if not already signaled. The velocity of the airflow may be measured by the flow sensor 217 and a target flow rate through the purifier 100 may be adjusted such that heating of the airflow by the barrier heater 140 is adjusted to the detected flow rate and a target heating level. The flow rate may also be monitored to adjust a target irradiance of the airflow by the UV light source 140 to achieve an appropriate exposure level.

[0079] Flow sensor 217 may monitor the air flow and velocity through apparatus 50. This sensed information may then be used as feedback by controller 200 to adjust the operation of main mover 150. In this manner, controller 150 may adjust the flow rate and velocity to an optimal level to treat the air passing through plenum 116 exposed to the UV illumination of UV light source 130 and the heat of barrier heater 140. Depending on the embodiment or environmental conditions, a target velocity of air flow may be achieved that is best suited for a target irradiance and temperature to effectively treat the air.

[0080] As described herein, the purification device 50 combines thermal energy with UV-C light and is constructed into a fire- and flame-resistant filtration system. The purification device 50 may be disposed in an environment. As disclosed herein, embodiments of the purification device 100 may include a barrier heater 140, and therefore may include various features such as a controller 200, sensors, etc., as described above with respect to the barrier heater 140. Some embodiments may not include a UV light source 130, while other embodiments may include a UV light source 130 along with various features such as a controller 200, sensors, etc., as described above with respect to the UV light source 130. In particular, FIG. 4C shows another schematic side view of the purification device 100 with the arrangement of components without a UV light source. Similar components are numbered the same as in other embodiments and will not be described again here.

[0081] As proposed, the disclosed purification device 500 is capable of filtering air up to 99.97% (ASME, USDOE) of particles while eliminating pathogens such as COVID-19. This configuration may be integrated into a facility's air handling system 20 as disclosed in a co-pending application incorporated herein.

[0082] Although the purification cartridge 50 has been described as including a frame 110 that houses an air filter in the frame 110, the cartridge 50 may include a frame 110 that is mounted to a housing 60 that already houses a filter. In this type of configuration, the purification cartridge 100 may again include the frame 110, UV light source 130, and barrier heater 140, but the frame 110 may not necessarily hold or receive the air filter 120. Instead, a separate air filter may be located at the air inlet 62 of the housing 60.

[0083] The description now turns to the details of the barrier heater 140 of the disclosed purification device 100. The metal mesh / foam of the barrier heater 140 may have one or more layers of material and may have any suitable thickness. By way of example, the mesh / foam may have a thickness between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm. When constructed from nickel (Ni), the mesh / foam may have a thickness of 1.43×10 7 Cm 2 The Ni mesh / foam may have a surface charge density (σ) of about 1.0×10. The Ni mesh / foam is electrically conductive and highly porous with random three-dimensional channels defined therein. The mesh / foam exhibits a resistance of about 0.000.178 Ω, with the electrical resistivity of an exemplary Ni foam being about 1.51×10. -5 It is calculated to be Ωm.

[0084] For example, FIG. 5A shows a first graph 90A of the temperature (° C.) generated by an exemplary Ni foam material for a barrier heater per unit of power supplied (W). A foam sample having dimensions of 1.65 mm×195 mm×10 mm was examined. After applying a voltage, the temperature was measured until it stabilized. As shown in graph 90A, the temperature is shown to increase approximately linearly per unit of power supplied, such that a temperature of about 120° C. is obtained at about 7 watts.

[0085] FIG. 5B shows a second graph 90B of the measured temperature of a gas (e.g., N2) after flowing through an exemplary barrier heater Ni foam material heated to a temperature. The measurement gas was sent at a distance of about 3.5 cm upstream from the heated Ni foam material while the room temperature was about 21.7° C. Temperature measurements were taken at various downstream distances for the exemplary Ni foam material heated to an initial temperature of about 115° C. (239° F.). As can be seen, the measured temperature of the gas decreased from about 29° C. to about 23° C. (84° F. to 73° F.) for downstream distances ranging from 1 cm to 4 cm from the exemplary Ni foam material. This shows that the heating produced by a barrier heater 140 constructed with such an exemplary Ni foam material results in a complex heated surface area that the airflow and any pathogens may impinge upon, but the heating is localized and dissipates into the downstream airflow.

[0086] 5C shows another graph 90C of measured temperatures taken at various downstream distances for an exemplary Ni foam material at different initial temperatures, where the Ni foam material is at an initial temperature of about 54° C. The measured temperature of the gas decreased from about 24.5° C. to 21.7° C. (76° F. to 71° F.) for distances ranging from 1 cm to 4 cm from the exemplary Ni foam material.

[0087] As described herein, the barrier heater 140 could use nickel or nickel-based or iron-based alloys developed for use in high service temperatures and corrosive environments. Nickel is slowly oxidized by air at room temperature and is considered to be corrosion resistant. Nickel is a high performance metal that can be easily tailored to reach high temperatures with minimal heat transfer to the surroundings and passing air molecules. For example, nickel mesh / foam (1.43×10 7 When a voltage is applied to the Ni mesh / foam (σ), the metal conducts energy to a target temperature hot enough to kill pathogens, including COVID-19, on contact. The target temperature can be 56°C-66°C or higher, or even 93°C or higher (133°F-150°F or higher, or even 200°F or higher). In this way, the Ni mesh / foam (0.5mm-2.0mm) provides a heated, charged surface area for pathogens to impinge on and be eliminated by the heated grid. Meanwhile, the porosity of the foam / mesh of the barrier heater 140 (80-90%) does not unduly impede airflow or significantly increase the energy required from the purification device 50 to operate the main mover 150.

[0088] As previously disclosed, heating of the plenum 116 may be accomplished by a barrier heater 140 having a mesh / foam that is heated to a target temperature and provides a tortuous path for return air to pass through the mesh / foam. Other forms of heating may be utilized. As previously disclosed, UV illumination of the plenum 116 may be accomplished using UV light strips. Other forms of UV illumination may be used.

[0089] For example, Figure 6A shows another configuration of the purification cartridge 100 having multiple electrical elements (UV light source 130 and barrier heater 140) disposed in a plenum 116 of a frame 110 and connected to a power controller 201. The plenum 116 contains carbon media 152 on one or more side walls for absorption and purification. The plenum 116 may also include a filter 120 disposed at the air intake.

[0090] As mentioned above, the disclosed purification cartridge 100 may be used separately or in combination with other purification cartridges 100. As an example, FIG. 6B shows a purification cartridge 100 configuration according to the present disclosure including a UV light source 130 and a barrier heater 140 controlled by a control / power circuit 202. The UV light source 130 and the barrier heater 140 may be similar to those disclosed herein and may be housed together in a housing or frame 110 to fit the airflow of the air handling system. For example, the housing or frame 110 may be housed in the housing 60 of the device through an air intake or other location. Filtration may be achieved elsewhere in the housing 60. For its part, the control / power circuit 201 may have the necessary components disclosed herein to control the UV light source 130 and the barrier heater 140.

[0091] In another example, FIG. 6C shows another configuration of a purification cartridge 100 according to the present disclosure, including a barrier heater 140 controlled by a control / power circuit 203. This device 100 shown may not include a UV light source, but such a light source could be used elsewhere in the facility or other environment. The barrier heater 140 may be similar to those disclosed herein and may be housed within a housing or frame 110 to fit within the housing 60 of the device. For example, the housing or frame 110 may be housed at the air inlet of the housing 60 of the device or may be housed elsewhere in the air flow. Filtration may be accomplished elsewhere in the air handling system or may be incorporated into the frame 110 using a filter (not shown) as disclosed elsewhere herein. For its part, the control / power circuit 203 may have the necessary components disclosed herein to control the barrier heater 140.

[0092] As yet another example, FIG. 6D illustrates yet another configuration of a purification cartridge 100a-b according to the present disclosure, including a UV light source 130 controlled by a control / power circuit 204 and a barrier heater 140 controlled by a control / power circuit 203. The UV light source 130 and the barrier heater 140 may be similar to those disclosed herein and may be housed in separate housings or frames 110a-b to fit into the housing 60 of the device. For example, the housings or frames 110a-b may be housed in the air inlet of the housing 60 or may be located elsewhere in the air flow. Filtration may be accomplished elsewhere or may be incorporated into one or both of the frames 110a-b using filters (not shown) as disclosed elsewhere herein. For its part, the control / power circuits 203, 204 may have the necessary components as disclosed herein to control the UV light source 130 and the barrier heater 140, respectively.

[0093] 7A illustrates how the purification device 50 can be moved around in a facility environment. Caster wheels 61, towing hitch 63, and handle 65 allow the device 50 to be positioned as desired. Although set forth for a particular embodiment, typical sizes for the housing 60 include overall dimensions of 20-40 inches wide by 60 inches high by 24 inches deep. If a cartridge 100 is used, the dimensions of the cartridge 100 may be matched to the overall dimensions of the housing 60. Typical dimensions for the cartridge 100 include overall dimensions of 20-40 inches wide by 30-60 inches high by 7-14 inches deep. These values ​​are provided for illustrative embodiments only.

[0094] As mentioned above, the main mover 150 of the purifier 50 for moving air within the housing 60 may use one or more blowers or fans. FIG. 7B shows one example of a set of fans 152 that may be arranged in the housing 60 to move the air. In this figure, six fans 152 are shown by way of example only. Depending on the size of each fan 152, more or fewer fans may be used to cover the surface area across the housing 60. Preferably, multiple fans 152 are used to cover the surface area to steadily draw air through the inlet 62 of the housing 60. Fans 152 suitable for such an arrangement include electric fans with variable speed control, such as those commonly used as cooling fans for cabinet installations, audiovisual enclosures, and the like.

[0095] As described above, one or more purification devices 50 may be used in an institutional environment, and these purification devices 50 may have a control configuration for remote or local control. For example, FIG. 8 shows a number of different mobile purification devices 50 located in various zones of the institutional environment. A master control unit 250 has a central processing unit 252 and a communication interface 245 that is used to communicate via wired and / or wireless communication 256 with a number of local controllers 200a-n in different zones 104a-n in the institutional environment 102. Each of the local controllers 200a-n may control one or more purification cartridges 100a-n of the device 50.

[0096] As previously mentioned, the ventilation barrier 142 of the barrier heater 140 disclosed herein may have various layers and configurations. In FIG. 9A, a portion of a barrier heater 140a is shown, where the ventilation barrier 142 is flat and has a specified thickness T1. One or more such flat barriers 142 may be used adjacent to each other in series to impede and interact with impinging airflows. To increase surface area and interaction, a portion of a barrier heater 140b has folds, corrugations, or pleats 142 in the ventilation barrier 142, as shown in FIG. 9B. The mesh material of the ventilation barrier 142 may have its original thickness T1, but the corrugated barrier heater 140b exhibits a thickness T2 with respect to the impinging airflow. One or more such corrugated barriers 142 may be used adjacent to each other in series to impede and interact with the impinging airflows.

[0097] Considering the flexibility of the Ni foam, the corrugated barrier heater 140b offers several advantages. First, the resistance of the Ni foam is much greater with the bends 144, which benefits the barrier heater 140 when used with residential voltage (110V). Second, as shown in FIG. 9B, the bends 144 are several times the thickness T1, creating an effective distance T2 for interacting with the impinging air. The gaps between the bends 144 of the hot Ni foam create high temperatures effective for damaging pathogens. It should be noted that the number of bends, bend length, etc. can be easily controlled, and the longer the bend length, the higher the temperature reached. Third, compared to a flat Ni foam with two major faces exposed to air, the folded Ni foam barrier 140b of FIG. 9B has a much smaller area exposed to the ingress and egress air, minimizing heat loss, allowing the temperature of the barrier heater 140 to increase more rapidly and reach much higher values ​​with the same power consumption.

[0098] For example, Figure 10A shows a graph of input voltage versus current induced for a barrier heater 140a with a flat Ni foam configuration. Figure 10B shows a graph of current versus temperature level induced for a barrier heater 140 with a flat Ni foam configuration. Meanwhile, Figure 11A shows a graph of input voltage versus current induced for a barrier heater 140b with a corrugated Ni foam configuration. Figure 11B shows a graph of current versus temperature level induced for a barrier heater 140b with a corrugated Ni foam configuration. As can be seen from Figures 10B and 11B, at the same voltage of 1.0V, the temperature of the corrugated barrier heater 140b is more than twice as high as the temperature of the flat barrier heater 140a.

[0099] As will be appreciated, various features of the disclosed purification device 100, including the UV light source 130 and the barrier heater 140, may be adapted to suit a particular embodiment to treat the air for specific pathogens. Testing with actual pathogens requires careful control and has been performed in a laboratory environment.

[0100] With respect to the UV light source 130, the intensity, active area, wavelength, and other variables of the ultraviolet light from the UV light source 130 may be configured to treat the air for specific pathogens, which are best determined by direct testing with actual pathogens in a controlled laboratory setting.

[0101] With respect to the barrier heater 140, the thickness, material, active surface area, permeability, waveform, temperature, and other variables of the ventilation barrier 142 of the barrier heater 140 may be configured to treat the air for specific pathogens, which variables are best determined by direct testing with actual pathogens in a controlled laboratory setting.

[0102] Previous studies with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV have established that coronaviruses can be inactivated by heat. See, for example, Leclerca, 2014; Darnell, 2004; Pastorino, 2020. Results of preliminary studies in a BSL3 facility showed that SARS-CoV-2 is remarkably heat resistant for an enveloped RNA virus. Only a protocol of 100°C (212°F) for 10 minutes completely inactivated the virus.

[0103] In particular, the heat resistance of human SARS-CoV-2 strains (COVID-19) has been studied in a BSL3 facility. The protocol for the study involved using water and saline at either room temperature or boiling temperature (Figure 12). For the latter, 10 L of SARS-CoV-2 was added to 90 L of water or saline preheated at 100 °C (212 °F). These solutions were incubated at 100 °C for 30 seconds or 10 minutes, while in the control group they were incubated at room temperature.

[0104] After incubation, 900 L of room temperature medium was added and titrated. The control group incubated at room temperature for 10 min 30 s remained ineffective in reducing the viral load. In contrast, the 100°C-30 s protocol showed a trend. However, the exposure was apparently not long enough to effectively reduce the viral load, as the viral load in water was relatively low compared to saline. Only 10 min at 100°C in either water or saline was able to completely inactivate the virus (>5 Log 10 decrease).

[0105] The data generated confirmed that the virus is highly heat resistant as an enveloped RNA virus. Further studies on thermal inactivation can plot curves for variable temperatures (50°C, 100°C, 150°C, 200°C, 250°C, and 300°C) and exposure durations (1 sec, 5 sec, 15 sec, 30 sec, 1 min, 3 min, and 5 min), which can then be correlated with the expected thermal damage caused by the barrier heaters disclosed herein, such as those with breathable Ni foam.

[0106] Recent studies, however, have shown that the heated filter of the disclosed barrier heater 140 can be safely used at high temperatures [(200-250°C) (392-482°F)] to kill COVID-19. Notably, the study was conducted at the Galveston National Laboratory / NIAID Biodefense Laboratory Network (Biosafety Level 4) and includes controlled experimental findings. The study found that COVID-19 evaporates in aerosolized air upon contact with the special heated filter system of the present disclosure (i.e., the disclosed barrier heater 140). The results show a 100-fold reduction in active COVID-19 virus by the heated barrier heater 140 and a 100% kill rate. The study shows that COVID-19 can be eliminated from the air.

[0107] The disclosed purification device 100 can effectively kill viruses and bacteria in circulating air at high temperatures of about 250°C (482°F). As disclosed herein, a barrier heater 140 such as nickel (Ni) foam is low cost, electrically conductive, porous with random channels, mechanically strong, and has good flexibility, making it a good filter for sterilization and disinfection in HVAC systems or other environments. Also, the bent Ni foam provides a high resistance, low voltage structure and increases the surface area for sterilization. Temperature-based mechanical destruction and pressurized high performance metals may be applied in COVID-19 settings.

[0108] Other related research disclosed herein has found that given the high performance and design, there is no significant temperature rise in air passing through the disclosed heated filter. Primary research on the filter and its conductivity was conducted at the Texas Superconductivity Center at the University of Houston. Research partners include the Texas A&M University College of Engineering and Engineering Experiment Station, and the University of Texas Medical Branch. As shown, the temperature of the Ni foam barrier heater 140 rises very quickly and can be heated to high temperatures with low wattage power. After passing through the heated Ni foam of the barrier heater 140, the temperature of the air drops very quickly and is at room temperature after 4 cm away, even at temperatures over 100°C.

[0109] The above description of preferred and other embodiments is not intended to limit the scope or applicability of the inventive concepts conceived by the applicants. It will be understood, with the benefit of this disclosure, that features described above in connection with any embodiment or aspect of the disclosed subject matter can be utilized alone or in combination with other described features in any other embodiment or aspect of the disclosed subject matter.

[0110] Applicant desires all patent rights afforded by the appended claims in exchange for disclosing the inventive concepts described herein, and it is accordingly intended that the appended claims include all modifications and variations that come within the scope of the following claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for treating environmental air using a power supply, comprising: a housing movable in the environment, the housing having an intake and an exhaust; at least one primary mover disposed on the housing between the intake and exhaust ports and operative to move air of the environment through the housing from the intake to the exhaust port; at least one heater disposed over a surface area of ​​the housing and including a ventilation barrier of a metallic material, the ventilation barrier of the at least one heater configured to impede moving air flow, the ventilation barrier of the at least one heater being electrically connected to the power supply to be heated to a surface temperature; Equipped with The apparatus, wherein the surface temperature of the breathable barrier of the at least one heater is heated to at least 56° C. (133° F.) or higher.

2. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one filter disposed across the surface area of ​​the housing and comprising a first material, the filter configured to filter the moving air passing therethrough.

3. 3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first material of the filter is a metallic material.

4. The device of claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3, further comprising at least one cartridge, the at least one cartridge being replaceable at an air intake of the housing, the at least one cartridge having a plenum with an inlet and an outlet, and the at least one cartridge having the at least one ventilation barrier.

5. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one cartridge further comprises at least one filter disposed across the plenum and including a first material, the filter configured to filter the moving air passing therethrough.

6. The device of claim 5 , wherein the at least one cartridge comprises a receptacle configured to hold the at least one filter.

7. 7. The apparatus of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the filter is disposed within the plenum on the inlet side and the ventilation barrier is disposed within the plenum on the outlet side.

8. 8. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one ultraviolet light source disposed in the housing, the ultraviolet light source electrically connected to the power supply and configured to generate an ultraviolet radiation action field in at least one portion of the housing through which the moving air passes from the inlet to the outlet.

9. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the ultraviolet light source is disposed between the filter and the barrier heater, or the apparatus further comprises at least one replaceable cartridge at the inlet of the housing, the at least one cartridge having a plenum with an inlet and an outlet, the at least one cartridge having the at least one ultraviolet light source and the at least one ventilation barrier.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the ultraviolet light source comprises one or more UV-C lamps or a plurality of UV-C light emitting diodes disposed in the plenum.

11. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one cartridge comprises a plurality of side walls that enclose the plenum between an open side of the inlet and an opposing open side of the outlet.

12. 12. The device of claim 11, further comprising an electrical insulator disposed between an end of the vent barrier and the plurality of side walls of the at least one cartridge.

13. 13. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the primary mover comprises one or more blowers or fans.

14. 14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a power supply arranged in the housing to provide the supply power.

15. 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ventilation barrier of the at least one heater comprises a mesh, foam, screen, or serpentine media.

16. 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the metallic material of the ventilation barrier is nickel.

17. 17. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a controller disposed in electrical communication with the at least one heater and the at least one main mover, the controller configured to control (i) the heating of the ventilation barrier of the at least one heater with the supplied power, and (ii) the airflow through the housing from the intake to the exhaust generated by the at least one main mover using the supplied power.

18. 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the controller is disposed in electrical communication with a heater circuit connected to the ventilation barrier, the controller being configured to control heating of the ventilation barrier with the heater circuit powered by the supply power.

19. 20. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the ventilation barrier and in electrical communication with the controller, the temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature associated with heating of the ventilation barrier.

20. and at least one ultraviolet light source disposed in the housing, the ultraviolet light source electrically connected to the power supply and configured to generate an ultraviolet radiation field in at least one portion of the housing through which the moving air passes from the inlet to the outlet; 20. The apparatus of claim 17, 18 or 19, wherein the controller is arranged in electrical communication with a drive circuit connected to the ultraviolet light source, the controller being configured to control the ultraviolet emission of the ultraviolet light source using the drive circuit powered by the supply power.

21. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a light sensor disposed adjacent to the ultraviolet light source and in electrical communication with the controller, the light sensor configured to measure the ultraviolet radiation of the ultraviolet light source.

22. 22. The apparatus of any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the controller is disposed in electrical communication with a motor drive circuit connected to the primary mover, the controller being configured to control the primary mover using the motor drive circuit powered by the supply power.

23. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a flow sensor disposed in the housing and in electrical communication with the controller, the flow sensor configured to measure airflow through the housing, and the controller configured to configure control based on the measured airflow.

24. 1. An apparatus for use with supplied power to treat the air of an environment for pathogens, comprising: a housing movable in the environment, the housing having an intake and an exhaust; at least one primary mover disposed on the housing between the intake and exhaust ports and operative to move air of the environment through the housing from the intake to the exhaust port; at least one heater disposed across a surface area of ​​the housing and including a ventilation barrier of a metallic material, the ventilation barrier of the at least one heater configured to impede moving air flow, the ventilation barrier of the at least one heater being electrically connected to the power supply; Equipped with The apparatus, wherein the breathable barrier is heated to a surface temperature of at least greater than 200° C. that is targeted to the pathogen.

25. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising at least one ultraviolet light source disposed in the housing, the ultraviolet light source electrically connected to the power supply and configured to generate an ultraviolet radiation action field in at least one portion of the housing through which moving air passes from the inlet to the exhaust.

26. 26. The apparatus of claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the pathogen is a virus and the breathable barrier is heated to a surface temperature of at least greater than 250°C that is targeted to the virus.

27. 1. A method for treating environmental air for pathogens, comprising: moving airflow through a plenum in a mobile housing from an intake port to an exhaust port by energizing a main mover disposed in the plenum; filtering the airflow through a filter disposed over a surface area of ​​the plenum; impeding the air flow through a heater air barrier disposed across the surface area of ​​the plenum, the heater air barrier having a metallic material; heating the breathability barrier by applying a voltage potential across the breathability barrier of the heater; Contains The method of claim 1, wherein the breathable barrier of the heater is heated to a surface temperature of at least 200° C. that is targeted to the pathogen.

28. 30. The method of claim 27, further comprising powering an ultraviolet light source disposed in the housing to generate an ultraviolet radiation effect field within the plenum.

Images