Devices and methods for composite-laminar flow elements

Abstract

Devices and methods are presented in which a mobile air flow control unit, configured to allow on-demand assembly, controls the atmosphere within a confined space. Preferably, the mobile air flow control unit reduces particle and / or germ count of air within the confined space by producing both a secondary air veil that re-circulates purified air within the confined space and a primary air veil "barrier" across the opening of the confined space.

Description

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR COMPOSITE-LAMINAR FLOW ELEMENTS

[0001] This application claims priority to copending US provisional application with the serial number 63 / 658,051, which was filed June 10, 2024, and which is incorporated by reference herein.Field of the Invention

[0002] The field of the invention is directed to devices and methods of on-demand atmospheric control within a confined space, especially as it relates to reducing particle and / or germ count of air within the confined space.Background of the Invention

[0003] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0004] All publications and patent applications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0005] Viruses and bacteria are all around us. An estimated 1.6 million to 40 million viruses and an estimated 860,000 to 11 million bacteria occupy each cubic meter of air. See Christina Crawford et al., Going Viral, 81 Science Teacher 51 (Sept. 2014); See also National Geographic, The Infected Air (Zimmer 2012). As a result, during invasive medical procedures, it is imperative that the bacteria and viruses external to the body are reduced to the greatest extent possible to avoid wound contamination and any complication during the healing process.

[0006] However, there is only a small number of solutions that substantiate a way in which flora (bacteria and viruses) exogenous to the body can be reduced. Most typically, this is done through limiting any invasive medical procedures to a designated room within a building, i.e., a hospital surgical room. Outside of the hospital context, few devices and methods have beencontemplated for purposes of atmospheric control within a confined space. For example, in WO 2021 / 046185 an incubator for cell and tissue culture is contemplated that includes a primary air flow control device to form a primary, laminar flow, air veil across an opening and a secondary air flow control device that forms a secondary, laminar flow, air veil between the primary air veil and a user of the incubator. Although interesting, such system is applicable only in the context of incubators, many of which cannot be used to host invasive medical procedures due to the small size. Moreover, such despite being mechanistically intriguing, such system is not configured in such a way that permits on-demand / mobile use.

[0007] Thus, even though various compositions and methods of atmospheric control are known in the art, all or almost all of them suffer from several drawbacks, particularly lacking on- demand capabilities for larger spaces and reducing germ count within these larger spaces. Therefore, there remains a need for on-demand atmospheric control that also reduces germ count within a desired space that is not an incubator.Summary of The Invention

[0008] The inventive subject matter is directed to various devices and methods for generating on-demand atmospheric control within a confined space, preferably reducing particle and / or germ count of air within the confined space.

[0009] In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, the inventors contemplate a mobile system for atmospheric control within a confined space, that includes a plurality of static barriers configured to allow on-demand assembly to form the confined space, wherein the confined space has at least one opening, an air flow control unit configured to produce a primary and a secondary air veil, wherein the primary and the secondary air veil are substantially parallel and extend across the opening, wherein the air flow control unit comprises a moveable vane that is configured to direct at least some air of the secondary air veil into the confined space, and an air purification unit coupled to the air flow control unit configured to reduce particle and / or germ count of air within the secondary air veil.

[0010] Viewed from another perspective, the inventors contemplate a method for atmospheric control within a confined space, that involves the steps of placing a plurality of static barriers configured to allow on-demand assembly to form the confined space, wherein the confined space has at least one opening, attaching an air flow control unit configured to produce a primary and a secondary air veil, wherein the primary and the secondary air veil aresubstantially parallel and extend across the opening, wherein the air flow control unit comprises a moveable vane that is configured to direct at least some air of the secondary air veil into the confined space, and installing an air purification unit coupled to the air flow control unit configured to reduce particle and / or germ count of air within the secondary air veil.

[0011] In the contemplations provided above, the static barriers are most typically configured to form a tent. In some embodiments, the tent is of a rectangular, triangular, or round shape. The configuration of the tent allows the confined space to have a height of between 2ft to 10ft. In addition, the plurality of static barriers is preferably collapsible or foldable. In various embodiments, the plurality of static barriers comprise a material selected from the group consisting of nylon, cloth, cardboard, Styrofoam®, polyester, polyethylene, PVC, and canvas.

[0012] Viewed from yet another perspective, the inventors further contemplate an air flow control unit for atmospheric control within a confined space that includes a blower fan and a suction fan at least partially enclosed in the air flow control unit, wherein the air flow control unit is configured to receive air from an external environment and to receive air from the confined space, wherein the air flow control unit is further configured to form a primary and a secondary air veil that are substantially parallel and extend across an opening within the confined space, wherein the air flow control unit comprises a moveable vane coupled to the air flow control unit and configured to direct at least some air of the secondary air veil into the confined space, and an air purification unit operably coupled to the air flow control unit configured to reduce particle and / or germ count of air within the secondary air veil.

[0013] In all perspectives provided above, the air flow control unit of the contemplated system is configured such that (a.) air in the secondary air veil is derived from the confined space only, (b.) air in the secondary air veil is derived from a combination of air from the confined space and air from an external environment, or (c.) air in the secondary air veil is derived from air from the primary air veil. Most typically, the air flow control unit comprises primary and secondary air flow control devices that are configured to produce the primary and the secondary air veil, respectively. Where desired, at least a portion of the primary and the secondary air flow control devices are enclosed within a single unit.

[0014] In some embodiments of the perspectives provided above, the primary air flow control device receives air from the external environment and the primary and the secondary air flow control devices are independently operable.

[0015] In other embodiments of the perspectives provided above, the primary and the secondary air flow control devices are configured to redirect flow of the primary air veil to thereby form the secondary air veil.

[0016] The primary and / or the secondary air flow control devices, as provided by the perspectives above, may also comprise an air purification unit that includes a high-efficiency particulate air (HEP A) filter, a UV light, and / or an activated charcoal filter. Consequently, the air purification unit reduces the particle and / or germ count of the air within the secondary air veil.

[0017] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.Brief Description of The Drawing

[0018] FIG.l is an exemplary schematic illustration of air in the secondary air veil being derived from the confined space only according to the inventive subject matter.

[0019] FIG.2 is an exemplary schematic illustration of air in the secondary air veil being derived from a combination of air from the confined space and air from an external environment according to the inventive subject matter.

[0020] FIG.3 is an exemplary schematic illustration of air in the secondary air veil being derived from air from the primary air veil according to the inventive subject matter.Detailed Description

[0021] The inventors have discovered various systems and methods for on-demand atmospheric control using a mobile air flow control unit. Preferably, the mobile air flow control unit reduces particle and / or germ count of air within the confined space by producing both a secondary air veil that re-circulates purified air within the confined space and a primary air veil “barrier” across the opening of the confined space to separate internal air from the external environment.

[0022] In contrast, it should be appreciated that the contemplated mobile air flow control unit presented herein is significantly distinct from known laminar flow sterile hoods, laminar airflow workstations, or biosafety cabinets where the air within an entire chamber is subject to vertical flow. While such devices will protect cells or material within the chamber, such devices are unsuitable for on-demand configuration and large-scale atmospheric control. This is typically because maintaining a controlled atmosphere within a mobile system is extremely difficult, especially where a tent-like structure is created on-demand in a unique environment and with unique dimensions. For example, known laminar flow sterile hoods, workstations, and cabinets require stabile, calibrated environments in which unidirectional airflow can be most effective. Additionally, it is difficult to prevent environmental hazards such as microbial contamination, temperature fluctuation, dust, vibration, and other hazards from compromising the sterility within a space when the devices are not used in controlled environments such as laboratories or cleanrooms. Further, such devices typically have electrical and ventilation needs. On-demand deployment may lack the stable power supply and infrastructure to support these needs. Still further, such devices known in the art are usually large and heavy, making them and / or their components difficult to move safely. The mobile system contemplated herein avoids many of these concerns using a unique dual air veil that can control the atmosphere within the mobile system in a manner that accounts for environmental hazards, does not require heavy or large equipment and preserves the integrity of sterile conditions without necessitating complex infrastructure setup or the involvement of specialized personnel.

[0023] Therefore, and in a more general aspect of the inventive subject matter, the inventors contemplate a mobile system for atmospheric control that consists of a plurality of static barriers. The contemplated static barriers are configured to allow on-demand assembly to form the confined space, with the confined space having at least one opening. The opening may span a length of at least 1 ft, at least 2 ft, at least 5 ft, at least 10 ft, or at least 20 ft. In some embodiments, the plurality of static barriers is of a material consisting of or comprising nylon, cloth, cardboard, Styrofoam®, polyester, polyethylene, PVC, and canvas. In further embodiments, and especially where the plurality of static barriers form the barriers of a mobile incubator, the plurality of static barriers comprise a material selected from the group consisting of a metal suitable for incubators, steel (stainless, electro-galvanized, antimicrobial coated, etc.), copper, copper alloys, glass, fiber glass, and acrylic.

[0024] The plurality of static barriers can be hung or attached to each other in a way that, when configured, form a tent. The tent, and the corresponding static barriers, may be collapsible or foldable when the confined space is no longer needed. In addition, the tent may be of varying shape depending on the way in which the plurality of static barriers is organized. For example, using three static barriers may result in a tent with a triangular shape. In other embodiments, using one large static barrier may result in the tent having a half-sphere shape. As desired, the tent may also have a rectangular shape. It is also contemplated that the tent may be of a non- triangular, non-rectangular, or non-round shape. For example, the tent may also have a geodesic dome shape, a circular shape (analogous to that of a yurt), or a hexagonal shape.

[0025] As can be readily appreciated, the tent can change shape based on the number of static barriers used and the configuration of the static barriers. The variations in tent shape may be seen from one use to the next. For example, the first time the plurality of static barriers is configured, the tent may have a rectangular shape. Whereas the second or third time the plurality of static barriers is configured, the tent may have a triangular shape.

[0026] It is further contemplated that the plurality of static barriers may be set up manually, i.e., the static barriers are collapsible and / or foldable by a user and may be stored in a container that allows transport and re-use when desired. On the other hand, the plurality of static barriers may also be set up on a mobile transport system that allows the configured tent to be transported to the desired location, i.e., set up on a large trailer and towed to the location where it will be needed.

[0027] While typical embodiments involve tents, in some optional embodiments of the contemplated subject matter, the static barriers may define the barriers of a mobile incubator. Thus, in some embodiments, the inventors contemplate a mobile incubator with atmospheric control, comprising a plurality of static barriers configured to allow on-demand assembly to form a confined space, wherein the confined space has at least one opening, and an air flow control unit configured to produce a primary and a secondary air veil; wherein the primary and the secondary air veil are substantially parallel and extend across the opening; wherein the air flow control unit comprises a moveable vane that is configured to direct at least some air of the secondary air veil into the confined space; and an air purification unit coupled to the air flow control unit configured to reduce particle and / or germ count of air within the secondary air veil. Mobile incubators are contemplated to be especially advantageous for field study, medical applications, on-demand research, on-demand preservation of biological organisms.Optionally, such incubators may comprise a door covering the opening and movable between a first position that allows access to the internal container from an outside position of the incubator and a second position that prevents access to the internal container from the outside position of the incubator. However, the inventors contemplate that the air flow control unit and air purification unit disclosed herein may be effective enough at reducing and preventing contamination as to obviate the need for a door. See WO2021046185, which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0028] In some embodiments, the tent may be set up within a building. In other embodiments, the tent may be set up outdoors. To correspond with the environment in which the tent is set up, the inventors contemplate the confined space to have a height of between 2 feet to 10 feet. For example, if being used within a hospital setting, the confined space may have a height of between 2 ft - 3 ft, or between 3 ft - 5 ft, or between 5 ft - 8 ft. Whereas if being used outdoors, the confined space may have a height of between 5 ft - 7 ft, or between 7 ft - 9 ft, or between9 ft - 11ft, or 11 ft - 15 ft. In some circumstances, a confined space with a height greater than10 ft may be required, which is also contemplated herein.

[0029] In addition to the plurality of static barriers and the formed tent, the contemplated mobile system for atmospheric control also comprises an air flow control unit that is configured to produce a primary and a secondary air veil. Preferably, the primary and the secondary air veil are substantially parallel and extend across the opening of the tent. Most typically, the air flow control unit comprises at least two separate air flow control devices for controlling air flow of the primary and secondary air veils. In some embodiments, the air flow control unit comprises three, four, five, or more air flow control devices. Regardless of the number of air flow control devices used, the inventor contemplates that at least a portion of each air flow control device is enclosed within a single unit.

[0030] In terms of the air flow control unit itself, both a blower fan and a suction fan are contemplated to be at least partially enclosed in the air flow control unit. Such a configuration may allow air to be received from the external environment and allow air to be received from the confined space as well. Preferably, the air flow control unit is configured to form a primary and a secondary air veil that are substantially parallel and extend across an opening within the confined space.

[0031] To further assist in directing air flow, a moveable vane may be removably attached to an output portion of the air flow control device to guide at least some air of the secondary air veil into the confined space. The moveable vane may be controlled by a switch on the outer surface of the air flow control unit to allow adjustability in direction of the moveable vane. In various embodiments, the movable vane may remain static once a direction for air flow is selected with either the secondary air veil being directed into the confined space or being directed parallel to the primary air veil. In other embodiments, the movable vane may remain in motion where the secondary air veil is directed both into the confined space and parallel to the primary air veil.

[0032] Moreover, to reduce particle and / or germ count of air within the confined space as well as within the secondary air veil, an air purification unit may also be coupled to the air flow control unit. It is further contemplated that the air purification unit may comprise a high- efficiency particulate air (HEP A) filter, a UV light, and / or an activated charcoal filter. In some embodiments, an air purification unit may additionally be coupled to the air flow control unit to thereby reduce particle and / or germ count of air within the primary air veil.

[0033] To provide increased flexibility in the use of the mobile system, the inventors further contemplate various configurations of the air flow control unit that result in different sources of air for the secondary air veil. For example, as shown in FIG.l, the air flow control unit comprises primary air flow control devices 104 and 106 as well as secondary air flow control devices 102 and 113. Preferably, the primary and the secondary air flow control devices are independently operable. The primary air flow control devices produce the primary air veil 105 with air derived from the external environment 103 and expels the air back into the environment on the other side of the opening 107. Whereas the secondary air flow control devices receive air from the confined space 111 only, with the confined space being formed by the plurality of static barriers 100. As previously discussed, a movable vane 108 may be attached to the air flow control device to direct air of the secondary air veil back into the confined space 110 or parallel to the primary air veil 112. When air from the secondary air veil is directed parallel to the primary air veil, the movable vane is in a substantially straight position 109. To ensure that air within the confined space has a reduced particle and / or germ count, an air purification unit 101 may also be attached to the air flow control device through which the air from the confined space passes through to thereby form a reduced particle and / or germ count secondary air veil.

[0034] The inventors contemplate a second configuration of the air flow control unit that results in yet another source of air for the secondary air veil. In the second configuration, air in the secondary air veil is derived from a combination of air from the confined space and air from an external environment. As shown in FIG.2, the air flow control unit comprises air flow control devices 207 and 210. Preferably, the two air flow control devices are independently operable. The primary air flow control device 207 produces the primary air veil 208 with air derived from the external environment 206. The primary air flow control device 207 also produces the secondary air veil 202 with a combination of air derived from the external environment 206 and air derived from the confined space 204, with the confined space being formed by the plurality of static barriers 200. As previously mentioned, a movable vane 211 may be attached to the primary air flow control device 207 to direct at least a portion of air from the secondary air veil back into the confined space or parallel to the primary air veil 208. When air from the secondary air veil is directed parallel to the primary air veil, the movable vane is in a substantially straight position 212. To ensure that air within the confined space has a reduced particle and / or germ count, an air purification unit 205 may also be attached to the first air flow control device through which the air from the confined space passes through. An additional air purification unit may be attached to the first air flow control device to thereby reduce particle and / or germ count of the air that is derived from the external environment (not depicted). At least a portion of the secondary air flow control device 210 receives the primary air veil 208 and releases it back to the external environment 209. Another portion of the secondary air flow control device receives the secondary air veil 202 for recirculation back into the confined space 201.

[0035] The inventors contemplate a third configuration of the air flow control unit that results in yet another source of air for the secondary air veil. In the third configuration, air in the secondary air veil is derived from air from the primary air veil. As shown in FIG.3, the air flow control unit comprises air flow control devices 311 and 312. Most typically, the two air flow control devices are independently operable. The primary air flow control device produces the primary air veil 305 with air derived from the external environment 304. The secondary air flow control device 312 receives the primary air veil 305. At least a portion of the primary air veil is released back into the external environment 309, and at least another portion of the primary air veil is recirculated 307 through an air purification unit 308 to form the secondary air veil 306. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the recirculated and purified air from the primary air veil is released back into the confined space 310. As before, the confined spaceis formed by the plurality of static barriers 300. After the primary air veil is released and / or recirculated and purified, the primary air flow control device receives at least a portion of the secondary air veil 306 and redirects 303 the secondary air veil to so form at least a portion of the primary air veil 305. In other words, the primary air veil 305 comprises a combination of external air 304 and a recirculated portion 303 of the secondary air veil 306. Air received from the confined space 301 may also enter the primary air flow control device and contribute to the creation of the primary air veil. In short, the primary and the secondary air flow control devices are configured to redirect flow of the primary air veil to thereby form the secondary air veil as well as redirect flow of the secondary air veil to thereby form the primary air veil. To ensure that air within the primary air veil has a reduced particle and / or germ count, an air purification unit 302 may also be attached to the primary air flow control device through which the air from the confined space passes through. An additional air purification unit 308 may be attached to the secondary air flow control unit to thereby reduce particle and / or germ count of air from the primary air veil that is to be recirculated back into the confined space and / or into the secondary air veil.

[0036] Alternatively, or in addition, it is contemplated that the rate of air flow may be adjustable in the air flow control unit. For instance, the air flow control unit may be configured to provide, or a user may access the air flow control unit and command that the air flow control unit provide, air at a flow rate of at least .002 m / s, at least 0.004 m / s, at least 0.008 m / s, at least 0.016 m / s, at least 0.032 m / s, at least 0.064 m / s, at least 0.125 m / s, at least 0.25 m / s, at least 0.5 m / s, and / or at least 1 m / s. These low air velocities represent a scalable range of embodiments for air veil systems, suitable for various levels of environmental control. Such low velocities are especially appropriate for highly sensitive applications requiring minimal disturbance, such as micro-isolation in cleanrooms, preservation of delicate artifacts, or protective enclosures in biomedical or pharmaceutical settings. Higher air velocities, such as velocities even higher than 1 m / s, extending up to 20 m / s, may be most useful in demanding industrial or commercial conditions, but may indeed be suitable for the same applications as low air velocities. Therefore, in further embodiments, the air flow control unit may be configured to provide, or a user may command the air flow control unit to provide, air at a flow rate of at least 1 m / s, at least 2 m / s, at least 3 m / s, at least 4 m / s, at least 5 m / s, at least 7.5 m / s, at least 10 m / s, at least 15 m / s, and / or at least 20 m / s.

[0037] Different flow rates may also be desired based on the conditions of the ambient environment surrounding the mobile system. For instance, in an environment with rapid fluctuations in wind, high concentrations of contaminants, and / or the presence of particular contaminants that are especially toxic or penetrative, a higher flow rate of the air veils may be desirable. Further, it should be appreciated that the primary air veil and the secondary air veil may have identical or different flow rates. It is typically desirable for the secondary air veil to have a lower flow rate than the primary air veil, especially because the secondary air veil is often partially directed into the defined space and can thus directly disturb the contents within the space. In some embodiments, the air flow control unit is configured to determine the ideal difference between the flow rate of each air veil and maintain the difference by adjusting the flow rate of one veil in response to a change in the flow rate of the other veil. Alternatively, or in addition, the air flow control unit may be configured to allow a user to customize unique flow rates for each air veil.

[0038] In further embodiments, not only can a user select specific rates at which each air veil will travel, but it is contemplated that the air flow control unit may offer preconfigured options for the user to select from depending on intended use. For example, different rates and configurations may be desirable based on whether, for example, the confined space will house healthy people, immunocompromised people, biological samples, vaccines, sterile fluids and products, organs for transplant, diagnostic kits, microchips and semiconductors, radioactive materials, nanomaterials, nutritional supplements, and / or other contents. The air flow control unit may have designated settings corresponding to each type of content to be placed within the confined space.

[0039] It is further noted that the inventive subject matter offers significant advantages over other mobile systems known in the art. For example, the patient isolation module of CA2556140C attempts atmosphere control within an isolation module involving a rectangular cubicle with walls and a ceiling enclosing a hospital bed. However, the atmosphere control of CA2556140C relies on a single, hood-shaped air stream that takes air from an air intake opening to draw air into the cubicle, and uses an air treatment unit with fan inlet openings to draw air from the cubicle, creating a stream of air that moves from the foot of the bed to the head. Such a system is not nearly as adaptable and versatile as the contemplated system. For example, the contemplated system offers great flexibility in in managing air quality and circulation, such as by allowing the air flow control unit to derive air from different sourcesincluding the air in the confined space, the external environment, or the primary air veil. Additionally, the present invention allows a versatile and adaptable setup using static barriers that can be assembled on-demand, allowing for rapid deployment and customization of the confined space and its dimensions. Still further, the use of primary and secondary air veils provides a more controlled and effective barrier against contaminants, especially with the moveable vane directing air into the confined space. Such advantages are not disclosed or even implied by the systems in the art.

[0040] In another example of how the present invention offers significant advantages over the prior art, the instant claims offer several advantages not seen in the portable isolation device of US6162118A. For example, the portable isolation device includes an air conducting unit with a primary duct attached to barrier enclosing a patient, allowing air to be circulated between the enclosed space and an outside location, and a fan connected to the duct. This basic air filter system cannot provide a barrier against contaminants as effective as a dual air veil, and further cannot control the atmosphere within the controlled space as effective as a movable vane that can direct air of various compositions and conditions into the confined space in a controllable manner. Additionally, the instant invention is easier to set up and more customizable.

[0041] In a further example, known air distribution control units and known filtration / ventilation units that are portable, such as those disclosed in US9310088B2, further fail to enable the advantages enabled by the present invention. In US9310088B2, the system draws air from the targeted area into the filtration / ventilation unit. Next, the air passes through a filter, such as a HEPA filter, to remove particulate matter. Then, the air may be exposed to electromagnetic radiation to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms or viruses. Finally, the cleansed air is directed out of the unit, often vertically, to create an air curtain that further isolates the area and prevents the spread of contaminants. While the system of US9310088B2 involves an air curtain, it only involves one single air curtain rather than two, which is disadvantageous compared to the present invention because the dual curtain of the present document provides enhanced isolation, directional control of at least the secondary air curtain to allow for precise control of airflow within the confined space, customizable air source for the secondary curtain which offers flexibility in managing air conditions (air composition, temperature, density, etc.) within the enclosure, redundancy of independent air curtains to mitigate the risk of one curtain failing, and targeted purification enabled by the air purification unit coupled to the secondary veil wherein air entering the confined space is thoroughly cleanedwhile maintaining a separate barrier (the primary air curtain) to protect the confined space from contaminants.

[0042] In yet a further example, the mobile system of EP4443066A1 describes a system for air decontamination of a three-dimensional space using a canopy, an air inlet member, an air displacement device, and a filter to create a laminar flow and remove ultrafine particles. Again, systems such as those disclosed in EP4443066A1 fail to discuss the formation of primary and secondary air veils, and additionally fail to discuss a moveable vane to direct air. Such systems further rely solely on air flow rather than physical barriers such as the static barriers used in the present invention. As a result of these deficiencies, such systems fails to achieve the benefits of targeted air purification, portability and rapid deployment, adaptability to different spaces, and precise atmosphere control within the three-dimensional space.

[0043] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” As used herein, the terms "about" and "approximately", when referring to a specified, measurable value (such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like), is meant to encompass the specified value and variations of and from the specified value, such as variations of + / -10% or less, alternatively + / -5% or less, alternatively + / -1% or less, alternatively + / -0.1% or less of and from the specified value, insofar as such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the value to which the modifier "about" or "approximately" refers is itself also specifically disclosed. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0044] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0045] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As also used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously.

[0046] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification or claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 19 December 2025 (19.12.2025)CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A mobile system for atmospheric control within a confined space, comprising: a plurality of static barriers configured to allow on-demand assembly to form the confined space, wherein the confined space has at least one opening; an air flow control unit coupled to at least one of the static barriers and configured to produce a primary and a secondary air veil; wherein the primary and the secondary air veil are substantially parallel and extend across the opening; wherein the air flow control unit comprises a moveable vane that is configured to direct at least some air of the secondary air veil into the confined space; wherein at least a portion of the secondary air veil is recirculated back into the confined space; and an air purification unit coupled to the air flow control unit configured to reduce particle and / or germ count of air within the secondary air veil.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the static barriers are configured to form a tent.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the tent is of a rectangular, triangular, or round shape.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the confined space has a height of between 2ft (0.61m) to 10ft (3.05m).

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of static barriers is collapsible or foldable.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of static barriers comprise a material selected from the group consisting of nylon, cloth, cardboard, Styrofoam®, polyester, polyethylene, PVC, and canvas.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the air flow control unit is configured such that a. air in the secondary air veil is derived from the confined space only, b. air in the secondary air veil is derived from a combination of air from the confined space and air from an external environment, or c. air in the secondary air veil is derived from air from the primary air veil.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the air flow control unit comprises primary and secondary air flow control devices configured to produce the primary and the secondary air veil, respectively.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein the primary air flow control device receives air from an external environment and wherein the primary and the secondary air flow control devices are independently operable.

10. The system of claim 8 wherein at least a portion of the primary and the secondary air flow control devices are enclosed within a single unit.

11. The system of claim 8 wherein the primary and the secondary air flow control devices are configured to redirect flow of the primary air veil to thereby form the secondary air veil.

12. The system of claim 8 wherein the primary and / or the secondary air flow control devices comprise an air purification unit.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein the air purification unit comprises a high-efficiency particulate air (HEP A) filter, a UV light, and / or an activated charcoal filter.

14. A method for atmospheric control within a confined space, comprising: placing a plurality of static barriers configured to allow on-demand assembly to form the confined space, wherein the confined space has at least one opening; coupling to at least one of the static barriers an air flow control unit configured to produce a primary and a secondary air veil; wherein the primary and the secondary air veil are substantially parallel and extend across the opening; wherein the air flow control unit comprises a moveable vane that is configured to direct at least some air of the secondary air veil into the confined space; wherein at least a portion of the secondary air veil is recirculated back into the confined space; and installing an air purification unit coupled to the air flow control unit configured to reduce particle and / or germ count of air within the secondary air veil.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the static barriers are configured to form a tent.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the tent is of a rectangular, triangular, or round shape.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein the confined space has a height of between 2ft (0.61m) to 10ft (3.05m).

18. The method of claim 14 wherein the plurality of static barriers is collapsible or foldable.

19. The method of claim 14 wherein the plurality of static barriers comprise a material selected from the group consisting of nylon, cloth, cardboard, Styrofoam®, polyester, polyethylene, PVC, and canvas.

20. The method of claim 14 wherein the air flow control unit is configured such that a. air in the secondary air veil is derived from the confined space only, b. air in the secondary air veil is derived from a combination of air from the confined space and air from an external environment, or c. air in the secondary air veil is derived from air from the primary air veil.

21. The method of claim 14 wherein the air flow control unit comprises primary and secondary air flow control devices configured to produce the primary and the secondary air veil, respectively.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the primary air flow control device receives air from an external environment and wherein the primary and the secondary air flow control devices are independently operable.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein at least a portion of the primary and the secondary air flow control devices are enclosed within a single unit.

24. The method of claim 21 wherein the primary and the secondary air flow control devices are configured to redirect flow of the primary air veil to thereby form the secondary air veil.

25. The method of claim 21 wherein the primary and / or the secondary air flow control devices comprise an air purification unit.

26. The system of claim 25 wherein the air purification unit comprises a high-efficiency particulate air (HEP A) filter, a UV light, and / or an activated charcoal filter.

27. An air flow control unit for atmospheric control within a confined space, comprising: a blower fan and a suction fan at least partially enclosed in the air flow control unit, wherein the air flow control unit is configured to receive air from an external environment and to receive air from the confined space; wherein the air flow control unit is further configured to form a primary and a secondary air veil that are substantially parallel and extend across an opening within the confined space;wherein the air flow control unit comprises a moveable vane coupled to the air flow control unit and configured to direct at least some air of the secondary air veil into the confined space; wherein the air flow control unit is further configured such that at least a portion of the secondary air veil is recirculated back into the confined space; and an air purification unit operably coupled to the air flow control unit and configured to reduce particle and / or germ count of air within the secondary air veil.

28. The air flow control unit of claim 27 wherein the air flow control unit is configured such that a. air in the secondary air veil is derived from the confined space only, b. air in the secondary air veil is derived from a combination of air from the confined space and air from an external environment, or c. air in the secondary air veil is derived from air from the primary air veil.

29. The air flow control unit of claim 27 wherein the air flow control unit comprises primary and secondary air flow control devices configured to produce the primary and the secondary air veil, respectively.

30. The air flow control unit of claim 29 wherein the primary air flow control device receives air from the external environment and wherein the primary and the secondary air flow control devices are independently operable.

31. The air flow control unit of claim 29 wherein at least a portion of the primary and the secondary air flow control devices are enclosed within a single unit.

32. The air flow control unit of claim 29 wherein the primary and the secondary air flow control devices are configured to redirect flow of the primary air veil to thereby form the secondary air veil.

33. The air flow control unit of claim 29 wherein the primary and / or the secondary air flow control devices comprise an air purification unit.

34. The air flow control unit of claim 33 wherein the air purification unit comprises a high- efficiency particulate air (HEP A) filter, a UV light, and / or an activated charcoal filter.

35. The air flow control unit of claim 33 wherein the air purification unit reduces the particle and / or germ count of the air within the secondary air veil.22

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