U.S. patent application number 14/065031 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-20 for enhanced photo-catalytic cells.
This patent application is currently assigned to PURADIGM, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Puradigm, LLC. Invention is credited to David E. Tupman.
Application Number | 20140050610 14/065031 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45770870 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140050610 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tupman; David E. |
February 20, 2014 |
ENHANCED PHOTO-CATALYTIC CELLS
Abstract
A photo-catalytic cell may produce bactericidal molecules in air
by passing air across catalyst coated targets. Ultraviolet (UV)
energy may be emitted from a source. A first portion of the UV
energy from the source may be applied directly onto the targets. A
second portion of the UV energy from the source may be reflected
onto the targets.
Inventors: |
Tupman; David E.; (Anna,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Puradigm, LLC |
Las Vegas |
NV |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PURADIGM, LLC
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
45770870 |
Appl. No.: |
14/065031 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13115546 |
May 25, 2011 |
8585979 |
|
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14065031 |
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61380462 |
Sep 7, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
422/4 ;
422/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 53/8668 20130101;
B01J 19/123 20130101; B01J 2219/0875 20130101; A61L 9/205 20130101;
B01J 2219/0892 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
422/4 ;
422/121 |
International
Class: |
A61L 9/20 20060101
A61L009/20 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for ionizing air, the apparatus comprising: a first
target including: an inner face arranged to receive ultra-violet
("UV") energy from a UV emitter, an outer face, a plurality of
passages between the inner face and the outer face, and a
photo-catalytic coating on the plurality of passages; a first
reflector configured to reflect UV energy from the UV emitter
towards the photo-catalytic coating of the first target, wherein
the first reflector is a specular UV reflector; and wherein the
first target is configured to: receive, through the inner face and
at the photo-catalytic coating, UV energy from the UV emitter and
the first reflector, generate ions in response to the received UV
energy, pass an airflow from the inner face and through the
plurality of passages to carry the ions away from the outer
face.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a reflecting surface of the
first reflector is electrically conductive.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first reflector comprises
micro-polished stainless steel.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first reflector comprises
a chromium-plated material.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first reflector comprises
a material that does not readily oxidize.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first reflector comprises
a material having a UV reflectivity of about 90% or greater at UV
wavelengths of 185 nm and 254 nm.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first target comprises a
honeycomb matrix.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a second target
opposite the first target, wherein the second target includes: an
inner face arranged to receive ultra-violet ("UV") energy from a UV
emitter, an outer face, a plurality of passages between the inner
face and the outer face, and a photo-catalytic coating on the
plurality of passages; wherein the first reflector is further
configured to reflect UV energy from the UV emitter towards the
photo-catalytic coating of the second target; and wherein the
second target is configured to: receive, through the inner face and
at the photo-catalytic coating, UV energy from the UV emitter and
the first reflector, generate ions in response to the received UV
energy, pass an airflow from the outer face and through the
plurality of passages to carry the ions away from the inner
face.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second target comprises a
honeycomb matrix.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a seventh
reflector on the inner face of the first target and configured to
reflect UV energy that is emitted from the UV emitter in a
direction that is almost orthogonal to the inner surface of the
first target, wherein the seventh reflector is a specular UV
reflector.
11. An apparatus for ionizing air, the apparatus comprising: a
chamber including: a first target comprising: a plurality of
passages between an interior area of the chamber and an exterior
area, and a photo-catalytic coating on the plurality of passages; a
first reflector configured to reflect UV energy from a UV emitter
towards the photo-catalytic coating of the first target, wherein
the first reflector is a specular UV reflector; and wherein the
photo-catalytic coating is arranged to receive UV energy directly
from the UV emitter and UV energy reflected from the first
reflector.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising at least one
corner reflector arranged in an interior corner of the chamber,
wherein the at least one corner reflector is a specular UV
reflector.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the chamber further
includes: a second target opposite the first target, wherein the
second target includes: a plurality of passages between the
interior area of the chamber and the exterior area, and a
photo-catalytic coating on the plurality of passages; wherein the
first reflector is further configured to reflect UV energy from the
UV emitter towards the photo-catalytic coating of the second
target; and wherein the photo-catalytic coating is arranged to
receive UV energy directly from the UV emitter and UV energy
reflected from the first reflector.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a second
reflector opposite the first reflector and configured to reflect UV
energy from the UV emitter towards the photo-catalytic coating of
the first target and the photo-catalytic coating of the second
target, and wherein the second reflector is a specular UV
reflector.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: a third
reflector located at a corner between the first target and the
first reflector; a fourth reflector located at a corner between the
second target and the first reflector; a fifth reflector located at
a corner between the first target and the second reflector; and a
sixth reflector located at a corner between the first target and
the second reflector.
16. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a seventh
reflector on the first target and facing the interior area of the
chamber, wherein the seventh reflector configured to reflect UV
energy that is emitted from the UV emitter in a direction that is
almost orthogonal to the first target, and wherein the seventh
reflector is a specular UV reflector.
17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein a reflecting surface of the
first reflector is electrically conductive.
18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first target comprises a
honeycomb matrix.
19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first reflector
comprises a material having a UV reflectivity of about 90% or
greater at UV wavelengths of 185 nm and 254 nm.
20. A method for ionizing air, the method comprising: emitting, by
an ultra-violet ("UV") emitter, UV energy towards a first reflector
and a first target; reflecting, by a first reflector, UV energy
towards the first target, wherein the first reflector is a specular
UV reflector; receiving, at a plurality of passages through the
first target, UV energy directly from the UV emitter and UV energy
reflected from the first reflector; responsively generating ions at
a photo-catalytic coating on the plurality of passages of the first
target; and passing an airflow through the plurality of passages of
the first target to carry the ions away from the first target.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of responsively
generating ions further comprises responsively generating more ions
at the photo-catalytic coating in response to receiving UV energy
from the first reflector than in response to receiving UV energy
directly from the UV emitter.
22. The method of claim 20, further comprising: emitting, by the UV
emitter, UV energy towards the first reflector and a second target;
reflecting, by the first reflector, UV energy towards the second
target; receiving, at a plurality of passages through the second
target, UV energy from the UV emitter and from the first reflector;
responsively generating ions at a photo-catalytic coating on the
plurality of passages of the second target; and passing an airflow
through the plurality of passages of the second target to carry the
ions away from the second target and towards the first target.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein the first reflector comprises a
material having a UV reflectivity of about 90% or greater at UV
wavelengths of 185 nm and 254 nm.
24. An apparatus for ionizing air, the apparatus comprising: a
first reflector configured to reflect ultra-violet ("UV") energy
from a UV emitter, wherein the first reflector is a specular UV
reflector; and a plurality of passages having a photo-catalytic
coating, wherein the plurality of passages is arranged to: receive
direct UV energy directly from the UV emitter, receive specularly
reflected UV energy reflected from the first reflector, generate a
first number of ions at the photo-catalytic coating in response to
receiving the specularly reflected UV energy, and generating a
second number of ions at the photo-catalytic coating in response to
receiving the direct UV energy, wherein the first number of ions is
greater than the second number of ions.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the plurality of passages is
further arranged to: receive the direct UV energy at a first
incident angle, receive the specularly reflected UV energy at a
second incident angle, and wherein the second incident angle is
greater than the first incident angle.
26. An apparatus for ionizing air, the apparatus comprising: a
first reflector configured to reflect ultra-violet ("UV") energy
from a UV emitter, wherein the first reflector is a specular UV
reflector; and a first target having a photo-catalytic coating
arranged to: receive direct UV energy directly from the UV emitter,
receive specularly reflected UV energy reflected from the first
reflector, responsively generate ions in response to the direct UV
energy and the specularly reflected UV energy, and emit the ions
into an airflow directed to deliver the ions into an external
environment.
27. An apparatus for ionizing air, the apparatus comprising: a
first reflector configured to reflect ultra-violet ("UV") energy
from a UV emitter, wherein the first reflector is a specular UV
reflector; and a first target having a photo-catalytic coating
arranged to: receive direct UV energy directly from the UV emitter
at a first range of incident angles, and receive specularly
reflected UV energy from the first reflector at a second range of
incident angles, wherein the second range of incident angles is
larger than the first range of incident angles.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the largest angle in the
first range of incident angles is less than the smallest angle in
the second range of incident angles.
29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the photo-catalytic coating
is further arranged to: responsively generate a first number of
ions in response to the direct UV energy, and responsively generate
a second number of ions in response to the specularly reflected UV
energy, wherein the second number of ions is greater than the first
number of ions.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims is a continuation of co-pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/115,546 filed on May 25, 2011, and
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/380,462 filed on Sep. 7, 2010, both of which are herein
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to methods and
apparatus for producing an enhanced ionized cloud of bactericidal
molecules.
[0003] Photo-catalytic cells may be employed to produce
bactericidal molecules in air flow passing through the cells. The
cells may be positioned to ionize air that may then be directed
into an enclosed space or room. Emerging molecules from the cells
may have a bactericidal effect on various bacteria, molds or
viruses which may be airborne in the room or may be on surfaces of
walls or objects in the room.
[0004] Typically, such cells may be constructed with a "target
material" (or coated surface(s) surrounding a broad spectrum
ultraviolet (UV) emitter. This combination can produce an ionized
cloud of bactericidal molecules. The target may be coated with
titanium dioxide as well as a few other proprietary trace elements.
As air passes through or onto the target, UV energy striking the
titanium dioxide may result in a catalytic reaction that may
produce the desired cloud of bactericidal molecules within the
airflow. These molecules, upon contact with any bacteria, mold or
virus, may kill them.
[0005] Effectiveness of such photo-catalytic cells may be dependent
on the concentration of the bactericidal molecules which may be
produced by the cells. The bactericide concentration level may be
dependent on the degree to which UV energy is applied to the
titanium dioxide of the honeycomb mesh.
[0006] As can be seen, there is a need for a system in which a
higher proportion of UV energy from a UV emitter (in such a
photo-catalytic cell) can be caused to impinge upon the titanium
dioxide within the cell.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a photo-catalytic
cell with an ultraviolet (UV) emitter and catalyst-coated targets
may be comprised of at least one UV reflector configured to reflect
UV energy from the UV emitter onto the targets. The rectangular
"honeycomb matrix" target shape shown in the attached FIGS. 1,2 and
3 is just one of many mechanical shapes that could use the proposed
"enhanced ionization" technology proposed in this application. The
proposed enhancement technology consist of reflective surfaces that
have the unique reflective specifications as described in
paragraphs 21 thru 26.
[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for
producing bactericidal molecules in air may comprise the steps of:
passing air across catalyst coated targets; emitting UV energy from
a source; applying a first portion of the UV energy from the source
directly onto the targets; and reflecting a second portion of the
UV energy from the source onto the targets.
[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following drawings, description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical photo-catalytic
cell in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in which a
typical "honeycomb matrix" is shown as the "target";
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the photo-catalytic cell
of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the photo-catalytic cell
of FIG. 2 taken along the line 3-3; and
[0013] FIG. 4 is a comparison graph showing a difference in
performance of the photo-catalytic cell of FIG. 1 with and without
use of UV reflectors in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The following detailed description is of the best currently
contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the
invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense,
but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general
principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is
best defined by the appended claims.
[0015] Various inventive features are described below that can each
be used independently of one another or in combination with other
features.
[0016] Broadly, embodiments of the present invention generally
provide photo-catalytic cells in which reflectors may be positioned
to reflect UV energy and increase a proportion of emitted UV energy
that strikes titanium dioxide in the cell at high incident
angles.
[0017] Referring now to the Figures, it may be seen that an
exemplary embodiment of a photo-catalytic cell 10 may comprise an
electronics box 12; a light pipe indicator 14; a power cord 16; a
chamber 18; honeycomb targets 20; UV reflectors 22-1, 22-2 and
22-3; and a UV emitter or lamp 24. The honeycomb targets 20 may be
coated with titanium dioxide.
[0018] In operation, air may pass across the honeycomb targets 20
while UV energy may be applied to the target 20 by the lamp 24. A
photo-catalytic reaction may take place in the presence of the UV
energy. The reaction may produce bactericidal molecules in the
air.
[0019] Referring now particularly to FIG. 3, the efficacy of the UV
reflectors 22-1 may be illustrated. If the reflector 22-1 were not
present, an emitted ray 26 might pass through the honeycomb target
20 without impinging on the titanium dioxide. However, when one of
the reflectors 22-1 is present, an illustrative emitted ray 28-1 of
UV energy may impinge on the UV reflectors 22-1. The ray 28-1 may
be reflected to become a reflected ray 28-2. It may be seen that
the reflected ray 28-2 may impinge on a surface of the honeycomb
target 20. It may be seen that a hypothetical unreflected ray 26,
which might follow a path parallel to that of the ray 28-1, might
pass through the honeycomb target 20 without impinging on the
target 20. Thus, presence of the reflector 22-1 in the path of the
ray 28-1 may result in avoidance of loss of the UV energy from the
ray 28-1. The reflectors 22-1 may be relatively small as compared
to the size of the honeycomb target 20. The small size (about 10%
of the size of the target 20) may allow for minimal air flow
obstruction. In spite of their relatively small size, the
reflectors 22-1 may be effective because they may reflect virtually
all of the (normally lost) UV energy that is emitted in a direction
that is almost orthogonal (i.e., within .+-.5.degree. of
orthogonality) to the outer vertical plane of the honeycomb target
20. Hence, UV energy would pass thru the honeycomb target without
touching the TiO2 surface. But by "reflecting" the UV rays onto the
"opposite side" target matrix--that energy could be captured and
utilized so as to add to the total ion count within the desired
cloud of ionized molecules. In other words, the number of ions
created by any incoming UV ray is proportional to the sine of the
incident angle (Theta) between the UV ray path and the TiO2 surface
that a given ray is impacting. [0020] At theta=90 deg Sine (90)=1
Maximum energy gathered [0021] At theta=0 deg Sine (0)=0 Minimum
energy gathered
[0022] Reflectors 22-3 may be interposed between the lamp 24 and
walls of the chamber 18. UV energy striking the reflectors 22-3 may
be reflected onto the honeycomb target 20. Thus presence of the
reflectors 22-3 may result in avoidance of loss of UV energy that
might otherwise be absorbed or diffused by walls of the chamber 18.
Similarly, reflectors 22-2 may be placed in corners of the chamber
18 to reflect UV energy onto the honeycomb target 20
[0023] The reflectors 22-1, 22-2 and/or 22-3 may be constructed
from material that is effective for reflection of energy with a
wavelength in the UV range (i.e., about 184 nanometers [nm] to
about 255 nm). While soft metals such as gold and silver surfaces
may be effective reflectors for visible light, their large grain
size may make them less suitable than metallic surfaces with a
small grain size (i.e., hard metals). Thus, hard metals such as
chromium and stainless steel and other metals that do not readily
oxidize may be effective UV reflectors and may be particularly
effective for use as UV reflectors in the photo-catalytic cell 10.
Material with a UV reflectivity of about 90% or higher may be
suitable for use in the reflectors 22-1, 22-1 and 22-3. Lower
reflectively produces lower effectiveness. To achieve the level of
reflection required, it may be necessary to "micro-polish or buff"
a selected materials reflective surface to achieve the
specifications defined in para 22]-24] below.
[0024] Advantageously, reflecting surfaces of the reflectors 22
should be electrically conductive. Specifically, outer surface
coatings (added for oxidation protection) like glass, clear
plastics, clear anodization (i.e. non-conductive) may diminish
(considerably) any performance enhancement of the photo-catalytic
cell 10.
[0025] Also it is important that reflecting surfaces of the UV
reflector 22 produce surface specular reflection. (Specular
reflection being a "mirror-like reflection" of light--in which a
single incoming light ray is reflected into a single outgoing
direction) Specular reflection is distinct from "diffuse"
reflection where an incoming light ray is reflected into a broad
range of directions. Diffuse reflection may diminish performance
enhancement of the photo-catalytic cell 10.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment of the photo-catalytic cell 10,
the reflectors 22-1, 22-2 and 22-3 may be chromium-plated plastic.
Chromium-plated plastic may be a desirably low cost material with a
desirably high degree of reflectivity for UV energy. So called
"soft chrome" such as the plating used to produce a mirror-like
finish that is seen on automobile chromed surfaces may be
advantageously employed.
[0027] It may be noted that there may be other cell shape designs
which are not rectangular. For example, the cell 10 may be
circular, tubular, or may have an otherwise complex shape. For
these non-rectangular shaped cells, an optimum reflector design may
be curved or otherwise non-flat in shape.
[0028] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing
relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *