U.S. patent application number 15/144980 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-02 for enhanced photo-catalytic cells.
The applicant listed for this patent is PURADIGM, LLC. Invention is credited to David E. Tupman.
Application Number | 20170028093 15/144980 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45770870 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170028093 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tupman; David E. |
February 2, 2017 |
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) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PURADIGM, LLC |
LAS VEGAS |
NV |
US |
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Family ID: |
45770870 |
Appl. No.: |
15/144980 |
Filed: |
May 3, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14065031 |
Oct 28, 2013 |
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15144980 |
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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: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01J 2219/0875 20130101;
B01D 53/8668 20130101; A61L 9/205 20130101; B01J 19/123 20130101;
B01J 2219/0892 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61L 9/20 20060101
A61L009/20; B01J 19/12 20060101 B01J019/12 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for ionizing air, the apparatus comprising: a first
target including: an inner side arranged to receive ultra-violet
("UV") energy from a UV emitter, an outer side that abuts a region
where an airflow is unobstructed, a plurality of passages extending
continuously between the inner side and the outer side, and a
photo-catalytic coating on the plurality of passages, wherein the
photo-catalytic coating comprises titanium dioxide; 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 arranged to: receive, through the inner side and at
the photo-catalytic coating, UV energy from the UV emitter and UV
energy from the first reflector, wherein incident angles of
specularly reflected UV ray paths received from the first reflector
are greater than incident angles of UV ray paths received directly
from the UV emitter, ionize air in response to the received UV
energy, and pass the airflow from the inner side and through the
plurality of passages to carry the ionized air away from the outer
side.
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 material that does not readily oxidize.
5. 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.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first target comprises a
honeycomb matrix.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a second target
opposite the first target, wherein the second target includes: an
inner side arranged to receive ultra-violet ("UV") energy from a UV
emitter, an outer side that abuts a region where the airflow is
unobstructed, a plurality of passages between the inner side and
the outer side, and a photo-catalytic coating on the plurality of
passages, wherein the photo-catalytic coating comprises titanium
dioxide; 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 side and at the
photo-catalytic coating, UV energy from the UV emitter and the
first reflector, wherein incident angles of specularly reflected UV
ray paths received from the first reflector are greater than
incident angles of UV ray paths received directly from the UV
emitter, ionize air in response to the received UV energy, pass an
airflow from the outer side and through the plurality of passages
to carry the ionized air away from the inner side.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second target comprises a
honeycomb matrix.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: each of the plurality of
passages includes an ingress opening and an egress opening; and the
size of the ingress opening is the same as the size of the egress
opening for a respective passage.
10. An apparatus including a chamber for ionizing air, the
apparatus comprising: a first target comprising: a first side
abutting an interior region of the chamber, a second side abutting
a region exterior to the chamber, wherein an airflow in the region
exterior to the chamber is unobstructed, a plurality of passages
extending continuously between the first side and the second side
of the first target, wherein each of the plurality of passages
includes an ingress opening and an egress opening, and wherein the
size of the ingress opening is the same as the size of the egress
opening for a respective passage, and a photo-catalytic coating on
the plurality of passages, wherein the photo-catalytic coating
comprises titanium dioxide; 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.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, 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.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the chamber further
includes: a second target opposite the first target, wherein the
second target includes: a first side abutting an interior region of
the chamber, a second side abutting a region exterior to the
chamber, wherein the airflow in the region exterior to the chamber
is unobstructed, a plurality of passages extending continuously
between the first side and the second side of the second target,
wherein each of the plurality of passages includes an ingress
opening and an egress opening, and wherein the size of the ingress
opening is the same as the size of the egress opening for a
respective passage, and a photo-catalytic coating on the plurality
of passages, wherein the photo-catalytic coating comprises titanium
dioxide; 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.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, 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.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, 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.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a seventh
reflector on the first target and facing the interior region 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.
16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein a reflecting surface of the
first reflector is electrically conductive.
17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first target comprises a
honeycomb matrix.
18. The apparatus of claim 10, 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.
19. 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 target including plurality of passages between a
region interior to the apparatus and a region exterior to the
apparatus, wherein each of the plurality of passages has 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 generate 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 when
passing an airflow of at least 272 feet per minute through the
apparatus.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, 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.
21. 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
comprising titanium dioxide and arranged to: receive direct UV
energy directly from the UV emitter, receive specularly reflected
UV energy reflected from the first reflector, 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.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the photo-catalytic coating
comprises titanium dioxide.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/065,031 filed on Oct. 28, 2013, which 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, all 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.
* * * * *