U.S. patent application number 16/373069 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-17 for cleaning device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Oshkosh Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Oshkosh Corporation. Invention is credited to Glen Brizius, Dan Drake, Pete Evans, Don Gray, Jeromie Johnston, Allen Wood.
Application Number | 20200289984 16/373069 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004038584 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-17 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200289984 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Drake; Dan ; et al. |
September 17, 2020 |
CLEANING DEVICE
Abstract
A cleaning device includes a housing, an air driver, an ozone
generator, and a catalyst. The housing defines an inlet, an outlet,
and an internal cavity connecting the inlet to the outlet. The air
driver is positioned within the internal cavity. The air driver is
configured to draw contaminated air from an external environment
into the inlet and through the internal cavity of the housing to
facilitate decontaminating the contaminated air and emitting clean
air out of the outlet into the external environment. The ozone
generator is positioned within the internal cavity. The ozone
generator is configured to generate ozone. The catalyst is
positioned within the internal cavity. The ozone and/or the
catalyst are configured to interact with the contaminated air to
produce the clean air.
Inventors: |
Drake; Dan; (Oshkosh,
WI) ; Gray; Don; (Oshkosh, WI) ; Brizius;
Glen; (Oshkosh, WI) ; Wood; Allen; (Oshkosh,
WI) ; Johnston; Jeromie; (Oshkosh, WI) ;
Evans; Pete; (Oshkosh, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Oshkosh Corporation |
Oshkosh |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Oshkosh Corporation
Oshkosh
WI
|
Family ID: |
1000004038584 |
Appl. No.: |
16/373069 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62816587 |
Mar 11, 2019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 53/86 20130101;
B01D 53/885 20130101; B01D 2259/804 20130101; A61L 9/20 20130101;
B01D 2255/802 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B01D 53/88 20060101
B01D053/88; B01D 53/86 20060101 B01D053/86; A61L 9/20 20060101
A61L009/20 |
Claims
1. A cleaning device comprising: a housing defining an inlet, an
outlet, and an internal cavity connecting the inlet to the outlet;
an ozone generator positioned within the internal cavity; a
catalyst positioned within the internal cavity; and an air driver
positioned within the internal cavity, the air driver configured to
draw contaminated air from an external environment into the inlet,
across the ozone generator, and through the catalyst to facilitate
decontaminating the contaminated air and emitting clean air out of
the outlet into the external environment; wherein the ozone
generator is configured to convert at least a portion of oxygen
within the contaminated air into ozone as the contaminated air
flows across the ozone generator; and wherein at least one of the
ozone or the catalyst is configured to interact with the
contaminated air to produce the clean air.
2. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the catalyst is
positioned to neutralize excess ozone that does not interact with
the contaminated air such that the excess ozone does not exit the
outlet of the housing.
3. The cleaning device of claim 1, further comprising a filter
positioned within the internal cavity, proximate the inlet.
4. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the air driver includes
a fan.
5. The cleaning device of claim 1, further comprising an
ultraviolet light source positioned within the internal cavity and
configured to emit ultraviolet light.
6. The cleaning device of claim 5, wherein the ultraviolet light
source is positioned between the ozone generator and the
catalyst.
7. The cleaning device of claim 5, further comprising a
photocatalyst positioned within the internal cavity, wherein the
photocatalyst and the ultraviolet light source function as a
photocatalytic oxidizer.
8. The cleaning device of claim 7, wherein the photocatalyst is
spaced from the ultraviolet light source such that a gap is formed
therebetween.
9. The cleaning device of claim 7, wherein the photocatalyst and
the ultraviolet light source are a single component.
10. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a
door that is selectively openable, wherein the cleaning device is
operable in (i) a first mode where the door is closed such that the
contaminated air is cycled through the housing and the clean air is
emitted from the outlet of the housing and (ii) a second mode where
the door is open and the ozone is emitted from the housing through
the door into the external environment such that the ozone bypasses
the catalyst and the outlet.
11. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a
port configured to interface with a humidifying unit to facilitate
injecting moisture into the internal cavity.
12-19. (canceled)
20. A cleaning device comprising: a housing defining an inlet, an
outlet, and an internal cavity connecting the inlet to the outlet;
a filter positioned within the internal cavity, proximate the
inlet; an air driver positioned within the internal cavity,
downstream of the filter, wherein the air driver is configured to
drive air through the internal cavity; an ozone generator
positioned within the internal cavity, downstream of the air
driver, wherein the ozone generator is configured to generate ozone
from oxygen within the air driven across the ozone generator by the
air driver; an ultraviolet light source positioned within the
internal cavity, downstream of the ozone generator, wherein the
ultraviolet light source is configured to emit ultraviolet light; a
photocatalyst positioned within the internal cavity, downstream of
the ultraviolet light source such that a gap is defined between the
ultraviolet light source and the photocatalyst, wherein the
ultraviolet light is configured to activate the photocatalyst; and
a catalyst positioned within the internal cavity, downstream of the
photocatalyst, proximate the outlet.
21. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the air driver includes
an ion generator.
22. The cleaning device of claim 3, further comprising a first
screen positioned upstream of the filter and a second screen
positioned downstream of the filter such that the filter is
positioned between the first screen and the second screen, wherein
the first screen and the second screen assist in holding the filter
in place.
23. The cleaning device of claim 3, wherein the housing defines a
filter aperture and includes a cap positioned to selectively
enclose the filter aperture, and wherein the cap is selectively
removable to facilitate removing the filter from the internal
cavity through the filter aperture.
24. The cleaning device of claim 1, further comprising a first
screen positioned upstream of the catalyst and a second screen
positioned downstream of the catalyst such that the catalyst is
positioned between the first screen and the second screen, wherein
the first screen and the second screen assist in holding the
catalyst in place.
25. The cleaning device of claim 24, wherein the catalyst is a
first catalyst, and wherein the first screen is coated in a
catalyst material such that the first screen functions as a second
catalyst.
26. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the housing has an
inlet chamber that defines the inlet and an outlet chamber that
defines that outlet, wherein the inlet chamber has a first width
and the outlet chamber has a second width that is different than
the first width.
27. The cleaning device of claim 26, wherein the first width is at
most eight inches and the second width is at most twelve inches,
and wherein the housing has an overall length of at most
twenty-four inches.
28. The cleaning device of claim 26, wherein the housing has an
intermediate chamber connecting the inlet chamber and the outlet
chamber, wherein the intermediate chamber has at least one of a
linear profile or a non-liner profile.
29. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the air driver is
positioned upstream of the ozone generator and the catalyst.
30. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the air driver is
positioned downstream of at least one of the ozone generator or the
catalyst.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/816,587, filed Mar. 11, 2019, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Firefighters are at a higher risk of health ailments (e.g.,
cancer) than the general public. This has been attributed to
carcinogens released from burning materials at the scene of a fire.
Such carcinogens can contaminate the interior cabs of vehicles and
the interior of buildings and cause health risks to the occupants
thereof. Further, pathogens within enclosed spaces (e.g.,
hospitals, restrooms, vehicles, etc.) can cause health risks to the
occupants thereof.
SUMMARY
[0003] One embodiment relates to a cleaning device. The cleaning
device includes a housing, an air driver, an ozone generator, and a
catalyst. The housing defines an inlet, an outlet, and an internal
cavity connecting the inlet to the outlet. The air driver is
positioned within the internal cavity. The air driver is configured
to draw contaminated air from an external environment into the
inlet and through the internal cavity of the housing to facilitate
decontaminating the contaminated air and emitting clean air out of
the outlet into the external environment. The ozone generator is
positioned within the internal cavity. The ozone generator is
configured to generate ozone. The catalyst is positioned within the
internal cavity. The ozone and/or the catalyst are configured to
interact with the contaminated air to produce the clean air.
[0004] Another embodiment relates to vehicle. The vehicle includes
a chassis, a cab coupled to the chassis, and a cleaning device. The
cab defines an interior space. The cleaning device is positioned
within the cab. The cleaning device includes an ozone generator
configured to generate ozone to interact with contaminates within
the interior space to neutralize the contaminates.
[0005] Still another embodiment relates to a cleaning device. The
cleaning device includes a housing, a filter, an air driver, an
ozone generator, and ultraviolet light source, a photocatalyst, and
a catalyst. The housing defines an inlet, an outlet, and an
internal cavity connecting the inlet to the outlet. The filter is
positioned within the internal cavity, proximate the inlet. The air
driver is positioned within the internal cavity, downstream of the
filter. The air driver is configured to drive air through the
internal cavity. The ozone generator is positioned within the
internal cavity, downstream of the air driver. The ozone generator
is configured to generate ozone. The ultraviolet light source is
positioned within the internal cavity, downstream of the ozone
generator. The ultraviolet light source is configured to emit
ultraviolet light. The photocatalyst is positioned within the
internal cavity, downstream of the ultraviolet light source such
that a gap is defined between the ultraviolet light source and the
photocatalyst. The ultraviolet light is configured to activate the
photocatalyst. The catalyst is positioned within the internal
cavity, downstream of the photocatalyst, proximate the outlet.
[0006] This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be
in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and
advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become
apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference
numerals refer to like elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a firefighting vehicle,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an airport firefighting
vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a refuse vehicle, according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a cleaning device,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a top view of the cleaning device of FIG. 4,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a side view of the cleaning device of FIG. 4,
according to an exemplary embodiment
[0013] FIG. 7 is a front view of the cleaning device of FIG. 4,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the cleaning device of FIG. 4,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a top portion of a housing
of the cleaning device of FIG. 4, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bottom portion of the
housing of the cleaning device of FIG. 4, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a perspective view the cleaning device of FIG. 4
with the top portion of the housing removed, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0018] FIGS. 12 and 13 are various perspective views of a catalyst
of the cleaning device of FIG. 4, according to various exemplary
embodiments.
[0019] FIGS. 14-22 are various exploded views depicting a method of
assembling the cleaning device of FIG. 4, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of a cleaning device,
according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of the cleaning device of
FIG. 23, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 25 is a schematic view of a cleaning device disposed
within a space and operable in a first mode, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 26 is a schematic view of a cleaning device integrated
into a HVAC system of a space and operable in a first mode,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0024] FIGS. 27A and 27B are various schematic views of a cleaning
device disposed within a space and operable in a second mode,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0025] FIGS. 28A and 28B are various schematic views of a cleaning
device disposed within a space and operable in a second mode in
combination with a HVAC system, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0026] FIGS. 29A and 29B are various schematic views of a cleaning
device integrated into a HVAC system of a space and operable in a
second mode, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 30 is a schematic block diagram of the cleaning device
of FIGS. 4-29B, according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain
exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the
present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set
forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should
also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of description only and should not be regarded as
limiting.
[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment, a cleaning device is
configured to facilitate decontaminating at least one of a space
(e.g., an interior of a vehicle, a room, etc.) and/or
equipment/objects within the space (e.g., gear, seats, dashes,
interfaces, upholstery, etc.). In one embodiment, the cleaning
device is a standalone unit having a housing that may be positioned
inside of a cab of a vehicle, inside of a compartment of a vehicle,
inside of a building, etc. In another embodiment, the cleaning
device is integrated into a cab of a vehicle, a compartment of the
vehicle, and/or a building. The cleaning device may facilitate
decontaminating such spaces and/or equipment/objects to neutralize
carcinogens, pathogens, and/or other harmful contaminants that can
build up over time.
[0030] First-responders are often exposed to hazardous situations
during the course of their duties. One of the most dangerous
situations arises when personnel are exposed to hazardous
chemicals. Trace amounts of these chemicals may coat the surface of
clothing and protective gear of the first-responders, as well as
contaminate the interior of vehicles, and given their toxicity, can
be harmful. Compounds such as benzene, benzopyrene, butadiene,
carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, dibenzanthracene, trichloroethylene,
tetrachloroethylene, and polychlorinated biphenyls are all present
in the environment either from their past use in industry (e.g., in
cleaning products, lubricants, etc.) or as decomposition products
from other compounds.
[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device of
the present disclosure is configured to implement a decontamination
process that uses ozone, moist/humidified air, ultraviolet light,
and/or one or more catalysts to break down such dangerous
compounds, such as carcinogens, into harmless carbon dioxide,
water, and/or chloride salts. Ozone is a pale blue gas that is
generated naturally in the upper atmosphere, but can also be
generated using specifically designed devices. There really is no
practical way to store Ozone such that it must be generated as
needed (i.e., because of its high reactivity). Regular oxygen that
we breathe consists of two oxygen atoms bound together, and is
represented as O.sub.2. Ozone is related to oxygen, but it has
three oxygen atoms bound together, and is represented as O.sub.3.
Ozone can be visualized as a regular oxygen molecule that has a
very energetic, active, and excited companion, a single oxygen
atom. Atomic oxygen (O.sub.1) does not like to be alone and tries
to use its energy to find a partner to bond or interact with. As a
result, atomic oxygen will react with just about anything on
contact. The atomic oxygen within ozone cannot be stable until it
moves away from the 02 molecule and forms a molecule with something
else. If the atomic oxygen cannot find anything, it will eventually
react with another oxygen atom that is in the same situation and
they will stabilize each other, forming regular oxygen (O.sub.2).
Such behavior makes ozone a very powerful oxidant.
[0032] Further, the cleaning device of the present disclosure may
be configured to neutralize various pathogens. By way of example,
the ozone generated by the cleaning device may attack the cell
walls of pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses, microorganisms, etc.).
Such pathogens may include influenza, MRSA, staph, Cdiff, etc. Once
the cell walls of the pathogens are compromised, the cells die and
the pathogen is eliminated, leaving oxygen, carbon dioxide, water,
and sodium chloride. Accordingly, the cleaning device may be
configured to implement a decontamination process to treat and
break down harmful pollutants (e.g., carcinogens, pathogens, etc.)
into carbon dioxide, water, and/or sodium chloride (i.e., table
salt) using generated ozone, moisture, ultraviolet light, and/or
one or more catalysts.
[0033] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and
2, a vehicle, shown as vehicle 10, includes a cleaning system,
shown as cleaning device 500. The cleaning device 500 may be
configured neutralize organic carcinogens, pathogens, pollutants,
and/or other contaminates. In one embodiment, the cleaning device
500 is a standalone unit that may be positioned within the vehicle
10, in a firehouse or station, and/or at any other suitable space
the cleaning device 500 may fit. In another embodiment, the
cleaning device 500 is integrated into the vehicle 10 (e.g., within
a cab thereof; within the heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning ("HVAC") system thereof; within a storage compartment
thereof; etc.). The cleaning device 500 may be capable of cleaning,
disinfecting, and/or decontaminating loose items (e.g.,
firefighting gear, etc.), an interior of the vehicle 10, air within
the vehicle 10, and/or other suitable spaces or components.
[0034] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the
vehicle 10 is configured as a single rear axle quint fire truck. In
other embodiments, the vehicle 10 is configured as a tandem rear
axles quint fire truck. In still other embodiments, the vehicle 10
is configured as another type of fire apparatus such as a tiller
fire truck, an aerial platform fire truck, a mid-mount fire truck,
etc. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the
vehicle 10 is configured as an airport rescue firefighting ("ARFF")
truck. In other embodiments, the vehicle 10 is still another type
of fire apparatus. In still other embodiments, the vehicle 10 is
another type of vehicle (e.g., a refuse vehicle, a boom truck, a
plow truck, a military vehicle, an ambulance, a police vehicle,
etc.).
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle 10 includes a
chassis, shown as frame 12; a front cabin, shown as cab 20, coupled
to the frame 12 (e.g., at a front end thereof, etc.) and defining
an interior, shown as interior 22; and a rear assembly, shown as
rear assembly 30, coupled to the frame 12 (e.g., at a rear end
thereof, etc.). The cab 20 may include various components to
facilitate operation of the vehicle 10 by an operator (e.g., a
seat, a steering wheel, hydraulic controls, a user interface,
switches, buttons, dials, etc.). The vehicle 10 includes a prime
mover, shown as engine 14, coupled to the frame 12. As shown in
FIG. 1, the engine 14 is positioned beneath the cab 20. As shown in
FIG. 2, the engine 14 is positioned within the rear assembly 30 at
the rear of the vehicle 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle
10 includes a plurality of tractive elements, shown as wheel and
tire assemblies 16. In other embodiments, the tractive elements
include track elements. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
engine 14 is configured to provide power to the wheel and tire
assemblies 16 and/or to other systems of the vehicle 10 (e.g., a
pneumatic system, a hydraulic system, etc.). The engine 14 may be
configured to utilize one or more of a variety of fuels (e.g.,
gasoline, diesel, bio-diesel, ethanol, natural gas, etc.),
according to various exemplary embodiments. According to an
alternative embodiment, the engine 14 additionally or alternatively
includes one or more electric motors coupled to the frame 12 (e.g.,
a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, etc.). The electric motors
may consume electrical power from an on-board storage device (e.g.,
batteries, ultra-capacitors, etc.), from an on-board generator
(e.g., an internal combustion engine genset, etc.), and/or from an
external power source (e.g., overhead power lines, etc.) and
provide power to the systems of the vehicle 10.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rear assembly 30 includes
various compartments, shown as compartments 40. As shown in FIG. 2,
the compartments 40 include doors, shown as doors 42. The doors 42
of the compartments 40 may be selectively opened to access an
interior of the compartments 40. The interior of the compartments
may store components of the vehicle 10, tools (e.g., firefighting
tools, etc.), and/or gear (e.g., firefighting gear, etc.).
[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning device 500 is disposed
within the interior 22 of the cab 20 of the vehicle 10. In such an
embodiment, the cleaning device 500 may be a standalone unit
removable from the cab 20 and/or an integrated system within the
cab 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning device 500 is disposed in
one or more of the compartments 40 of the vehicle 10. In such an
embodiment, the cleaning device 500 may be a standalone unit
removable from the one or more compartments 40 and/or an integrated
system within the one or more compartments 40. In embodiments where
the cleaning device 500 is a standalone unit, the cleaning device
500 may be positioned at any suitable location (e.g., within a
firehouse, a fire station, a hospital room, a doctor's office,
etc.).
[0038] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the
vehicle 10 is configured as a front-loading refuse truck (e.g., a
garbage truck, a waste collection truck, a sanitation truck, etc.).
In other embodiments, the vehicle 10 is configured as a
side-loading refuse truck or a rear-loading refuse truck. As shown
in FIG. 3, the vehicle 10 includes a chassis, shown as frame 312; a
body assembly, shown as body 314, coupled to the frame 312 (e.g.,
at a rear end thereof, etc.); and a cab, shown as cab 316, coupled
to the frame 312 (e.g., at a front end thereof, etc.). The cab 316
may include various components to facilitate operation of the
vehicle 10 by an operator (e.g., a seat, a steering wheel,
hydraulic controls, a user interface, switches, buttons, dials,
etc.). As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle 10 includes a prime mover,
shown as engine 318, coupled to the frame 312 at a position beneath
the cab 316. The engine 318 is configured to provide power to a
plurality of tractive elements, shown as wheels 320, and/or to
other systems of the vehicle 10 (e.g., a pneumatic system, a
hydraulic system, etc.). The engine 318 may be configured to
utilize one or more of a variety of fuels (e.g., gasoline, diesel,
bio-diesel, ethanol, natural gas, etc.), according to various
exemplary embodiments. According to an alternative embodiment, the
engine 318 additionally or alternatively includes one or more
electric motors coupled to the frame 312 (e.g., a hybrid refuse
vehicle, an electric refuse vehicle, etc.). The electric motors may
consume electrical power from an on-board storage device (e.g.,
batteries, ultra-capacitors, etc.), from an on-board generator
(e.g., an internal combustion engine, etc.), and/or from an
external power source (e.g., overhead power lines, etc.) and
provide power to the systems of the vehicle 10.
[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 10 is
configured to transport refuse from various waste receptacles
within a municipality to a storage and/or processing facility
(e.g., a landfill, an incineration facility, a recycling facility,
etc.). As shown in FIG. 3, the body 314 includes a plurality of
panels, shown as panels 332, a tailgate 334, and a cover 336. The
panels 332, the tailgate 334, and the cover 336 define a collection
chamber (e.g., hopper, etc.), shown as refuse compartment 330.
Loose refuse may be placed into the refuse compartment 330 where it
may thereafter be compacted. The refuse compartment 330 may provide
temporary storage for refuse during transport to a waste disposal
site and/or a recycling facility. In some embodiments, at least a
portion of the body 314 and the refuse compartment 330 extend in
front of the cab 316. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
the body 314 and the refuse compartment 330 are positioned behind
the cab 316. In some embodiments, the refuse compartment 330
includes a hopper volume and a storage volume. Refuse may be
initially loaded into the hopper volume and thereafter compacted
into the storage volume. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
hopper volume is positioned between the storage volume and the cab
316 (i.e., refuse is loaded into a position of the refuse
compartment 330 behind the cab 316 and stored in a position further
toward the rear of the refuse compartment 330). In other
embodiments, the storage volume is positioned between the hopper
volume and the cab 316 (e.g., a rear-loading refuse vehicle,
etc.).
[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle 10 includes a lift
mechanism/system (e.g., a front-loading lift assembly, etc.), shown
as lift assembly 340. The lift assembly 340 includes a pair of
arms, shown as lift arms 342, coupled to the frame 312 and/or the
body 314 on either side of the vehicle 10 such that the lift arms
342 extend forward of the cab 316 (e.g., a front-loading refuse
vehicle, etc.). In other embodiments, the lift assembly 340 extends
rearward of the body 314 (e.g., a rear-loading refuse vehicle,
etc.). In still other embodiments, the lift assembly 340 extends
from a side of the body 314 (e.g., a side-loading refuse vehicle,
etc.). The lift arms 342 may be rotatably coupled to frame 312 with
a pivot (e.g., a lug, a shaft, etc.). As shown in FIG. 3, the lift
assembly 340 includes first actuators, shown as lift arm actuators
344 (e.g., hydraulic cylinders, etc.), coupled to the frame 312 and
the lift arms 342. The lift arm actuators 344 are positioned such
that extension and retraction thereof rotates the lift arms 342
about an axis extending through the pivot, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle 10 includes forks, shown as
lift forks 360, coupled to the lift arms 342 of the lift assembly
340. The lift forks 360 are configured to engage with a container,
shown as refuse container 400, to selectively and releasably secure
the refuse container 400 to the lift assembly 340. As shown in FIG.
3, the lift arms 342 are rotated by the lift arm actuators 344 to
lift the refuse container 400 over the cab 316. The lift assembly
340 includes second actuators, shown as articulation actuators 350
(e.g., hydraulic cylinders, etc.). According to an exemplary
embodiment, the articulation actuators 350 are positioned to
articulate the lift forks 360. Such articulation may assist in
tipping refuse out of the refuse container 400 and into the hopper
volume of the refuse compartment 330 through an opening in the
cover 336. The lift arm actuators 344 may thereafter rotate the
lift arms 342 to return the empty refuse container 400 to the
ground. According to an exemplary embodiment, a door, shown as top
door 338, is movably coupled along the cover 336 to seal the
opening thereby preventing refuse from escaping the refuse
compartment 330 (e.g., due to wind, bumps in the road, etc.).
[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle 10 includes the cleaning
device 500. In one embodiment, the cleaning device 500 is disposed
within the cab 316. In such an embodiment, the cleaning device 500
may be (i) integrated directly into the interior of the cab 316
such that the cleaning device 500 is configured to facilitate
decontaminating and neutralizing contaminants disposed within the
interior of the cab 316. In some embodiments, a second cleaning
device 500 is additionally or alternatively disposed within the
refuse compartment 330. In such an embodiment, the second cleaning
device 500 may be integrated directly into the refuse compartment
330.
[0043] While the cleaning device 500 described herein is mainly
described in the context of firefighting and refuse applications,
it should be understood that the cleaning device 500 may be used in
various different applications. By way of example, the cleaning
device 500 may be implemented in various different types of
vehicles to facilitate neutralizing toxins (e.g., carcinogens,
pathogens, pollutants, contaminants, etc.) within cabs of the
vehicles, within compartments of the vehicles, and/or on gear
stored within the vehicle. For example, the cleaning device 500 may
be used with fire trucks, refuse vehicles, concrete mixer vehicles,
ambulances, tanks, submarines, space stations, spacecrafts,
aircrafts, military vehicles, police vehicles, buses, trains,
trams, subways, semi-trucks, RVs, campers, passenger vehicles
(e.g., personal vehicles, taxis, rideshare vehicles, rental
vehicles, etc.), and/or still other types of vehicles that may
encounter carcinogens, pathogens, and/or other pollutants or
contaminants during use. By way of another example, the cleaning
device 500 may be implemented in various different types of
non-vehicle spaces such as fire houses, military barracks, locker
rooms, dorm rooms, restrooms, portable restrooms (e.g., a "porta
potty," etc.), hotel rooms, nursing homes, hospitals (e.g., patient
rooms, surgical rooms, waiting rooms, etc.), doctor's offices,
schools, corporate offices, residential buildings (e.g., houses,
condos, apartments, etc.), industrial manufacturing facilities
(e.g., chemical manufacturing plants, etc.), and/or still other
types of spaces that may encounter carcinogens, pathogens, and/or
other pollutants or contaminants during use thereof. By way of
still another example, the cleaning device 500 may be integrated
directly into gear such as military gear, bomb suits, hazmat suits,
fire suits, space suits, helmets, gas masks, and/or other gear that
may be used in spaces where the wearer may encounter carcinogens,
pathogens, and/or other pollutants or contaminants.
[0044] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-30,
the cleaning device 500 is configured to cycle air from an enclosed
space, room, or chamber, within which the cleaning device 500 is
positioned, through the cleaning device 500 to clean the air.
Accordingly, the cleaning device 500 may be (i) integrated into a
vehicle, a space, a room, or a chamber or (ii) a retrofit solution
selectively positionable within a vehicle, a space, a room, or a
chamber to facilitate decontaminating air and/or components within
the vehicle, the space, the room, or the chamber within which the
cleaning device 500 is positioned.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 4-24 and 30, the cleaning device 500
includes a casing, shown as housing 510; a filter, shown as inlet
filter 560; an air driver device (e.g., a blower, etc.), shown as
fan 570; a generator, shown as ozone generator 580; a light source,
shown as UV lighting 590; a first catalyst, shown as catalyst 600;
a first screen, shown as filter inlet screen 610; a second screen,
shown as filter outlet screen 612; a third screen, shown as
catalyst inlet screen 614; a fourth screen, shown as catalyst
outlet screen 616; a control assembly, shown as controller housing
640; a control system, shown as controller 650; and a user
input/output device, shown as user interface 660. In some
embodiments, as shown in FIG. 30, the cleaning device 500 includes
or is coupled to a power source, shown as power supply 670, and/or
a humidifier or moisture source, shown as humidifying unit 680. In
other embodiments, the cleaning device 500 includes additional or
fewer components. By way of example, the cleaning device 500 may
not include one or more of the fan 570, the ozone generator 580,
the UV lighting 590, and the humidifying unit 680. All such
variations are described in greater detail herein.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 4-11, 23, and 24, the cleaning device 500
has (i) a first end, shown as inlet end 502, that receives an inlet
fluid flow, shown as contaminated air 506, from an external
environment (e.g., a space, chamber, compartment, etc. within which
the cleaning device 500 is positioned) that interacts with various
components of the cleaning device 500 (e.g., the inlet filter 560,
the ozone generator 580, the UV lighting 590, the catalyst inlet
screen 614, the catalyst 600, etc.) and (ii) an opposing second
end, shown as outlet end 504, that emits an outlet fluid flow,
shown as clean air 508, into the external environment. According to
an exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device 500 is configured to
be positioned in spaces that contain carcinogens, pathogens,
pollutants, and/or still other contaminants.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 4-11 and 14-24, the housing 510 includes a
first portion, shown as base 512, and a second portion, shown a top
514, that selectively couple together (e.g., via fasteners,
adhesive, snap fit, etc.). As shown in FIGS. 4-11, the base 512 and
the top 514 of the housing 510 cooperatively define a first
chamber, shown as inlet chamber 516, a second chamber, shown as
ozone chamber 518, and a third chamber, shown as catalyst chamber
520, that cooperatively define an internal cavity of the housing
510, shown as interior cavity 524. As shown in FIG. 5, the inlet
chamber 516 has a first width w.sub.1 and the catalyst chamber 520
has a second width w.sub.2. According to the exemplary embodiment
shown in FIG. 5, the first width w.sub.1 of the inlet chamber 516
is smaller than the second width w.sub.2 of the catalyst chamber
520 with the ozone chamber 518 extending linearly between and
connecting the inlet chamber 516 and the catalyst chamber 520. In
other embodiments, the ozone chamber 518 extends non-linearly
(i.e., has a curved profile) between the inlet chamber 516 and the
catalyst chamber 520 (see, e.g., FIGS. 23 and 24). In still other
embodiments, the first width w.sub.1 of the inlet chamber 516 is
larger than the second width w.sub.2 of the catalyst chamber 520.
In yet other embodiments, the inlet chamber 516, the ozone chamber
518, and the catalyst chamber 520 have the same width (e.g., the
housing 510 is a rectangular prism, etc.).
[0048] In various embodiments, the first width w.sub.1 is at most 8
inches (e.g., 8 inches, 6 inches, 4 inches, 3 inches, 2 inches,
etc.), the second width w.sub.2 is at most 12 inches (e.g., 12
inches, 10 inches, 8 inches, 6 inches, etc.), and the overall
length of the cleaning device 500 is at most 24 inches (e.g., 24
inches, 18 inches, 12 inches, 10 inches, 9 inches, 8 inches, etc.).
Such a sized cleaning device 500 may be capable of cleaning the
interior of a vehicle (e.g., the interior 22 of the cab 20, etc.),
a cabinet, a storage closet, a small room, and/or similarly sized
spaces or compartments. According to the exemplary embodiment shown
in FIG. 4, the first width w.sub.1 is about 2.35 inches, the second
width w.sub.2 is about 5.4 inches, and the overall length is about
9 inches. In other embodiments, the dimensions of the cleaning
device 500 are larger than the above mentioned dimensions (e.g.,
greater than 8''.times.12''.times.24''). By way of example, the
dimensions of the cleaning device 500 and the size of the
components disposed therein may be selected based on the intended
application (e.g., based on the size of the space that the cleaning
device 500 is intended to filter, etc.).
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 8, 10, and 11, the base 512 and the top
514 cooperatively define a first aperture at the inlet end 502 of
the housing 510, shown as inlet 522, that facilitates the flow of
the contaminated air 506 into the interior cavity 524 from the
external environment (e.g., the space 700, etc.). As shown in FIGS.
4, 7, and 10, the base 512 and the top 514 cooperatively define a
second aperture at the outlet end 504 of the housing 510, shown as
outlet 526, that facilitates the flow of the clean air 508 out of
the interior cavity 524 into the external environment.
Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the base 512 and the
top 514 each define (i) a first plurality of apertures at the inlet
end 502 of the housing 510, shown as inlets 622, that facilitate
the flow of the contaminated air 506 into the interior cavity 524
from the external environment and (ii) a second plurality of
apertures at the outlet end 504 of the housing 510, shown as
outlets 624, that facilitate the flow of the clean air 508 out of
the interior cavity 524 into the external environment.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the inlet chamber 516 of the
housing 510 defines (i) a first interface, shown as first screen
slot 530, (a) positioned adjacent the inlet 522 and (b) that
receives the filter inlet screen 610 such that the filter inlet
screen 610 extends across the inlet 522; (ii) a second interface,
shown second screen slot 532, (a) spaced from the first screen slot
and (b) that receives the filter outlet screen 612; (iii) a first
recess, shown as filter recess 534, (a) positioned between the
first screen slot 530 and the second screen slot 532 and (b) that
receives the inlet filter 560; and (iv) a second recess, shown as
fan recess 540, (a) positioned on the opposite side of the second
screen slot 532 relative to the filter recess 534 and (b) that
receives the fan 570. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 9, the top 514 of
the housing 510 defines an aperture, shown as filter aperture 536,
positioned to align with the filter recess 534. As shown in FIGS.
4, 5, and 14-22, the housing 510 includes a panel, shown as filter
cap 538, detachably coupled to the top 514 and positioned to
selectively enclose the filter aperture 536. Accordingly, the inlet
filter 560 may be selectively removable (e.g., for cleaning, to be
replaced, etc.) through the filter aperture 536 (i.e., without
having to open the housing 510 by separating the top 514 from the
bottom 512). In other embodiments, the housing 510 does not define
the filter aperture 536, nor does the housing 510 include the
filter cap 538 (see, e.g., FIGS. 23 and 24). The filter inlet
screen 610 and the filter outlet screen 612 are configured to hold
and secure the inlet filter 560 within the filter recess 534.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the ozone chamber 518 of the
housing 510 includes (i) first supports, shown as ozone generator
supports 542, (a) positioned adjacent the fan recess 540, (b)
extending upward from the bottom 512, and (c) that support the
ozone generator 580 and (ii) second supports, shown as light
supports 544, (a) positioned adjacent the ozone generator supports
542, (b) extending upward from the bottom 512, and (c) that support
the UV lighting 590. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11, the light supports 544 are spaced a distance from
the catalyst chamber 520 such that an air gap, shown as air gap
546, is positioned between the UV lighting 590 and the catalyst
chamber 520.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the catalyst chamber 520 of the
housing 510 defines (i) a third interface, shown as third screen
slot 548, (a) positioned adjacent the air gap 546 of the ozone
chamber 518 and (b) that receives the catalyst inlet screen 614;
(ii) a fourth interface, shown fourth screen slot 550, (a)
positioned adjacent the outlet 526 and (b) that receives the
catalyst outlet screen 616 such that the catalyst outlet screen 616
extends across the outlet 526; and (iii) a third recess, shown as
catalyst recess 552, (a) positioned between the third screen slot
548 and the fourth screen slot 550 and (b) that receives the
catalyst 600. The catalyst inlet screen 614 and the catalyst outlet
screen 616 are configured to hold and secure the catalyst 600
within the catalyst recess 552.
[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fan 570 is
configured to draw (e.g., pull, suck, etc.) the contaminated air
506 from the external environment into the inlet 522 and through
the interior cavity 524 of the housing 510 to facilitate (i)
decontaminating the contaminated air 506 with the other components
of the cleaning device 500 (e.g., the inlet filter 560, the ozone
generator 580, the UV lighting 590, the catalyst inlet screen 614,
the catalyst 600, etc.) and (ii) emitting the clean air 508 out of
the outlet 526 into the external environment. In some embodiments,
the fan 570 is configured to draw the contaminated air 506 into the
cleaning device 500 at a rate between 300 and 500 cubic feet per
minute ("CFM") (e.g., 300 CFM, 350 CFM, 400 CFM, 450 CFM, 500 CFM,
etc.). In other embodiments, the fan 570 is configured to draw in
more than 500 CFM (e.g., based on the intended application of the
cleaning device 500, based on the size of the fan 570, etc.). While
the fan 570 is shown positioned within the inlet chamber 516 of the
housing 510, proximate the inlet 522, in some embodiments, the fan
570 is otherwise positioned. By way of example, the fan 570 may be
positioned within the ozone chamber 518 or within the catalyst
chamber 520 (e.g., proximate the outlet 526, etc.). In some
embodiments, the cleaning device 500 includes a plurality of fans
570. By way of example, a first fan 570 may be positioned proximate
the inlet 522 and a second fan 570 may be positioned proximate the
outlet 526. By way of another example, two or more of the fans 570
may be positioned in parallel with each other within the inlet
chamber 516 and/or the catalyst chamber 520.
[0054] According to an exemplary embodiment, the inlet filter 560
is configured to filter out smoke, soot, and other particulates in
the contaminated air 506 as the contaminated air 506 enters the
inlet 522. In one embodiment, the inlet filter 560 is a high
efficiency particular air ("HEPA") filter. The HEPA filter may be
configured to remove up to 99.97% of airborne particulate matter
that is 0.3 micrometers or larger in diameter. Removing such
airborne particulate matter from the contaminated air 506 within a
space may effectively reduce the amount of smoke, dust, and/or
other particulates that would otherwise normally be recirculated by
the HVAC system of the vehicle 10 and/or a building and eventually
(i) settle onto surfaces within the vehicle 10 and/or the building
and/or (ii) be inhaled by occupants.
[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment, the ozone generator
580 is configured to generate ozone (e.g., trioxygen, O.sub.3, the
ozone 588, etc.) that interacts with the contaminated air 506 to
assist in the decontamination process. As shown in FIG. 11, the
ozone generator 580 includes a high voltage power supply, shown as
ozone power supply 582, and two spaced apart generation cells,
shown as lower electrode 584 and upper electrode 586. The ozone
power supply 582 of the ozone generator 580 may be powered by the
power supply 670 of the cleaning device 500. The ozone power supply
582 is configured to power the lower electrode 584 and the upper
electrode 586 to generate ozone. By way of example, the lower
electrode 584 and the upper electrode 586 are configured to produce
a cloud of electrons within the gap or "corona" therebetween. The
cloud of electrons interacts with oxygen molecules as air flows
therethrough, splitting the oxygen molecules into atomic oxygen.
The atomic oxygen may then combine with oxygen molecules to form
ozone.
[0056] According to an exemplary embodiment, the lower electrode
584 and the upper electrode 586 are positioned such that all or
substantially all of the contaminated air 506 is passed through the
corona of ozone generator 580 (i.e., between the lower electrode
584 and the upper electrode 586). As the contaminated air 506
passes through the corona, (i) a first portion of the contaminated
air 506 (e.g., some of the oxygen in the contaminated air 506,
etc.) may be converted to ozone, (ii) a second portion of the
contaminated air 506 (e.g., some of the contaminates, carcinogens,
pathogens, etc.) may be rendered harmless (i.e., neutralized),
and/or (iii) a third portion of the contaminated air 506 may pass
by unaffected. As the ozone is generated, the ozone mixes with the
remaining portions of the contaminated air 506 (e.g., contaminates,
carcinogens, pathogens, etc.), which may further break down the
contaminates in the contaminated air 506 into harmless byproducts.
In some embodiments, the cleaning device 500 does not include the
ozone generator 580.
[0057] According to an exemplary embodiment, the air gap 546 is
sized to provide sufficient time for the ozone to interact with the
contaminated air 506 before entering the catalyst chamber 520. In
some embodiments, the air gap 546 is configured to facilitate
injecting moisture (e.g., humidity, water vapor, etc.) into the
ozone chamber 518 to interact with the contaminated air 506 to
assist in the decontamination process. The moisture may be injected
through an inlet defined by the housing 510, shown as port 620 in
FIGS. 4, 6, and 30, into the air gap 546 by the humidifying unit
680. The humidifying unit 680 may be an external humidifying unit
that is optional.
[0058] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 500 includes an ion
generator. The cleaning device 500 may include the ion generator in
addition to or in place of the fan 570 and/or the ozone generator
580. By way of example, the ion generator may be configured to
ionize (e.g., negatively charge, etc.) one or more molecules in the
contaminated air 506. The ion generator may be configured to ionize
the one or more molecules with a negative electrode (e.g., at the
inlet of the ion generator, etc.). The ionized molecules may be
attracted by a positive electrode at another portion (e.g., at the
outlet, etc.) of the ion generator. In other embodiments, the ion
generator is configured to positively charge the one or more
molecules with a positive electrode, which may be attracted by a
negative electrode positioned at another portion of the ion
generator. The attraction of the one or more molecules to the
oppositely charged electrode creates a motive force through the ion
generator and the cleaning device 500. Accordingly, in some
implementations, the ion generator may be configured to supplement
or replace the fan 570. Further, the ion generator may be
configured to produce ozone during the ionization process (e.g.,
which may assist in the neutralization of carcinogens, pathogens,
etc.). Accordingly, in some implementations, the ion generator may
be configured to supplement or replace the ozone generator 580.
[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment, the UV lighting 590 is
configured to emit UV light to activate (e.g., energize, etc.) a
photocatalyst. In one embodiment, the UV lighting 590 emits UV
light at wavelengths between about 250 nanometers and about 455
nanometers. In some embodiments, the peak wavelength of the UV
light is about 395.9 nanometers. The UV lighting 590 may include
LEDs. As shown in FIGS. 22-24, the UV lighting 590 is "U-shaped."
In other embodiments, the UV lighting 590 is otherwise shaped. In
some embodiments, the UV lighting 590 and the catalyst inlet screen
614 are combined into a single component (i.e., not spaced from
each other). In some embodiments, the cleaning device 500 does not
include the UV lighting 590.
[0060] According to an exemplary embodiment, the catalyst inlet
screen 614 is coated in a catalyst such that the catalyst inlet
screen 614 functions as a second catalyst (i.e., in addition to the
catalyst 600) that interacts with the contaminated air 506 to
assist in the decontamination process. In some embodiments, the
second catalyst additionally interacts with excess ozone to break
the excess ozone down. In some embodiments, the coating on the
catalyst inlet screen 614 is a photocatalytic coating. Accordingly,
the UV lighting 590 may be configured to activate or energize the
photocatalytic coating of the catalyst inlet screen 614 such that
the photocatalytic coating interacts with the contaminated air 506
to assist in the decontamination process (e.g., the UV lighting 590
and the catalyst inlet screen 614 function as a photocatalytic
oxidizer, etc.). By way of example, the photocatalytic coating,
when irradiated with UV light in the presence of ozone, may be
configured to cause rapid oxidation of contaminants (e.g.,
carcinogens, pathogens, etc.) that may still be present in the
contaminated air 506 after passing through the inlet chamber 516
and the ozone chamber 518. In some embodiments, the photocatalytic
coating includes a titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2) catalyst. In other
embodiments (e.g., in embodiments where the cleaning device 500
does not include the UV lighting 590, etc.), the catalyst inlet
screen 614 does not include a photocatalytic coating. In some
embodiments, the catalyst inlet screen 614 does not include any
type of catalyst coating and functions as a traditional screen.
[0061] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the catalyst 600 includes an
outer housing, shown as catalyst housing 602, and an inner core,
shown as catalyst core 604, disposed within the catalyst housing
602. As shown in FIG. 12, the catalyst housing 602 has a
rectangular cross-sectional shape. As shown in FIG. 13, the
catalyst housing 602 has a circular cross-sectional shape. In other
embodiments, the catalyst housing 602 has another shape (e.g.,
based on the shape of the catalyst chamber 520, etc.). In one
embodiment, the catalyst housing 602 is manufactured from a
metallic material (e.g., stainless steel, etc.). In another
embodiment, the catalyst housing 602 is manufactured from another
type of material (e.g., plastic, ceramic, etc.).
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the catalyst core 604 defines a
plurality of elongated, open cells that extends through the
thickness of the catalyst 600. The elongated, open cells may have a
rectangular, hexagonal, circular, and/or still another
cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the catalyst core 604
is manufactured from a metallic material, a ceramic material,
and/or still another suitable material. In such embodiments, the
catalyst core 604 may be coated with a catalyst coating or material
that is configured to interact with the contaminated air 506 at or
near room temperature (e.g., the catalyst 600 functions without
requiring elevated temperatures, etc.). In some embodiments, the
catalyst core 604 is manufactured from a catalyst material such
that a catalyst coating is not necessary. The catalyst material may
be configured to interact with the contaminated air 506 at or near
room temperature. In some embodiments, the catalyst coating or the
catalyst material includes manganese dioxide. In some embodiments,
the catalyst coating or the catalyst material does not include
manganese dioxide. In other embodiments, the catalyst 600 is
configured to function at elevated temperatures. In such
embodiments, the cleaning device 500 may include a heating device
or heating element positioned to thermally regulate the temperature
of the catalyst 600 to a target operating temperature.
[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment, the catalyst 600 is
configured to receive the contaminated air 506 (or what is left of
the contaminated air 506 after interacting with the ozone and the
catalyst inlet screen 614) such that the catalyst coating or the
catalyst material of the catalyst 600 interacts with contaminated
air 506 to assist in the decontamination process. In some
embodiments, the catalyst coating or the catalyst material of the
catalyst 600 interacts with any remaining excess ozone to break the
excess ozone down (e.g., to prevent ozone from exiting the cleaning
device 500, etc.). By way of example, the catalyst 600 may be
configured to neutralize the remaining ozone into individual oxygen
atoms, which are themselves a much more aggressive oxidant that
interact with and further reduce the contaminates in the
contaminated air 506 such that clean air or cleaner air than what
entered the cleaning device 500 exits the outlet 526.
[0064] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 500 does not
include the ozone generator 580. In such an embodiment, the
catalyst 600 may be sized such that the catalyst 600 alone is
sufficient to decontaminate the contaminated air 506. In some
embodiments, the cleaning device 500 includes neither the UV
lighting 590 nor the photocatalytic coating on the catalyst inlet
screen 614. In some embodiments, the cleaning device 500 does not
include the catalyst 600. In such an embodiment, the amount of
ozone produced by the ozone generator 580 may be controlled such
that either all of the ozone is consumed during its interaction
with the contaminated air 506 or any excess ozone is broken down
via the photocatalytic coating of the catalyst inlet screen 614 and
the UV light.
[0065] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 500 includes
multiple stages positioned in series (e.g., two stages, three
stages, etc.). In some embodiment, a first stage of the cleaning
device 500 is substantially identical to a second stage of the
cleaning device 500. By way of example, the first stage and the
second stage may both include a fan 570, an ozone generator 580, UV
lighting 590, a catalyst 600, and/or a catalyst inlet screen 614.
In another embodiment, the first stage of the cleaning device 500
is different than a second stage of the cleaning device 500. By way
of example, (i) the first stage may include the fan 570, the ozone
generator 580, the UV lighting 590, the catalyst 600, and/or the
catalyst inlet screen 614 and (ii) the second stage does not
include one or more of the fan 570, the ozone generator 580, the UV
lighting 590, the catalyst 600, and/or the catalyst inlet screen
614 that the first stage includes.
[0066] In some embodiments, the power supply 670 is an internal
power source (e.g., a battery, a rechargeable battery, etc.) that
powers the electrical components (e.g., the fan 570, the ozone
generator 580, the UV lighting 590, the controller 650, etc.) of
the cleaning device 500. In some embodiments, the power supply 670
is an external power source (e.g., the cleaning device 500 is
hardwired to an electrical power source of a vehicle, has an
electrical cord capable of being plugged into an electrical outlet,
is integrated into the power grid of a building, etc.).
[0067] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 25, the
cleaning device 500 is configured to be disposed within a space 700
(e.g., a room, a vehicle cab, a compartment, etc.) and operable in
first mode of operation or an air cycling mode of operation. During
the air cycling mode of operation shown in FIG. 25, the cleaning
device 500 is configured to convert the contaminated air 506 within
the space 700 into the clean air 508 by (i) filtering the
contaminated air 506 with the inlet filter 560, (ii) generating
ozone with the ozone generator 580 to interact with the
contaminated air 506, (iii) emitting UV light with the UV lighting
590 to activate the photocatalytic coating of the catalyst inlet
screen 614 such that the photocatalytic coating interacts with the
contaminated air 506 and/or excess ozone, (iv) providing moisture
or humidity (e.g., water vapor, etc.) into the air gap 546 with the
humidifying unit 680 such that the moisture interacts with the
contaminated air 506 and/or excess ozone, and/or (v) passing the
contaminated air through the catalyst 600 such that the catalytic
coating or the catalytic material of the catalyst 600 interacts
with the contaminated air and/or excess ozone such that the
contaminated air 506 is converted into the clean air 508 and all or
substantially all of the ozone is broken down (e.g., such that only
the clean air 508 is emitted from the outlet 526, etc.).
Accordingly, the cleaning device 500 can be operating while
occupants are within the space 700 that the cleaning device 500 is
positioned within and decontaminating (e.g., since no ozone is
emitted thereby, etc.).
[0068] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 500 is configured
to cycle the contaminated air 506 therethrough numerous times
during the air cycling mode to provide the clean air 508. By way of
example, the cleaning device 500 may be placed in a space (e.g., a
cab of a vehicle, a room, etc.) that has a volume of about 350
cubic feet. If the fan 570 is configured to cycle 350 CFM through
the cleaning device 500, the volume of the space 700 would be
cycled through the cleaning device 500 once per minute.
Accordingly, the cleaning device 500 could cycle the contaminated
air 506 within the space 700 through the cleaning device 500
multiple times in a relatively short time period, each subsequent
pass through removing more of the contaminates therefrom. By way of
example, conservatively assuming the cleaning device 500 could
remove 33% of contaminates from the contaminated air 506 in a
single pass, in just twelve minutes the cleaning device 500 would
remove over 98% of the contaminates within the air of the space
700.
[0069] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 26, the
cleaning device 500 is or various components thereof (e.g., the
inlet filter 560, the ozone generator 580, the UV lighting 590, the
catalyst 600, the catalyst inlet screen 614, etc.) are integrated
into a ventilation system, shown as HVAC system 800, of the space
700 (e.g., along a conduit thereof, etc.) and operable in the air
cycling mode of operation. In such an embodiment, one or more of
the components of the cleaning device 500 described herein may not
be needed. For example, the cleaning device 500 may not include the
fan 570 (e.g., a fan of the HVAC system 800 may drive the air flow,
etc.). During the air cycling mode of operation shown in FIG. 26,
the cleaning device 500 is configured to convert the contaminated
air 506 within the space 700 into the clean air 508 by (i)
filtering the contaminated air 506 with the inlet filter 560 that
is drawn into the HVAC system 800 (e.g., by a fan thereof, during
an air recirculation mode of the HVAC system 800, etc.), (ii)
generating ozone with the ozone generator 580 to interact with the
contaminated air 506, (iii) emitting UV light with the UV lighting
590 to activate the photocatalytic coating of the catalyst inlet
screen 614 such that the photocatalytic coating interacts with the
contaminated air 506 and/or excess ozone, (iv) providing moisture
or humidity (e.g., water vapor, etc.) into the air gap 546 with the
humidifying unit 680 such that the moisture interacts with the
contaminated air 506 and/or excess ozone, and/or (v) passing the
contaminated air through the catalyst 600 such that the catalytic
coating or the catalytic material of the catalyst 600 interacts
with the contaminated air and/or excess ozone such that the
contaminated air 506 is converted into the clean air 508 and all or
substantially all of the ozone is broken down (e.g., such that only
the clean air 508 is emitted from the outlet 526, etc.). The clean
air 508 may then be emitted back into the space 700 by the HVAC
system 800.
[0070] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 27A-29B, the cleaning
device 500 is additionally or alternatively operable in a second
mode of operation or a flood mode of operation where the cleaning
device 500 is configured to emit ozone 588 into the space 700. In
some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 9, the housing 510 of
the cleaning device 500 includes an openable panel, shown as flood
door 630. According to an exemplary embodiment, the flood door 630
is selectively openable to facilitate operating the cleaning device
500 in the flood mode of operation. In some embodiments, the flood
door 630 functions as a diverter that directs the ozone 588 out of
the housing 510. By way of example, opening the flood door 630 may
facilitate selectively (i) blocking off the catalyst chamber 520
(e.g., prevent ozone from passing through the catalyst 600, etc.)
and/or (ii) emitting the ozone 588 from the housing 510 into the
space 700 to neutralize contaminates within the space 700. In some
embodiments, as shown in FIG. 30, the cleaning device 500 includes
an actuator, shown as flood door actuator 632, positioned to
facilitate selectively opening (e.g., during a first portion of the
flood mode, etc.) and closing (e.g., during a second portion of the
flood mode, during the air cycling mode, etc.) the flood door 630.
In some embodiments, the cleaning device 500 includes a separate
blocker element that selectively blocks the catalyst chamber 520
when the flood door 630 is open.
[0071] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 27A and
27B, the cleaning device 500 is configured to be disposed within
the space 700 and operable in the flood mode of operation. During
the flood mode of operation shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, the
cleaning device 500 is configured to neutralize contaminates within
the space 700 (e.g., within the air, on surfaces, etc.) by (i)
emitting the ozone 588 directly into the space 700 (e.g., through
the flood door 630, etc.) such that the ozone 588 interacts with
and neutralizes the contaminates within the space 700 and,
thereafter, (ii) drawing the contaminated air 506 (e.g., the air
containing the ozone 588, etc.) into the cleaning device 500 (e.g.,
with the flood door 630 closed, etc.) after a preset or selected
period of time (e.g., 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, etc. minutes) to remove
any excess of the ozone 588 from the space 700 (e.g., by
interacting with the catalyst 600, the UV lighting 590 and the
catalyst inlet screen 614, etc.).
[0072] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 28A and
28B, the cleaning device 500 is configured to be disposed within
the space 700 and operable in the flood mode of operation in
combination with the HVAC system 800. During the flood mode of
operation shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B, the cleaning device 500 and
the HVAC system 800 are configured to cooperatively neutralize
contaminates within the space 700 (e.g., within the air, on
surfaces, etc.) by (i) emitting, with the cleaning device 500, the
ozone 588 directly into the space 700 (e.g., through the flood door
630, etc.) such that the ozone 588 interacts with and neutralizes
the contaminates within the space 700 and, thereafter, (ii)
drawing, with the HVAC system 800, the contaminated air 506 (e.g.,
the air containing the ozone 588, etc.) into the HVAC system 800
after a preset or selected period of time (e.g., 10, 15, 20, 25,
30, etc. minutes) and expelling the contaminated air 506 from the
space 700 (e.g., using a fresh air mode of the HVAC system 800,
etc.) to remove any excess of the ozone 588 from the space 700 and
replacing it with fresh air from an external environment outside
the space 700.
[0073] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 29A and
29B, the cleaning device 500 is or various components thereof are
integrated into the HVAC system 800 of the space 700 (e.g., along a
conduit thereof, etc.) and operable in the flood mode of operation.
In such an embodiment, one or more of the components of the
cleaning device 500 described herein may not be needed. For
example, the cleaning device 500 may not include the fan 570 (e.g.,
a fan of the HVAC system 800 may drive the air flow, etc.). During
the flood mode of operation shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, the
cleaning device 500 and the HVAC system 800 are configured to
cooperatively neutralize contaminates within the space 700 (e.g.,
within the air, on surfaces, etc.) by (i) the emitting, with the
cleaning device 500 through the HVAC system 800 (e.g., conduits
thereof, etc.), the ozone 588 directly into the space 700 such that
the ozone 588 interacts with and neutralizes the contaminates
within the space 700 and, thereafter, (ii) drawing, with the HVAC
system 800, the contaminated air 506 (e.g., the air containing the
ozone 588, etc.) into the HVAC system 800 after a preset or
selected period of time (e.g., 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, etc. minutes).
In some embodiments, the HVAC system 800 is configured to expel the
contaminated air 506 from the space 700 (e.g., using a fresh air
mode of the HVAC system 800, etc.) to remove any excess of the
ozone 588 from the space 700 and replace it with fresh air from an
external environment outside the space 700. In some embodiments,
the HVAC system 800 is configured to draw the contaminated air 506
into the cleaning device 500 for treatment (i.e., neutralize the
ozone 588) to produce the clean air 508 and, then, the HVAC system
800 is configured to emit the clean air 508 into the space 700.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 9, the top 514 of the housing 510 includes
an interface, shown as controller interface 554. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the controller interface 554 is configured to
engage with and secure the controller housing 640 to the top 514 of
the housing 510. In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24,
the controller housing 640 is integrally formed with the top 514 of
the housing 510. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 23, and 24, the controller
housing 640 receives the controller 650 and the user interface 660
is disposed along the exterior of the controller housing 640.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 650 is
configured to selectively engage, selectively disengage, control,
and/or otherwise communicate with components of the cleaning device
500. As shown in FIG. 30, the controller 650 is configured to
selectively engage, selectively disengage, control, and/or
otherwise communicate with the fan 570, the ozone generator 580,
the UV lighting 590, the flood door actuator 632, the user
interface 660, the power supply 670, and/or the humidifying unit
680.
[0075] In some embodiments, the controller 650 is configured to
communicate with systems of the space 700 (e.g., vehicle systems,
building systems, the HVAC system 800, etc.). By way of example,
the controller 650 may be configured to send a signal to a control
system of the space 700 to lock the doors thereto during the flood
mode of operation of the cleaning device 500 (e.g., the prevent
people from entering the space 700 until the decontamination
process is completed and the ozone 588 is neutralized, etc.). By
way of another example, the controller 650 may be configured to
automatically cease emitting the ozone 588 into the space 700 if
the doors thereto are opened. In some implementations, the
controller 650 may be configured to switch operation of the
cleaning device 500 from the flood mode to the air cycling mode in
response to the door being opened (e.g., to remove any of the ozone
588 from the space 700, etc.).
[0076] According to an exemplary embodiment, the user interface 660
is configured to facilitate (i) providing inputs (e.g., commands,
etc.) to the controller 650 and/or (ii) providing outputs (e.g.,
feedback, status information, etc.) to an operator of the cleaning
device 500. The user interface 660 may include a display screen
configured to provide a graphical user interface ("GIU") to an
operator thereof. The user interface 660 may additionally or
alternatively include various control features such as touch
screen, buttons, switches, dials, etc. An operator may provide
commands to the controller 650 with the user interface 660 such as
an indication of a desired decontamination time, a selection of a
predefined decontamination mode (e.g., the flood mode, the air
cycling mode, etc.), a command to start and/or stop a
decontamination cycle, etc. The controller 650 may be configured to
provide feedback to the operator with the user interface 660 such
as an indication of a remaining time left in a decontamination
cycle, an indication when the decontamination cycle is completed
(e.g., visual, audible, etc.), an indication that the inlet filter
560 should be changed or cleaned, an indication that the catalyst
600 is spent, and/or still other alerts or notifications.
[0077] The controller 650 may be implemented as a general-purpose
processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one
or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a
digital-signal-processor (DSP), circuits containing one or more
processing components, circuitry for supporting a microprocessor, a
group of processing components, or other suitable electronic
processing components. According to the exemplary embodiment shown
in FIG. 30, the controller 650 includes a processing circuit 652
having a processor 654 and a memory 656. The processing circuit 652
may include an ASIC, one or more FPGAs, a DSP, circuits containing
one or more processing components, circuitry for supporting a
microprocessor, a group of processing components, or other suitable
electronic processing components. In some embodiments, the
processor 654 is configured to execute computer code stored in the
memory 656 to facilitate the activities described herein. The
memory 656 may be any volatile or non-volatile computer-readable
storage medium capable of storing data or computer code relating to
the activities described herein. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the memory 656 includes computer code modules (e.g.,
executable code, object code, source code, script code, machine
code, etc.) configured for execution by the processor 654.
[0078] As utilized herein, the terms "approximately," "about,"
"substantially", and similar terms are intended to have a broad
meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of
ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this
disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in
the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to
allow a description of certain features described and claimed
without restricting the scope of these features to the precise
numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be
interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential
modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and
claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as
recited in the appended claims.
[0079] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and variations
thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are
intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples,
representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such
terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are
necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
[0080] The term "coupled" and variations thereof, as used herein,
means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one
another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed)
or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be
achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with
the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening
member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one
another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an
intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary
body with one of the two members. If "coupled" or variations
thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly
coupled), the generic definition of "coupled" provided above is
modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term
(e.g., "directly coupled" means the joining of two members without
any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower
definition than the generic definition of "coupled" provided above.
Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.
[0081] The term "or," as used herein, is used in its inclusive
sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect
a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the
elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase "at
least one of X, Y, and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is
understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and
Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y,
and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended
to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at
least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless
otherwise indicated.
[0082] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., "top,"
"bottom," "above," "below") are merely used to describe the
orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted
that the orientation of various elements may differ according to
other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended
to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
[0083] The hardware and data processing components used to
implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logics,
logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with
the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed
with a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital
signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit
(ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other
programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic,
discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed
to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose
processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventional processor,
controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor also may
be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a
combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments,
particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that
is specific to a given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory
unit, storage device) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM,
ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and/or
computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes,
layers and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory
may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may
include database components, object code components, script
components, or any other type of information structure for
supporting the various activities and information structures
described in the present disclosure. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to the processor
via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing
(e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) the one or more
processes described herein.
[0084] The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and
program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing
various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may
be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special
purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated
for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments
within the scope of the present disclosure include program products
comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having
machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.
Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be
accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other
machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable
media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk
storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,
or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired
program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data
structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or
special purpose computer or other machine with a processor.
Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of
machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include,
for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose
computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing
machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.
[0085] Although the figures and description may illustrate a
specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ
from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently
above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or
with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such
variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware
systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are
within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software
implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with
standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other
logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps,
comparison steps, and decision steps.
[0086] It is important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the cleaning device 500 as shown in the various
exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any
element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized
with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one
example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated
or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it
should be appreciated that other elements of the various
embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other
embodiments disclosed herein.
* * * * *