U.S. patent application number 17/503750 was filed with the patent office on 2022-02-03 for medical air treatment device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aerobiotix, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is David Louis Kirschman. Invention is credited to David Louis Kirschman.
Application Number | 20220031545 17/503750 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220031545 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kirschman; David Louis |
February 3, 2022 |
MEDICAL AIR TREATMENT DEVICE
Abstract
An air treatment device having a flexible air hose, duct or
gooseneck member. The air hose, duct or gooseneck member permits an
inlet end thereof to be positioned in proximity to a patient so
that a negative pressure can be created around the patient so that
air can sucked or vacuumed into the system whereupon it is treated
as the air flows through the system.
Inventors: |
Kirschman; David Louis;
(Dayton, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kirschman; David Louis |
Dayton |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Aerobiotix, Inc.
Miamisburg
OH
|
Appl. No.: |
17/503750 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16854026 |
Apr 21, 2020 |
11185457 |
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17503750 |
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15813548 |
Nov 15, 2017 |
10702435 |
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16854026 |
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62422810 |
Nov 16, 2016 |
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International
Class: |
A61G 13/10 20060101
A61G013/10; F24F 3/16 20060101 F24F003/16; A61M 1/00 20060101
A61M001/00; A61L 9/015 20060101 A61L009/015; A61L 9/20 20060101
A61L009/20; B01D 46/00 20060101 B01D046/00 |
Claims
1. An air treatment system for use during a surgical procedure in a
room, said air treatment system comprising: a housing having an
inlet and an outlet; an air treatment device located in said
housing for at least one of filtering an airflow or irradiating
said airflow before it exits said outlet; and an air hose or duct
adapted to be mounted to said housing in communication with said
inlet, said air hose or duct having an inlet end for situating in
proximity to a patient situated in said room; and an airflow
generator for mounting in said housing for generating an air stream
between said inlet and said outlet and for creating a negative
pressure or vacuum in said air hose or duct; said airflow generator
generating an airflow through said air hose or duct to create a
negative pressure around a patient during said surgical
procedure.
2. The air treatment system as recited in claim 1 wherein said
inlet end comprises a removable nozzle that can be moved or
adjusted to a predetermined position by a user.
3. The air treatment system as recited in claim 2 wherein said
nozzle has a nozzle end having a nozzle inlet area that is greater
than a cross sectional area of said air hose or duct where said
nozzle is coupled to said air hose or duct.
4. The air treatment system as recited in claim 1 wherein said air
hose or duct has at least a portion that is at least one of
flexible, pivotable or rotatable.
5. The air treatment system as recited in claim 2 wherein said
nozzle is removable or detachable from said air hose or duct and
comprises a filter element.
6. The air treatment system as recited in claim 1 wherein air
treatment device comprises a chemical or irradiator for
inactivating airborne microbes within said air stream as said air
stream flows between said inlet and said outlet.
7. The air treatment system as recited in claim 1 wherein said air
treatment system is portable.
8. The air treatment system as recited in claim 1 wherein said air
treatment device comprises an air filtration system and at least
one of a chemical or irradiating biocidal remover for reducing or
eliminating unwanted pathogens in said air stream.
9. The air treatment system as recited in claim 1 wherein said air
treatment device located in said housing filters said air stream
and also irradiates said air stream to at least one of filtering
said airflow or irradiating said airflow before it exits said
outlet.
10. The air treatment system as recited in claim 8 wherein said air
filtration system comprises at least one airflow interrupter for
interrupting said air stream to facilitate said at least one of
said chemical or irradiating biocidal remover, said at least one
airflow interrupter reducing at least one of an air velocity of
said air stream or a linearity of a flow of said air stream.
11. The air treatment system as recited in claim 10 wherein said
air filtration system comprises a plurality of airflow
interrupters, said plurality of airflow interrupters comprising a
plurality of discrete, randomly oriented and radiation-transmitting
objects.
12. The air treatment system as recited in claim 1 wherein said
outlet is at least one of adapted to be fitted to a duct in said
room or to re-introduce treated air into a surrounding space in
said room.
13. The air treatment system as recited in claim 1 wherein said air
treatment system is adapted for use in a room that is not an
operating room.
14. The air treatment system as recited in claim 1 wherein said
airflow generator comprises a centrifugal blower.
15. The air treatment system as recited in claim 1 wherein said air
hose or duct is extendable.
16. The air treatment system as recited in claim 1 wherein said air
hose or duct is elongated and semi-rigid with a plurality of areas
for permitting a position of said inlet end to be situated in
proximity to the patient.
17. The air treatment system as recited in claim 1 wherein said air
hose or duct is an articulating and flexible gooseneck member.
18. A mobile air treatment device for use with a patient undergoing
a procedure, said mobile air treatment device comprising: a cabinet
that comprises wheels and is portable; a nozzle that is adapted to
be positioned in proximity to the patient; means for creating a
vacuum or negative pressure at said nozzle; and an air treatment
device located in said cabinet for at least one of filtering an
airflow or irradiating said airflow before it exits said
cabinet.
19. The mobile air treatment device as recited in claim 18 wherein
said cabinet comprises an adjustable duct arm having said nozzle
removably mounted thereon and coupling said nozzle to said cabinet,
said adjustable duct arm being moveable by a user when positioning
said nozzle in proximity to the patient.
20. The mobile air treatment device as recited in claim 19 wherein
said cabinet comprises a flexible or semi-rigid hose or duct having
an inlet end coupled to said nozzle and an outlet end coupled to
said cabinet, said flexible or semi-rigid hose or duct being
moveable or adjustable to a predetermined position by a user.
21. The mobile air treatment device as recited in claim 19 wherein
said nozzle has a nozzle end having a nozzle inlet area that is
greater than a cross sectional area of said adjustable duct arm
where said nozzle is coupled to said adjustable duct arm.
22. The mobile air treatment device as recited in claim 19 wherein
said adjustable duct arm has at least a portion that is flexible or
pivotable.
23. The mobile air treatment device as recited in claim 20 wherein
said nozzle is removable or detachable from said adjustable duct
arm and comprises a filter element.
24. The mobile air treatment device as recited in claim 18 wherein
air treatment device comprises a chemical or irradiator for
inactivating airborne microbes within said airflow as said airflow
flows between an inlet and an outlet.
25. The mobile air treatment device as recited in claim 18 wherein
said air treatment device comprises an air filtration system and at
least one of a chemical or irradiating biocidal remover for
reducing or eliminating unwanted pathogens in said airflow.
26. The mobile air treatment device as recited in claim 18 wherein
said air treatment device located in said cabinet filters said
airflow and also irradiates said airflow to at least one of
filtering said airflow or irradiating said airflow before it exits
an outlet.
27. The mobile air treatment device as recited in claim 25 wherein
said air treatment device comprises at least one airflow
interrupter for interrupting said airflow to facilitate said at
least one of said chemical or irradiating biocidal remover, said at
least one airflow interrupter reducing at least one of an air
velocity of said airflow or a linearity of a flow of said
airflow.
28. The mobile air treatment device as recited in claim 27 wherein
said air treatment device comprises a plurality of airflow
interrupters, said plurality of airflow interrupters comprising a
plurality of discrete, randomly oriented and radiation-transmitting
objects.
29. The mobile air treatment device as recited in claim 18 wherein
said cabinet comprises an outlet that is at least one of adapted to
be fitted to a duct in a room where the patient is located or to
re-introduce treated air into a surrounding space in said room.
30. The mobile air treatment device as recited in claim 18 in
combination with a room that is primarily a patient room and not a
surgical operating room.
31. The mobile air treatment device as recited in claim 18 wherein
said cabinet comprises an airflow generator for creating said
vacuum or negative pressure.
32. The air treatment system as recited in claim 18 wherein said
adjustable duct arm is extendable.
33. The air treatment system as recited in claim 18 wherein said
adjustable duct arm is elongated and semi-rigid with a plurality of
areas for permitting a position of an inlet end to be situated in
proximity to the patient.
34. The air treatment system as recited in claim 18 wherein said
adjustable duct arm is an articulating and flexible gooseneck
member.
35. An air treatment device which comprises: a flexible air hose
with an open nozzle at one end comprising an air inlet; a means for
generating a vacuum within said air hose; a filtration means for
filtering an air stream emerging from said air hose; a means for
the chemical or radiation based inactivation of airborne microbes
within said air stream; and at least one of an air outlet adapted
for re-entry of treated air into a surrounding space and/or an air
outlet adapted for mounting an air duct.
36. A mobile cabinet comprising: a mounting for an air hose; a
vacuum generating means; an inactivation means; an air outlet; an
air treatment device wherein a nozzle is removable and disposable,
said nozzle being of a larger external diameter than said air hose;
wherein said nozzle contains an air filtration element; wherein
said air hose is semi-rigid and can be re-positioned; wherein said
vacuum generating means is a centrifugal blower; wherein said
inactivation means comprises an irradiation chamber; wherein said
irradiation chamber comprises means for reducing air velocity and
linearity; wherein said irradiation chamber comprises a multitude
of discrete, randomly oriented, radiation-transmitting objects.
37. A method for treating air around a patient comprising: placing
a nozzle in proximity to a patient, said nozzle connected to an air
hose; generating a vacuum in said air hose, creating a localized
negative air pressure in the proximity of said nozzle; drawing
contaminants arising from the patient and in patient proximity into
said nozzle; treating said contaminants by filtration means;
treating said contaminants further by biocidal irradiation or
chemical means; venting of treated air into the room, or into a
duct.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 16/854,026 filed Apr. 21, 2020, which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/813,548 filed Nov. 15,
2017, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,702,435, which claims priority
to provisional U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/422,810 filed Nov. 16,
2016, to which Applicant claims the benefit of the earlier filing
date. These applications are incorporated herein by reference and
made a part hereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to an air treatment device and, more
particularly, an air treatment device having a flexible duct, hose
or gooseneck adapted to permit a nozzle end to be situated in
proximity to a patient.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] Health care settings are common grounds for the
proliferation of airborne bacteria, viruses and fungi. These agents
contribute greatly to hospital acquired infections which drive
great human and financial costs to the health care system. A
specific concern is the introduction of airborne pathogens arising
from certain medical procedures. Pulmonary and airway procedures
such as bronchoscopy, laryngoscopy and airway intubation can
generate significant airborne pathogens, particularly if the
patient is already infected with transmissible agents such as
tuberculosis or influenza. These pathogens can generate significant
risk to both health care professionals and other patients.
Furthermore, the emergence of drug resistant organisms make
treatment of hospital acquired infections more difficult.
Therefore, there is increased interest in developing environmental
solutions which can reduce airborne bioburden and risk of
transmissibility.
[0004] The typical method for preventing spread of unwanted
pathogens arising from a pulmonary procedure is to perform the
procedure in a negative pressure room. In a negative pressure room,
exhaust air exceeds supply forcing airborne pathogens into exhaust
vents rather than into adjacent spaces. Negative pressure rooms,
however, present significant problems. First, these rooms have
significant engineering requirements, and a typical hospital has a
limited supply of such rooms. The volume of procedures can
outnumber the negative pressure facilities available. Often it is
impractical to transfer patients into negative pressure rooms in
order to perform a procedure. Patients may be critically ill, and
transfer is risky. Finally, negative pressure rooms do not offer
protection for the medical personnel inside of the room. Due to
these limitations, hospitals are performing these procedures in
normal-pressure patient rooms, intensive care units, and operating
rooms.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] What is therefore needed is a device which can create a
localized negative pressure zone around a patient within a normal
pressure room. This will have the benefit of allowing the use of
regular patient rooms as procedure rooms without requiring patient
transportation. It will also offer a degree of exposure reduction
to personnel within the room, as pathogens will directly enter the
device and not the ambient room air. In order for such a device to
work, it will need to be capable of creating a vacuum near the
patient, have a filtration system to trap air contaminants and an
irradiation system to inactivate bacteria.
[0006] The features of the embodiments described herein may be used
alone or in combination with the features of the embodiments shown
and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,433,693; 9,457,119; 9,764,054 and
U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2016/0263267 and 2017/0296691, all of
which are incorporated herein by reference and made a part
hereof.
[0007] One object of the embodiments being described is to provide
an air treatment device for treating the air around a patient in a
room, such as a surgical room or hospital room.
[0008] Another object of the embodiments being described is to
provide a flexible and adjustable duct or gooseneck that is adapted
and configured to permit a nozzle end to be situated in proximity
to the patient.
[0009] Still another object of the embodiments being described is
to provide an air treatment device that is adapted to create a
negative pressure around a patient in order to vacuum the air
around the patient into the air treatment system where it can be
treated.
[0010] Still another object of the embodiments being described is
to provide an air treatment system that is adapted to force air
past an irradiator for irradiating the airstream entering in the
device.
[0011] Yet another object of the embodiments being described is to
provide an air treatment system that is adapted to reduce or
eliminate unwanted airborne bacteria, viruses and fungi.
[0012] Yet another object of the embodiments being described is to
provide an air treatment device that is portable and that has an
inlet end that can be situated in proximity to a patient.
[0013] Still another object of the embodiments being described is
to provide a system and method for treating air and that may
comprise a chemical biocidal remover for reducing or eliminating
unwanted pathogens in the airstream.
[0014] Yet another object of the embodiments being described is to
provide a means for reducing airflow velocity at the irradiator and
increasing a time which the airflow is subjected to irradiation by
providing at least one or a plurality of airflow interrupters.
[0015] Another object of the embodiments being described is to
provide a system and method that uses the plurality of airflow
interrupters in the form of a plurality of discrete, randomly
oriented and radiation-transmitting tubular objects.
[0016] In one aspect, one embodiment of the invention comprises an
air treatment system for use during a surgical procedure in a room,
the air treatment system comprising a housing having an inlet and
an outlet, an air treatment device located in the housing for at
least one of filtering an airflow or irradiating the airflow before
it exits the outlet, and an air hose or duct adapted to be mounted
to the housing in communication with the inlet, the air hose or
duct having an inlet end for situating in proximity to a patient
situated in the room, and an airflow generator for mounting in the
housing for generating an air stream between the inlet and the
outlet and for creating a negative pressure or vacuum in the air
hose or duct, the airflow generator generating an airflow through
the air hose or duct to create a negative pressure around a patient
during the surgical procedure.
[0017] In another aspect, another embodiment of the invention
comprises a mobile air treatment device for use with a patient
undergoing a procedure, the mobile air treatment device comprising
a cabinet that comprises wheels and is portable, a nozzle that is
adapted to be positioned in proximity to the patient, means for
creating a vacuum or negative pressure at the nozzle, and an air
treatment device located in the cabinet for at least one of
filtering an airflow or irradiating the airflow before it exits the
cabinet.
[0018] In yet another aspect, another embodiment of the invention
comprises an air treatment device which comprises a flexible air
hose with an open nozzle at one end comprising an air inlet, a
means for generating a vacuum within the air hose, a filtration
means for filtering an air stream emerging from the air hose, a
means for the chemical or radiation based inactivation of airborne
microbes within the air stream, and at least one of an air outlet
adapted for re-entry of treated air into a surrounding space and/or
an air outlet adapted for mounting an air duct.
[0019] In another aspect, another embodiment of the invention
comprises a mobile cabinet comprising a mounting for an air hose, a
vacuum generating means, an inactivation means, an air outlet, an
air treatment device wherein a nozzle is removable and disposable,
the nozzle being of a larger external diameter than the air hose,
wherein the nozzle contains an air filtration element, wherein the
air hose is semi-rigid and can be re-positioned, wherein the vacuum
generating means is a centrifugal blower, wherein the inactivation
means comprises an irradiation chamber, wherein the irradiation
chamber comprises means for reducing air velocity and linearity,
wherein the irradiation chamber comprises a multitude of discrete,
randomly oriented, radiation-transmitting objects.
[0020] In still another aspect, another embodiment of the invention
comprises a method for treating air around a patient comprising
placing a nozzle in proximity to a patient, the nozzle connected to
an air hose, generating a vacuum in the air hose, creating a
localized negative air pressure in the proximity of the nozzle,
drawing contaminants arising from the patient and in patient
proximity into the nozzle, treating the contaminants by filtration
means, treating the contaminants further by biocidal irradiation or
chemical means, venting of treated air into the room, or into a
duct.
[0021] This invention, including all embodiments shown and
described herein, could be used alone or together and/or in
combination with one or more of the features covered by one or more
of the following list of features: [0022] The air treatment system
wherein the inlet end comprises a removable nozzle that can be
moved or adjusted to a predetermined position by a user. [0023] The
air treatment system wherein the nozzle has a nozzle end having a
nozzle inlet area that is greater than a cross sectional area of
the air hose or duct where the nozzle is coupled to the air hose or
duct. [0024] The air treatment system wherein the air hose or duct
has at least a portion that is at least one of flexible, pivotable
or rotatable. [0025] The air treatment system wherein the nozzle is
removable or detachable from the air hose or duct and comprises a
filter element. [0026] The air treatment system wherein air
treatment device comprises a chemical or irradiator for
inactivating airborne microbes within the air stream as the air
stream flows between the inlet and the outlet. [0027] The air
treatment system wherein the air treatment system is portable.
[0028] The air treatment system wherein the air treatment device
comprises an air filtration system and at least one of a chemical
or irradiating biocidal remover for reducing or eliminating
unwanted pathogens in the air stream. [0029] The air treatment
system wherein the air treatment device located in the housing
filters the air stream and also irradiates the air stream to at
least one of filtering the airflow or irradiating the airflow
before it exits the outlet. [0030] The air treatment system wherein
the air filtration system comprises at least one airflow
interrupter for interrupting the air stream to facilitate the at
least one of the chemical or irradiating biocidal remover, the at
least one airflow interrupter reducing at least one of an air
velocity of the air stream or a linearity of a flow of the air
stream. [0031] The air treatment system wherein the air filtration
system comprises a plurality of airflow interrupters, the plurality
of airflow interrupters comprising a plurality of discrete,
randomly oriented and radiation-transmitting objects. [0032] The
air treatment system wherein the outlet is at least one of adapted
to be fitted to a duct in the room or to re-introduce treated air
into a surrounding space in the room. [0033] The air treatment
system wherein the air treatment system is adapted for use in a
room that is not an operating room. [0034] The air treatment system
wherein the airflow generator comprises a centrifugal blower.
[0035] The air treatment system wherein the air hose or duct is
extendable. [0036] The air treatment system wherein the air hose or
duct is elongated and semi-rigid with a plurality of areas for
permitting a position of the inlet end to be situated in proximity
to the patient. [0037] The air treatment system wherein the air
hose or duct is an articulating and flexible gooseneck member.
[0038] The mobile air treatment device wherein the cabinet
comprises an adjustable duct arm having the nozzle removably
mounted thereon and coupling the nozzle to the cabinet, the
adjustable duct arm being moveable by a user when positioning the
nozzle in proximity to the patient. [0039] The mobile air treatment
device wherein the cabinet comprises a flexible or semi-rigid hose
or duct having an inlet end coupled to the nozzle and an outlet end
coupled to the cabinet, the flexible or semi-rigid hose or duct
being moveable or adjustable to a predetermined position by a user.
[0040] The mobile air treatment device wherein the nozzle has a
nozzle end having a nozzle inlet area that is greater than a cross
sectional area of the adjustable duct arm where the nozzle is
coupled to the adjustable duct arm. [0041] The mobile air treatment
device wherein the adjustable duct arm has at least a portion that
is flexible or pivotable. [0042] The mobile air treatment device
wherein the nozzle is removable or detachable from the adjustable
duct arm and comprises a filter element. [0043] The mobile air
treatment device wherein air treatment device comprises a chemical
or irradiator for inactivating airborne microbes within the airflow
as the airflow flows between an inlet and an outlet. [0044] The
mobile air treatment device wherein the air treatment device
comprises an air filtration system and at least one of a chemical
or irradiating biocidal remover for reducing or eliminating
unwanted pathogens in the airflow. [0045] The mobile air treatment
device wherein the air treatment device located in the cabinet
filters the airflow and also irradiates the airflow to at least one
of filtering the airflow or irradiating the airflow before it exits
an outlet. [0046] The mobile air treatment device wherein the air
treatment device comprises at least one airflow interrupter for
interrupting the airflow to facilitate the at least one of the
chemical or irradiating biocidal remover, the at least one airflow
interrupter reducing at least one of an air velocity of the airflow
or a linearity of a flow of the airflow. [0047] The mobile air
treatment device wherein the air treatment device comprises a
plurality of airflow interrupters, the plurality of airflow
interrupters comprising a plurality of discrete, randomly oriented
and radiation-transmitting objects. [0048] The mobile air treatment
device wherein the cabinet comprises an outlet that is at least one
of adapted to be fitted to a duct in a room where the patient is
located or to re-introduce treated air into a surrounding space in
the room. [0049] The mobile air treatment device in combination
with a room that is primarily a patient room and not a surgical
operating room. [0050] The mobile air treatment device wherein the
cabinet comprises an airflow generator for creating the vacuum or
negative pressure. [0051] The air treatment system wherein the
adjustable duct arm is extendable. [0052] The air treatment system
wherein the adjustable duct arm is elongated and semi-rigid with a
plurality of areas for permitting a position of an inlet end to be
situated in proximity to the patient. [0053] The air treatment
system wherein the adjustable duct arm is an articulating and
flexible gooseneck member.
[0054] These and other objects and advantages of the invention will
be apparent from the following description, the accompanying
drawings and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0055] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air treatment system in
accordance with one embodiment;
[0056] FIGS. 2A-2C are additional views of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 illustrating the movement of a duct or hose;
[0057] FIG. 3A is an exploded view of the air treatment system
showing the various components of the air treatment system;
[0058] FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the coupling of the elbow and
duct member along the line 3B-3B in FIG. 2C;
[0059] FIGS. 4A-4C are fragmentary views showing various features
of the nozzle and a ball valve used therein;
[0060] FIGS. 5A-5G are additional views, some with the side cover
of a housing of the air treatment system removed, illustrating
various features of the embodiment shown; and
[0061] FIGS. 6A-6F are views of another embodiment showing an
adjustable gooseneck and flexible duct.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 1, an air treatment system 10 is
shown. The air treatment system 10 is adapted for use during a
surgical procedure in a room, such as an operating room R, where it
is desired to treat or purify the air around a patient P.
[0063] The air treatment system 10 comprises a housing 12 having an
inlet 14 and an outlet 16. The housing 12 has an air treatment
device 18 situated and mounted therein. The air treatment device 18
is adapted to filter, treat, sanitize and/or irradiate the air
entering the inlet 14 and passing through the air treatment system
10 before exiting the outlet 16.
[0064] The air treatment system 10 comprises an air hose or duct 20
adapted to be mounted in communication with the inlet 14. In this
regard, the air hose or duct 20 comprises an end 22 that is mounted
to and in communication with the inlet 14 as illustrated in FIG. 1.
The air hose or duct 20 has an inlet end 24 having a nozzle 26
detachably secured thereto. In the embodiments being described, the
air hose or duct 20 is adjustable and has a flexible gooseneck
member having an adjustable and flexible gooseneck whose position
can be changed and adjusted to permit positioning the nozzle 26 in
proximity to a patient P. Features of another adjustable gooseneck
are also illustrated in another embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A-6F.
The air hose or duct 20 is at least one of flexible, pivotable,
rotatable or extendable (i.e., telescopic) so that the nozzle 26
may be situated in proximity to the patient P (FIG. 1) situated in
the room R.
[0065] The air treatment system 10 further comprises an airflow
generator 28. In the illustration being described, the airflow
generator 28 is conventionally mounted in the housing 12 and
generates an airstream between the inlet 14 and the outlet 16,
which in turn, creates a negative pressure or vacuum in the air
hose or duct 20 and particularly at the area A associated with the
inlet end 24 and nozzle 26. In general, this negative air pressure
at the area A causes the air around the patient P to be pulled or
sucked into nozzle 26, into the air hose or duct 20, and then into
the housing 12 where the air flows through the housing 12 and is
treated by the air treatment system 10.
[0066] Notice in FIGS. 1 and 2A that the housing 12 comprises a
first chamber area 12a, a second chamber area 12b wherein the
airflow generator 28 is situated, and an air treatment area or
chamber 12c wherein the airflow passing through the housing 12 is
treated before it exits in the direction of arrow B (FIGS. 1, 2A
and 2C) through the outlet 16. In the illustration being described,
the outlet 16 may be open to atmosphere in the operating room R or
it may be coupled to conventional duct work, including flexible
duct work (not shown), where the air would be exhausted through a
duct system 30 as illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0067] In the illustration being described, the housing 12
comprises a plurality of housing dividers or supports 32 and 34
which are in an internal chamber 36 (FIG. 2A) of the housing 12 and
which receives air from the air hose or duct 20. A wall 32a in
support 32 defines a passageway 40 that allows the air to pass from
chamber 12a into the chamber 12b wherein the airflow generator 28
is situated. The airflow generator 28, when activated, causes air
in the chamber 12b to be sucked or pulled into the airflow
generator housing 28a so that the airflow generator 28 can cause
the air to flow from the first chamber area 12a and into the second
chamber area 12b to be exhausted from the second chamber area 12b
into the third chamber area 12c where it is treated by the air
treatment device 18. In this regard, the airflow divider or support
34 comprises at least one generally rectangular opening 39 (FIG.
2B) so that the airflow generator 28 forces air to pass into the
third chamber area 12c and past the components of the air treatment
device 18.
[0068] The air treatment device 18 comprises at least one or a
plurality of irradiators 38 which irradiate the airstream and kill
unwanted bacteria, viruses and/or fungi. In the illustration being
described, the at least one or a plurality of irradiators 38
comprise at least one or a plurality of ultraviolet light sources
for providing the irradiation in the manner conventionally known.
Although not shown, one or more features of the devices and
apparatus shown in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,433,693; 9,457,119;
9,764,054 and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2016/0263267 and
2017/0296691, all of which are assigned to the same Assignee as the
present application, may be used in conjunction with or as the air
treatment device 18. These U.S. patents and published U.S. patent
applications are incorporated herein by reference and made a part
hereof. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,457,119 shows a generally
rectangular box holding a plurality of quartz tubular members. It
is contemplated that features of this device may be used with or in
combination with the irradiator 38.
[0069] It is also contemplated that the air treatment device 18 may
comprise a chemical treatment or biocidal remover 58 (FIG. 1) for
inactivating or destroying airborne microbes within the air stream
as the air stream flows between the inlet 14 and the outlet 16 of
the air treatment system 10. It should be understood that the
housing 12 of the air treatment system 10 comprises a front panel
13 (FIGS. 6B and 6D), and a side panel 15 (FIG. 6D) which is shown
removed in FIGS. 1, 2A-2C and 5F-5G in order to illustrate the
components therein. With the panel removed, it can be seen that the
air flows into the air hose or duct 20 and into the inlet 14 of the
housing 12 where it reaches the first chamber 12a. The airflow
passes through the opening or passageway 40 (FIG. 2A) defined by a
wall 32a of the divider or support 32 and into the second chamber
12b as illustrated in FIG. 2A. The air flows into the airflow
generator 28, which in the illustration being described is a
centrifugal fan, which receives air in the area 28a and directs the
air through the fan housing 24a where it is directed into the air
treatment device 18. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the air is caused to
be directed through the air treatment device 18 and past the
irradiators 38. In this regard, the air treatment device 18
comprises a generally L-shaped grate 19 (FIG. 2B) that comprises a
plurality of inlet vents 21 and outlet vents or grates 23, with the
outlet vents or grate 23 being associated with the at least one or
a plurality of irradiators 38. The air is directed past the at
least one or a plurality of irradiators 38 and through an exit
aperture 18c (FIG. 2B) defined by a wall 18d in the air treatment
device housing 18a. Although not shown, it should be appreciated
that the air treatment device 18 is closed on its sides by either a
separate wall that is mounted on the edges 18e or that is closed
and sealed by the front cover 12d so that all air that enters into
the air treatment device 18 flows through the outlet vents or
grates 23 and past the irradiators 38 as illustrated in FIG. 2B.
This causes all airflow entering into the housing 12 to be received
and pass through the air treatment device 18 so that the air can be
purified in order to reduce or eliminate airborne bacteria, viruses
and fungi in the airstream and before it is passed through the
outlet 16.
[0070] In the illustration, a controller 74 (FIG. 1) is coupled to
and controls the various components (i.e., the airflow generator 28
and the air treatment device 18). When the switch 72 (FIG. 2C) is
activated, the airflow generator 28 and air treatment device 18 are
energized to cause the air treatment system 10 to treat the air
around the patient P.
[0071] Referring now to the exploded view in FIG. 3A, details of
the air hose or duct 20 of the first embodiment are shown. In one
embodiment, the duct 20 comprises mating segments 20a-20e. Note
that the elbows 20b and 20d each have an internal wall 20b1 and
20d1, respectively that define a plurality of female apertures
adapted to receive male ends of the mating segments or members 20a,
20c and 20e. For example, the duct member 20c comprises the first
male end 20c1 and the second male end 20c2 that are received in the
elbows 20b and 20d, respectively, as shown. Note that the segment
20a also comprises a male portion 20a1 that is adapted and sized to
be received in the female aperture of the elbow 20b. The segment
20a further comprises the inlet 14 to thereby secure the air hose
and duct 20 to the housing 12. The segment 20e also comprises male
ends 20e1 and 20e2. The end 20e1 is adapted and sized to be
received in the elbow 20d. The end 20e2 is adapted and sized to
receive the nozzle 26 as shown.
[0072] Once the various segments 20a-20e and the nozzle 26 are
assembled and the segment 20a is mounted on the inlet 14, the
nozzle 26 can be situated and moved in operative relationship with
the patient P (FIG. 1) so as to create a negative pressure NP (FIG.
1) around the patient P and in order to cause the air around the
patient P to be received, vacuumed, sucked or pulled into the air
hose or duct 20 where it can then be received in the housing 12 and
processed as described herein. It should be understood that, in a
preferred embodiment, the air hose or duct 20 is flexible with each
section being pivotable or rotatable so that the nozzle 26 may be
moved to a desired position relative to the patient P.
[0073] It should be understood that various means may be used to
rotatably couple the various components 20a-20e together. For
example, FIG. 3B shows an example along the line of 3B-3B in FIG.
2C of a coupling of the elbow 20b and duct member 20c, showing use
of a boss 23a and mating circumferencing channel 25 in the duct
member 20c. The boss 23a and channel 25 may be continuous or
interrupted and facilitate rotatably retaining the joining parts
together, while permitting the parts to be pivoted or rotated
relative to each other.
[0074] As mentioned, the air hose or duct 20 comprises at least a
portion that is at least one of flexible, pivotable or rotatable so
that a position of the nozzle 26 may be adjusted. The air hose or
duct 20 may be made from a flexible material, coating or sheath
(not shown) or other flexible material that can be formed into the
shape of a tube and that is flexible. Although not shown, an
insulation layer or other protective layer, such as polyester,
glass, polyethylene or PET can be used on the duct 20. In the
illustration being described, the flexible duct 20 is adapted to
accommodate negative pressures, such as negative pressure of 200 Pa
or more.
[0075] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, details of the nozzle 26 are
shown. Note that the nozzle 26 has a nozzle end 26a that defines a
nozzle inlet area 26b that is greater than a cross-sectional area
of the air hose or duct 20 where the nozzle 26 is coupled to the
air hose or duct 20. Note that the nozzle 26 may comprise an
adjustable ball valve 42 that is generally spherical and has an
aperture 44 therethrough. In the illustration being described, the
ball valve 42 is press-fit into the nozzle 26 as shown in FIG.
4C.
[0076] FIG. 6A illustrates the air treatment system 10 comprising a
plurality of rubber pads 76 for supporting the housing 12, but as
mentioned earlier, it should be appreciated that the housing 12
could comprise the plurality of wheels 56, such as caster wheels,
to facilitate ease of portability and movement of the air treatment
system 10.
[0077] In one embodiment, the air treatment system 10 comprises a
plurality of irradiators 38 (FIG. 2A) in the form of ultraviolet
lamps that are conventionally coupled to a ballast 60 with end cap
connectors and lamp holder (not shown). It should be understood
that the air treatment system 10 may comprise a chemical biocidal
removal 58 in the chamber 12c in place of or in addition to the
plurality of irradiators 38. Also, the air treatment device 18 may
comprise at least one airflow interrupter for interrupting the
airstream to facilitate causing the airstream to be subjected to
the irradiation for a longer period of time thereby facilitating
the removal and spread of unwanted pathogens. In this regard, the
features of U.S. Pat. No. 9,457,119 (tubular transparent members)
may be used herein. Note in the embodiment being described that the
air treatment system 10 comprises a baffle 70 (FIG. 1) associated
with the chamber 12c. As is conventionally known, the baffle 70
interrupts the linear air flow so that the airflow velocity is
reduced and a linearity of the flow of the air stream is
interrupted which in turn causes the airstream to be subjected to
the irradiation generated by the irradiators 38 or the chemical
biocidal remover 58.
[0078] Note in FIG. 2C that the air treatment system 10 further
comprises the switch 72 coupled to the printed circuit board or
controller 74 which controls the operation of the airflow generator
28 and the air treatment device 18.
[0079] In general, the user positions the air treatment system 10
in proximity to the patient P and maneuvers the gooseneck air hose
or duct 20 such that the nozzle 26 is positioned in proximity to
the patient P. The user actuates the switch 72 which in turn causes
controller 74 to energize the airflow generator 28 to cause a
negative pressure at the nozzle 26 which sucks or vacuums the air
into the air treatment system 10 through the chambers 12a, 12b and
into the chamber 12c where the airstream experiences the air
treatment device 18. In the illustration shown, the air treatment
device 18, which is also energized by controller 74 in response to
activation of the switch 72, has the irradiators 38, but as
mentioned earlier herein, it could have a chemical biocidal remover
58 in addition to or in place of the irradiators 38.
[0080] FIGS. 5A-5G illustrate other views of the system 10 with and
without the side panel 15.
[0081] FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate another embodiment. In this
embodiment like parts are identified with the same part number
except that a prime mark ("'") has been added to the part numbers
in the embodiments of FIGS. 6A-6F. In this embodiment, the air
treatment system 10' comprises a flexible and adjustable gooseneck
air hose or duct 20' that comprises a plurality of interconnecting
tubular members 52' that are adapted to articulate and pivot
relative to each other to provide complete range of motion for the
nozzle 26' so that it may be easily positioned in proximity to the
patient P. The plurality of segments 52 are interconnected and
permit the air hose or duct 20' to articulate universally in any
desired direction so that the nozzle 26' may be placed in operative
relationship or proximity to the patient P. Thus, it should be
appreciated that the air hose or duct 20' defines a universal
flexible air hose or duct that is easily manually manipulated in
order to change a position of the nozzle 26'. FIGS. 6A-6F
illustrate various views of the embodiment of the air treatment
system 10' showing different views of the air hose or duct 20'.
[0082] In the illustrations being described, it should be
appreciated that the nozzle 26, 26' may be removably secured to the
inlet end 14, 54' of the air hose or duct 20, 20', respectively. As
mentioned earlier herein, the air hose or duct 20, 20' may have a
portion that is at least one of flexible, pivotable, extendable or
rotatable and that portion may also be semi-rigid. Again, it should
be understood that the air hose or duct 20, 20' is flexible and
adapted to be repositioned if desired.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
[0083] 1. As mentioned earlier, a key feature of the embodiments
being described is the flexible and articulating gooseneck member
or air hose or duct 20 that is at least one of flexible, pivotable,
extendable, telescoping or rotatable.
[0084] 2. Note that the nozzle 26 is generally rectangular at its
nozzle end 26a that defines an area A that is larger than the
cross-sectional area of the air hose or duct 20. It is contemplated
that a filter 77 (FIG. 2C) may be inserted into the nozzle inlet
area 26b to provide initial filtration of the airstream. It is also
contemplated that the area 12a may comprise one or more additional
filtering components, such as a HEPA filter, or include features of
one or more of the devices shown in the aforementioned patents
which are owned by the same Assignee as the present
application.
[0085] 3. As mentioned earlier, one or more of the air treatment
devices 18 may comprise at least one or a plurality of airflow
interrupters. The airflow interrupters may comprise a plurality of
discrete, randomly oriented and radiation-transmitting objects.
[0086] 4. While a primary use of the embodiments being described is
in an operating room R, it should be understood that the air
treatment system 10 is also intended to be used in any environment
where it is desired to provide air filtration, such as a triage
unit, a room in a building (such as a house or a commercial
building) or other area.
[0087] 5. Note that the airflow generator 28 has been shown and
described as a centrifugal blower, it should be understood of
course that other types of fans or blowers could be used.
[0088] 6. In summary, the air treatment device 10 creates a
localized negative pressure zone around the patient P within a
normal pressure room R. This will have the benefit of allowing the
use of regular patient rooms as procedure rooms without requiring
patient transportation. It also offers a degree of exposure
reduction to personnel within the room R, as pathogens will
directly enter the air treatment device 10 and not the ambient room
air. The air treatment device 10 is capable of creating a vacuum
near the patient and has a filtration system that traps or
eliminates air contaminants and an irradiation system that
inactivates bacteria.
[0089] This invention, including all embodiments shown and
described herein, could be used alone or together and/or in
combination with one or more of the features covered by one or more
of the claims set forth herein, including but not limited to one or
more of the features or steps mentioned in the Summary of the
Invention and the claims.
[0090] While the system, apparatus and method herein described
constitute preferred embodiments of this invention, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited to this precise
system, apparatus and method, and that changes may be made therein
without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined
in the appended claims.
* * * * *