U.S. patent application number 17/550247 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-31 for systems and methods for batch processing air taken from a populated environment to destroy pathogens and then reintroduce the air into the populated environment.
The applicant listed for this patent is RHC Ventures, LLC. Invention is credited to Robert H. Cameron, Luis M. Ortiz.
Application Number | 20220099320 17/550247 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006026032 |
Filed Date | 2022-03-31 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20220099320 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cameron; Robert H. ; et
al. |
March 31, 2022 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BATCH PROCESSING AIR TAKEN FROM A POPULATED
ENVIRONMENT TO DESTROY PATHOGENS AND THEN REINTRODUCE THE AIR INTO
THE POPULATED ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
Systems and methods for batch processing air taken from a
populated environment to destroy pathogens contained therein. A
multi-chamber treatment system can be coupled between one or more
air return vents of the populated environment and one or more
supply vents providing air into the populated environment. A
filling chamber can be coupled to the air return vent(s) of the
populated environment adapted to receive potentially contaminated
air therefrom. An expressing chamber can include components for
treating the potentially contaminated air to destroy pathogens. A
relaxing chamber can allow treated air previously treated in the
treatment compartment to stabilize. An exhausting chamber can be
coupled to an air conditioning system serving the populated
environment or the supply vent(s) providing air back into the
populated environment. Treatment can be facilitated by ozone, UVC,
and other means.
Inventors: |
Cameron; Robert H.; (El
Paso, TX) ; Ortiz; Luis M.; (Albuquerque,
NM) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RHC Ventures, LLC |
Albuquerque |
NM |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006026032 |
Appl. No.: |
17/550247 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
17359099 |
Jun 25, 2021 |
11236915 |
|
|
17550247 |
|
|
|
|
63076390 |
Sep 10, 2020 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 8/26 20210101; F24F
8/22 20210101; F24F 8/158 20210101; F24F 13/02 20130101; B01D 36/00
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 8/22 20060101
F24F008/22; F24F 8/158 20060101 F24F008/158; B01D 36/00 20060101
B01D036/00; F24F 13/02 20060101 F24F013/02; F24F 8/26 20060101
F24F008/26 |
Claims
1. A system for batch processing untreated air taken from a
populated environment to destroy pathogens contained therein,
comprising a multi-chamber treatment system coupled between at
least one air return vent of the populated environment and at least
one supply vent providing treated air into the populated
environment, the system further including: a filling chamber
coupled to the at least one air return vent of the populated
environment and operable to receive the untreated air therefrom; an
expressing chamber including components operable to treat the
untreated air to destroy any pathogens contained in the untreated
air and convert the untreated air to the treated air; and an
exhausting chamber coupled to at least one of an air conditioning
system serving the populated environment or the at least one supply
vent providing the treated air back into the populated
environment.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor in the
expressing chamber to analyze the untreated air received from the
filling chamber.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising UVC lighting in at
least one of: the filing chamber, the expressing chamber, and the
exhausting chamber.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising an ozone generation
system coupled to the expressing chamber, wherein a treatment of
the untreated air includes a treatment by ozone gas.
5. The system of claim 4, further comprising: a relaxing chamber
operable to allow the treated air previously treated in a treatment
compartment to stabilize.
6. The system of claim 5, further comprising: UVC lighting in the
relaxing chamber and operable to return ozonated air (O.sub.3) to
safely breathable air (O.sub.2), wherein the populated environment
includes at least one of: a car, an airplane, a building, or a
room.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising an activated carbon
filter disposed at an exit of the exhausting chamber where the
exhausting chamber interfaces with at least one of: the air
conditioning system or the at least one supply vent that can carry
treated air back into the populated environment.
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. A method for batch processing untreated air taken from a
populated environment to destroy pathogens contained therein,
comprising: providing a multi-chamber treatment system coupled
between at least one air return vent of the populated environment
and at least one supply vent providing treated air into the
populated environment, the system further including a filling
chamber coupled to the at least one air return vent, an expressing
chamber including air treatment components operable to treat the
untreated air to destroy any pathogens contained in the untreated
air and convert the untreated air to the treated air, a relaxing
chamber operable to allow the treated air previously treated in a
treatment compartment to stabilize, and an exhausting chamber
coupled to at least one of an air conditioning system serving the
populated environment or the at least one supply vent providing the
treated air back into the populated environment; providing
untreated air from a filling chamber to the expressing chamber
wherein it is treated by the air treatment components to destroy
pathogens possibly contained therein; providing air treated in the
expressing chamber by the air treatment components to the relaxing
chamber as treated air wherein the treated air stabilizes; and
providing the treated air from the relaxing chamber to the
exhausting chamber wherein the treated air is returned to the
populated environment via at least one of an air conditioning
system serving at least one of: the populated environment or the at
least one supply vent.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the air treatment components
include an ozone generator operable to treat the untreated air.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein UVC lighting is included in at
least one of the filing chamber, the expressing chamber, the
relaxing chamber and the exhausting chamber and is operable to
further treat at least one of: the untreated air and the treated
air.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein UVC lighting included in the
relaxing chamber is used to return ozonated air (O.sub.3) to safely
breathable air (O.sub.2).
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the populated environment
includes at least one of: a car, an airplane, a building, or a
room.
20. The system of claim 15, an activated carbon filter is disposed
at an exit of the exhausting chamber where the exhausting chamber
interfaces with at least one of the air conditioning system or the
at least one supply vent that carry treated air back into the
populated environment and the carbon filter filters ozone
components from the treated air.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PATENT APPLICATIONS APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 17/359,099, entitled "Systems and Methods for
Batch Processing Air Taken from a Populated Environment to Destroy
Pathogens and then Reintroduce the Air into the Populated
Environment," which was filed Jun. 26, 2021 and is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 17/359,099 claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/076,390 entitled
"Systems and Methods for Batch Processing Air Taken from a
Populated Environment to Destroy Pathogens and then Reintroduce the
Air into the Populated Environment," which was filed on Sep. 10,
2020, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This
patent application therefore claims priority to the Sep. 10, 2020
date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
63/076,390.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention is generally related to air treatment
system and methods. The present invention is more particularly
related to systems and methods for treating air taken from a
populated environment and treating the air in batches to destroy
pathogens contained therein and then reintroducing the air back
into the populated environment.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Airborne diseases are caused by pathogenic microbes small
enough to be discharged from an infected person via coughing,
sneezing, laughing and close personal contact or aerosolization of
the microbes. The discharged microbes can remain suspended in the
air on dust particles, respiratory and water droplets. Illness can
be caused when the pathogenic microbes are inhaled or contact mucus
membranes or when secretions remaining on a surface are
touched.
[0004] Most people live, work and enjoy their leisure activities in
densely populated environments, which increase their exposure to
many pathogens. The risk of cross-infection is a psychological
stress factor as well as a real health issue, which reduces the
well-being of the population and has a powerful economic impact due
to, for example, absenteeism and reduced productivity. Human
history records many pandemics, e.g., the Spanish influenza
epidemic in 1918-1919, which was by far the most lethal flu
pandemic of the 20th century, infecting about a quarter of the
global population and killing more than 40 million people.
Increased mobility permits a rapid dissemination of new diseases
and elevates the risk of further pandemics, e.g., of Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Covid-19, as well as the emergence
of old and well-known diseases that have developed resistance to
existing drug treatment, e.g., tuberculosis. Another threat imposes
the rapid mutation of some microorganisms and their adaptation as a
cause of human diseases, e.g., Ebola, the H5N1 strain of avian flu,
Covid-19, etc.
[0005] Harmful pathogens can find their way into air within closed
environments populated by human life, potentially contaminating
occupants of these closed environments. Such is commonly the case
with influenza and commons colds. More recently, more harmful
viruses such as the Covid-19 have caused great concern, economic
impact, illness and death as it has propagated into populated
environment where it has infected many human beings. The treatment
of air has always been of concern for society, but threats of
pandemic have intensified the worldwide need for improvements in
treating air that is breathed in by humans in public and private
environments where disease continues to proliferate.
[0006] All these factors increase the importance of making the
indoor air as clean from any pathogens as possible, and with high
perceived air quality as the cleanest outdoor air, or even better.
Unfortunately, most of our indoor work and living places are not
designed to prevent the spread of airborne pathogens. Furthermore,
air distribution systems may even enhance transmission. In order to
solve this multidisciplinary problem successfully, knowledge in
different fields needs to be combined: the type of pathogen, its
generation and survival mechanism before affecting the host,
possible disinfection methods to eradicate it, and transmission
mechanisms among people.
[0007] Although transmission of airborne diseases can be greatly
reduced by practicing social and respiratory etiquette. Staying
home when ill, keeping close contact with an ill person to a
minimum, allowing a few feet distance from others while ill, and
wearing a mask, covering coughs and sneezes with elbow or tissue
can greatly reduce transmission, environmental controls and
engineering alternatives can also help reduce transmission of water
droplet aerosolized pathogens.
[0008] Engineering solutions can be proposed in order to
efficiently reduce the pathogen loads released in air, disable
their virulence, and make them harmless for healthy inhabitants.
The methods applied should be neither life nor health threatening,
nor should they reduce in any way occupants' perceived air quality
or thermal comfort. They should also ideally be user friendly (if
people are to operate them), with low noise emission, energy
efficient, highly ergonomic and aesthetic.
[0009] What are needed are improved systems and methods that can
treat contaminated air and render germ-free oxygen. The present
inventors disclose such systems and methods as will be further
described herein.
SUMMARY
[0010] The following summary is provided to facilitate an
understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the
disclosed embodiments and is not intended to be a full description.
A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments
disclosed herein can be gained by taking the entire specification,
claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.
[0011] Most systems are designed around a continuous flow model,
which makes it difficult to evaluate how much exposure to treatment
is enough.
[0012] It is a feature of the present invention to provide systems
and methods for treating air taken from a populated environment in
batches to destroy pathogens contained therein and then
reintroducing the air back into the populated environment.
[0013] In accordance with a feature a system for batch processing
air to destroy pathogens contained therein is disclosed, in
accordance with the embodiments. Intake air can be split into
multiple batches for processing via a multi-compartment treatment
system which can be installed along, or as part of, a typical air
conditioning system (e.g., building HVAC, vehicle heating and
cooling componentry, airplane heating and cooling componentry).
[0014] In accordance with another feature, a four batch/compartment
system and process can be provided where a first chamber can be
interfaced with an air return portion of an airflow system to
receive (be filled with) untreated air from a populated environment
(e.g., a building, a room, a motor vehicle, an airplane), while a
second chamber can treat air previously received from the first
chamber, and a third chamber can allow air treated in the second
chamber to stabilize before it is released back into an airflow
system from a fourth chamber that can be interfaced with an airflow
distribution system (e.g., HVAC system) and be distributed by vents
back into the populated environment.
[0015] In accordance with another feature, the first camber can be
viewed as the "filling chamber", the second chamber as an
"expressing chamber", the third chamber as a "relaxing chamber",
and the fourth chamber as an "exhausting chamber".
[0016] In accordance with yet another features, the second chamber
can also analyze, as well as treat, air previously received from
the first chamber.
[0017] In accordance with another features, batch processing of air
can include treatment with ozone in the second chamber to destroy
pathogens such as the Corona (Covid-19) virus. By batch processing
the air, the amount of ozone exposure needed to purify each batch
can be more rigorously determined empirically.
[0018] In accordance with yet another features, the batch
processing system can be installed in a car or airplane, or for an
entire HVAC system that services a building or warehouse.
[0019] In accordance with yet another feature, when ozone treatment
is used in the present system, the expressing chamber is where air
treatment by ozone can occur, and the relaxing chamber is where
ozonated air (O.sub.3) can return to safely breathable levels of
air (O.sub.2).
[0020] In accordance with yet another feature, ultraviolet light at
the UVC level can be utilized in any of the four chambers to
further assure the destruction of harmful pathogens. UVC light in
the third chamber, for example, can assist with the relaxation of
ozone in air. This is possible because UV energy can also break one
of the oxygen bonds in an ozone molecule.
[0021] In accordance with another features, activated carbon
filters can be incorporated at an exit of the fourth chamber, where
it interfaces with the airflow system that can carry treated oxygen
through at least one of an HVAC system or the vents to the
populated environment.
[0022] Although the chambers can be present in a linear fashion, an
alternate embodiment can be utilized where the four chambers are
presented as part of a circular housing with four sealed chambers
formed by a four wall partition that can be rotated 360 degrees
within the housing.
[0023] In accordance with another features, the four walls can
include rubber seals that interface with a continuous interior wall
of the circular housing as the walls are rotated to move air from
the first through fourth chambers. Air can be moved 90-degrees at a
time as the walls are rotated within the circular housing.
Rotational movement can occur every few second to several
minutes.
[0024] These and other features will be further appreciated from
the following description and associated drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the
separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the
specification, further illustrate the present invention and,
together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to
explain the principles of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for batch
processing air to destroy pathogens contained therein, in
accordance with features of the embodiments;
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of another embodiment of
a system for batch processing air to destroy pathogens contained
therein, in accordance with features of the embodiments;
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates another block diagram of a system for
batch processing air to destroy pathogens contained therein when
deployed in association with HVAC components, in accordance with
features of the embodiments;
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of batch
processing air to destroy pathogens contained therein, in
accordance with features of the embodiments; and
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates another flow diagram of a method of batch
processing air to destroy pathogens contained therein, in
accordance with features of the embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The particular values and configurations discussed in these
non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to
illustrate one or more embodiments and are not intended to limit
the scope thereof.
[0032] Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part
hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific example
embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety
of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject
matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any
example embodiments set forth herein; example embodiments are
provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad
scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among
other things, for example, subject matter may be embodied as
methods, devices, components, or systems. Accordingly, embodiments
may, for example, take the form of hardware, software, firmware, or
any combination thereof (other than software per se). The following
detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be interpreted
in a limiting sense.
[0033] Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have
nuanced meanings suggested or implied in context beyond an
explicitly stated meaning. Likewise, phrases such as "in one
embodiment" or "in an embodiment" or "in an example embodiment" and
variations thereof as utilized herein may not necessarily refer to
the same embodiment and the phrase "in another embodiment" or "in
another example embodiment" or "in an alternative embodiment" and
variations thereof as utilized herein may or may not necessarily
refer to a different embodiment. It is intended, for example, that
claimed subject matter can include combinations of embodiments in
whole or in part. In addition, identical reference numerals
utilized herein with respect to the drawings can refer to identical
or similar parts or components.
[0034] In general, terminology may be understood, at least in part,
from usage in context. For example, terms such as "and," "or," or
"and/or" as used herein may include a variety of meanings that may
depend, at least in part, upon the context in which such terms are
used. Typically, "or" if used to associate a list, such as A, B, or
C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive
sense, as well as A, B, or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In
addition, the term "one or more" as used herein, depending at least
in part upon context, may be used to describe any feature,
structure, or characteristic in a singular sense or may be used to
describe combinations of features, structures, or characteristics
in a plural sense. Similarly, terms such as "a," "an," or "the",
again, may be understood to convey a singular usage or to convey a
plural usage, depending at least in part upon context. In addition,
the term "based on" may be understood as not necessarily intended
to convey an exclusive set of factors and may, instead, allow for
existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly
described, again, depending at least in part on context.
[0035] Air can be treated to destroy airborne pathogens. This can
be accomplished through a unit installed in a car or airplane, or
for an entire HVAC system that services a building or warehouse.
Most systems are designed around a continuous flow model which
makes it difficult to evaluate how much exposure to treatment is
enough. By batch processing the air, the amount of ozone exposure
needed to purify each batch can be more rigorously determined
empirically. Intake air can be split into multiple batches for
processing via a multi-compartment treatment system which can be
installed along, or as part of, a typical airflow system (e.g.,
building HVAC, vehicle heating and cooling componentry, airplane
heating and cooling componentry). For example, in a four
batch/compartment system and process, a. first chamber can be
interfaced with an air return portion of an airflow system to
receive (be filled with) untreated air from a populated environment
(e.g., a room, a motor vehicle, an airplane), while a second
chamber can analyze and treat air previously received from the
first chamber, and a third chamber can allow air treated in the
second chamber to stabilize the air, now treated, before it is
released back into an airflow system from a fourth chamber that can
interface with the airflow system and be distributed by vents back
into the populated environment. The first camber can be viewed as
the "filling chamber", the second chamber as an "expressing
chamber", the third chamber as a "relaxing chamber", and the fourth
chamber as an "exhausting chamber".
[0036] When ozone treatment is used in the present system, the
expressing chamber is where air treatment by ozone can occur, and
the relaxing chamber is where ozonated air (O.sub.3) can return to
safely breathable levels of air (O.sub.2). Ultraviolet light at the
UVC level can be utilized in any of the four chambers to further
assure the destruction of harmful pathogens. UVC light in the third
chamber can assist with the relaxation of ozone in air. This is
possible because UV energy can also break one of the oxygen bonds
in an ozone molecule. Additionally, activated carbon filters can be
incorporated at the interface of the fourth chamber where it
interfaces with the airflow system that can carry treated oxygen
through the vents to the populated environment.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a system 100 for batch
processing air 120 to destroy pathogens that can be contained
therein, in accordance with features of the embodiments. Although
different configurations can be presented, a linear model is
illustrated. Air 120 from a populated environment 110 can be
untreated and can contain harmful pathogens. The untreated air can
be drawn into a return vent 105 from the populated environment 110
as shown by inflow arrow 121 and into a filling chamber 101. The
untreated air can then be provided to an expressing chamber 102
wherein it is treated and can become treated air. The treated air
can then be provided to a relaxing chamber 103 wherein it is given
time to settle. Settlement time can be helpful where treatment
means using components such as ozone are used. The treated air can
then be provided to an exhaust chamber 104 wherein it can be
provided back to the populated environment 110 at shown by outflow
arrow 122 via at least one supply vent 106.
[0038] A series of valves 111-115 can be utilized to control the
flow of air through the system 100 and seal the chambers from each
other during processing. For example, valve 111 control the flow of
air into the filling chamber 101 from the populated environment 110
via the return vent. Valve 112 can control flow from the filling
chamber 101 to the expressing chamber 102 and can create a seal
between the filling chamber and the expressing chamber. Valve 113
can control flow from the expressing chamber 102 to the relaxing
chamber 103 and can create a seal between tee expressing chamber
102 and the relaxing chamber 103. Valve 114 can control flow from
the relaxing chamber 103 to the exhausting chamber 104 and can
create a seal between the relaxing chamber 103 and the exhausting
chamber 104. Valve 115 can control air flowing from the exhausting
chamber to the populated environment via the at least one supply
vent 106.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram 200 of a system for
batch processing air 120 to destroy pathogens that may be contained
therein is illustrated, in accordance with features of the
embodiments. Although a multi chamber treatment system can be
presented in a linear fashion as illustrated in FIG. 1, an
alternate embodiment can be utilized where a multi chamber
treatment system 200 includes four chambers 201-204 as areas that
can be presented as part of a circular housing 210 wherein areas
defining the four sealed chambers 201-204 are formed by four wall
partitions 221-224 that can be rotated 360 degrees (90-degrees over
a specified time that can be from a few second to several minutes),
within the circular housing 210. The wall partitions 221-224 can
include rubber material incorporated as part of the construction
for, or formed onto edges of, the four wall partitions 211-214 for
adapting the four wall partitions 211-214 to interface with the
continuous interior wall 218 of the circular housing 210 as the
four wall partitions 221-224 are rotated 90-degrees to move
untreated and treated air from the filling chamber 201 through
exhausting chamber 204 and creates a seal between the filling 201,
expressing 202, relaxing 203 and exhausting 204 chambers as the
four wall partitions are rotated 360 degrees and contract the
continuous inner wall 218 during air processing/treatment. The four
wall partitions 201-204 can extend from a central hub 205 that can
cause rotation of the four wall partitions 201-204 within the
housing 210.
[0040] The housing 210 of the multi-chamber treatment system 200
can be coupled between at least one air return vent 206 associated
a populated environment 220 and at least one supply vent 208
associated with and providing treated air into the populated
environment 220. The multi-chamber treatment system can be located
in an area 222 located outside of the populated environment 220.
The housing 210 can be coupled at the filing chamber 201 to return
vent 206 associated with the populated environment 220 via return
ducting 207, whereas the exhausting chamber 204 can be coupled to
the supply vent 208 associated with the populated environment 220
via supply ducting 209.
[0041] An ozone generator 215 can be provided at part of the
expressing chamber 202 to treat untreated air received from the
filling chamber 201. The ozone generator 215 can be coupled to the
expressing chamber via Ozone tubing 213. UVC lighting 219 can also
be provided in at least one of the chambers 201-204 to further
treat air in the housing 210. When provided in the relaxing chamber
203, UVC lighting can help return ozonated air to breathable oxygen
as treated air. A computer 217 can control the ozone generator 215,
UVC lighting 219 and rotating hub 205 during air processing.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is a block diagram of a
system 300 for batch processing air to destroy pathogens contained
therein when a multi-chamber air treatment system 201 deployed in
association with HVAC components 210 supplying a populated
environment 320, in accordance with features of the embodiments. A
multi-chamber air treatment system 201 can be coupled to the
populated environment 320 via air return ducting 311 that can draw
in return air as shown be return air arrow 102. Air can be
processed through stages within the multi-chamber air treatment
system 201 and then can be provided to an HVAC system 310 via
output ducting 313. The HVAC system conditions the treated air
(cooling, or heating) and then can provide the treated air to the
populated environment 320 via supply ducting 315 as shown by supply
air arrows 103. The populated environment 320 can include a
building interior, a room, an inner cabin of a motor vehicle, or
airplane cabin, to mention just a few applications without
intending limitation of the present embodiments.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, illustrated is a flow diagram of a
method 400 of batch processing air to destroy pathogens contained
therein, in accordance with features of the embodiments. Referring
to Block 410, a multi-chamber treatment system can be provided,
which can be coupled between at least one air return vent of the
populated environment and at least one supply vent providing
treated air into the populated environment. As discussed with
respect to FIGS. 1-3, the system can include a filling chamber
coupled to the at least one air return vent, an expressing chamber
including air treatment components adapted for treating the
untreated air to destroy any pathogens possibly contained in the
untreated air and convert the untreated air to the treated air, a
relaxing chamber adapted to allow the treated air previously
treated in the treatment compartment to stabilize, and an
exhausting chamber coupled to at least one of an air conditioning
system serving the populated environment or the at least one supply
vent providing the treated air back into the populated environment.
Referring to Block 420, untreated air can be received into the
filling chamber from the at least one air return vent. The
untreated air can then be provided from the filling chamber to the
expressing chamber wherein it is treated by the air treatment
components to destroy pathogens possibly contained therein, as
shown in Block 430. As shown in Block 440, air treated in the
expressing chamber by the air treatment components can be provided
to the relaxing chamber as treated air wherein the treated air
stabilizes. Then, as shown in Block 450, the treated air can be
provided from the relaxing chamber to the exhausting chamber
wherein the treated air is returned to the populated environment
via at least one of an air conditioning system serving the
populated environment or the at least one supply vent.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 5, illustrated is another flow diagram 500
of a method of batch processing air to destroy pathogens contained
therein, in accordance with features of the embodiments. Referring
to Block 510, a multi-chamber treatment system coupled between at
least one air return vent of the populated environment and at least
one supply vent providing treated air into the populated
environment can be provided that includes an ozone generator
coupled to an expressing chamber and UVC lighting in a relaxing
chamber. Referring to Block 520, untreated air can be received into
a filling chamber from the at least one air return vent. The
untreated air can then be provided from the filling chamber to the
expressing chamber wherein it is treated by the ozone generator to
destroy pathogens possibly contained therein, as shown in Block
530. As shown in Block 540, air treated in the expressing chamber
by the ozone generator can be provided to the relaxing chamber as
treated air wherein the treated air stabilizes in the UVC lighting.
Then, as shown in Block 550, the treated air can be provided from
the relaxing chamber to an exhausting chamber wherein the treated
air can be returned to the populated environment via at least one
of an air conditioning system serving the populated environment or
the at least one supply vent.
[0045] Accordingly, a system can be provided for batch processing
untreated air taken from a populated environment to destroy
pathogens possibly contained therein. The system can include a
multi-chamber treatment system coupled between at least one air
return vent of the populated environment and at least one supply
vent providing treated air into the populated environment. The
system can include a filling chamber coupled to the at least one
air return vent of the populated environment and adapted to receive
the untreated air therefrom, an expressing chamber including
components adapted for treating the untreated air to destroy any
pathogens possibly contained in the untreated air and convert the
untreated air to the treated air, a relaxing chamber adapted to
allow the treated air previously treated in the treatment
compartment to stabilize and an exhausting chamber coupled to at
least one of an air conditioning system serving the populated
environment or the at least one supply vent providing the treated
air back into the populated environment. A sensor can be included
in the expressing chamber to analyze the untreated air received
from the filling chamber. UVC lighting can be included in at least
one of the filing, expressing, relaxing and exhausting chambers. An
ozone generation system can be included and can be coupled to the
expressing chamber, wherein treatment of the untreated air can be
by ozone gas. UVC lighting when provided in the relaxing chamber
can be adapted to return ozonated air (O.sub.3) to safely
breathable air (O.sub.2). The populated environment can include at
least one of a car, an airplane, a building, or a room. An
activated carbon filter can be included and can be disposed at an
exit of the exhausting chamber where the exhausting chamber
interfaces with at least one of the air conditioning or supply
vents that can carry treated air back into the populated
environment.
[0046] A system for batch processing untreated air taken from a
populated environment to destroy pathogens possibly contained
therein can include a multi-chamber treatment system coupled
between at least one air return vent of the populated environment
and at least one supply vent providing treated air into the
populated environment, wherein the system can further include a
circular housing comprising four wall partitions adapted to rotate
360 degrees within a continuous inner wall of the circular housing.
The four wall partitions can define a filling chamber coupled to
the at least one air return vent of the populated environment and
adapted to receive the untreated air therefrom, an expressing
chamber including components adapted for treating the untreated air
to destroy any pathogens possibly contained in the untreated air
and convert the untreated air to the treated air, a relaxing
chamber adapted to allow the treated air previously treated in the
treatment compartment to stabilize, and an exhausting chamber
coupled to at least one of an air conditioning system serving the
populated environment or the at least one supply vent providing the
treated air back into the populated environment.
[0047] Rubber can be incorporated onto edges of the four wall
partitions and can be adapted to interface with the continuous
interior wall of the circular housing as the four wall partitions
are rotated 90-degrees at a specified time (e.g., every few seconds
or up to several minutes) to move untreated and treated air from
the filling chamber through exhausting chamber and create a seal
between the filling, expressing relaxing and exhausting chambers as
the four wall partitions are rotated.
[0048] A method for batch processing untreated air taken from a
populated environment to destroy pathogens possibly contained
therein can utilize a multi-chamber treatment system coupled
between at least one air return vent of the populated environment
and at least one supply vent providing treated air into the
populated environment. Using the system, untreated air can be
received into the filling chamber from the at least one air return
vent. The untreated air can be provided from the filling chamber to
the expressing chamber wherein it is treated by the air treatment
components to destroy pathogens possibly contained therein.
[0049] Air treated in the expressing chamber by the air treatment
components can then be provided to the relaxing chamber as treated
air wherein the treated air can become stabilized. The treated air
can then be provided from the relaxing chamber to the exhausting
chamber wherein the treated air is returned to the populated
environment via at least one of an air conditioning system serving
the populated environment or the at least one supply vent. In a
circular housing configuration, air can be moved in batches as
walls are rotated 90-degrees at a time through each chamber within
the circular housing. In linear configurations, the unlocking and
locking of valves disposed between each chamber can move air.
[0050] It will be appreciated that variations of the
above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives
thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different
systems or applications. It will also be appreciated that various
presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications,
variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by
those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed
by the following claims.
* * * * *