U.S. patent application number 17/694318 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-29 for desiccant air purification device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Vektra Systems LLC. Invention is credited to Chang Yul Cha, Suk-Bae Cha, George Crandell, Craig Henricksen, William Walden.
Application Number | 20220307708 17/694318 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006254958 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220307708 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cha; Chang Yul ; et
al. |
September 29, 2022 |
DESICCANT AIR PURIFICATION DEVICE
Abstract
An air purification device includes a housing configured to
house a desiccant material filter and a fan coupled to the housing
and configured to cause airflow to pass through the desiccant
material filter. Moisture is to be collected from the airflow by
the desiccant material filter. The moisture is to be removed from
the desiccant material filter via one or more of heat or microwave
energy.
Inventors: |
Cha; Chang Yul; (Roseville,
CA) ; Cha; Suk-Bae; (Tokyo, JP) ; Crandell;
George; (Sacramento, CA) ; Henricksen; Craig;
(Oakland, CA) ; Walden; William; (Fair Oaks,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vektra Systems LLC |
Sacramento |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006254958 |
Appl. No.: |
17/694318 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63166033 |
Mar 25, 2021 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 8/30 20210101; F24F
2006/006 20130101; F24F 6/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 6/10 20060101
F24F006/10; F24F 8/30 20060101 F24F008/30 |
Claims
1. An air purification device comprising: a housing configured to
house a desiccant material filter; and a fan coupled to the housing
and configured to cause airflow to pass through the desiccant
material filter, wherein moisture is to be collected from the
airflow by the desiccant material filter, and wherein the moisture
is to be removed from the desiccant material filter via one or more
of heat or microwave energy.
2. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein the moisture
comprises contaminants that are to be destroyed via the one or more
of heat or microwave energy.
3. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein: the housing is
configured to removably receive the desiccant material filter in a
cavity formed by the housing; the moisture is to be removed from
the desiccant material filter via the one or more of heat or
microwave energy subsequent to the desiccant material filter being
removed from the housing; and the desiccant material filter is
configured to be re-inserted in the cavity of the housing
responsive to the moisture being removed via the one or more of
heat or microwave energy.
4. The air purification device of claim 1 further comprising a
regeneration component coupled to the housing to provide the one or
more of heat or microwave energy to remove the moisture from the
desiccant material filter while the desiccant material filter is
disposed in the housing.
5. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein the air
purification device is configured to be placed in a regeneration
device to cause the one or more of heat or microwave energy to be
provided to the air purification device to remove the moisture from
the desiccant material filter.
6. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein: the air
purification device is portable and the housing is configured to be
disposed on a substantially horizontal surface; or the air
purification device is configured to be mounted on a substantially
vertical surface.
7. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein: the air
purification device is configured to at least partially cover a
face of a user; the airflow is to be provided from ambient air,
through the desiccant material filter, and to the user; and second
airflow is to be provided from the user and to the ambient air
without passing through the desiccant material filter.
8. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein the desiccant
material filter comprises: a handling feature configured to be
secured to remove the desiccant material filter from the housing
and to insert the desiccant material filter into the housing; an
enclosure coupled to the handling feature; and one or more of
silica gel or a polyacrylate disposed in the enclosure, wherein the
desiccant material filter is configured to be placed in a microwave
oven to receive microwave energy.
9. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein: at least a
portion of the desiccant material filter is configured to be a
first color in a substantially dry state and to be a second color
in a substantially saturated state; and the at least a portion of
the desiccant material filter is at least partially viewable from
outside of the housing to provide a visual indication of saturation
of the desiccant material filter.
10. The air purification device of claim 1 further comprising a
humidifier component, wherein a humidity level of the airflow is to
be increased via the humidifier component subsequent to passing
through the desiccant material filter.
11. The air purification device of claim 10 further comprising a
filtration component to destroy contaminants in the humidifier
component.
12. The air purification device of claim 1 further comprising an
ionizing component, wherein the airflow is to be ionized via the
ionizing component subsequent to passing through the desiccant
material filter.
13. A system comprising: an air purification device comprising a
housing forming an inlet, a cavity, and an outlet, that are fluidly
coupled; and a desiccant material filter configured to be removably
inserted in the cavity formed by the housing, wherein airflow is to
enter the air purification device via the inlet, pass through the
desiccant material filter disposed in the cavity, and exit the air
purification device via the outlet, wherein moisture is to be
collected from the airflow by the desiccant material filter, and
wherein the moisture is to be removed from the desiccant material
filter via one or more of heat or microwave energy responsive to
the desiccant material filter being removed from the air
purification device.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the moisture comprises
contaminants that are to be destroyed via the one or more of heat
or microwave energy.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein: the air purification device is
portable and the housing is configured to be disposed on a
substantially horizontal surface; or the air purification device is
configured to be mounted on a substantially vertical surface.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein: the air purification device is
configured to at least partially cover a face of a user; the
airflow is to be provided from ambient air, through the desiccant
material filter, and to the user; and second airflow is to be
provided from the user and to the ambient air without passing
through the desiccant material filter.
17. A method comprising: actuating a fan coupled to housing of an
air purification device to provide airflow through a desiccant
material filter disposed in a cavity formed by the housing, wherein
moisture is to be collected from the airflow by the desiccant
material filter; and causing the moisture to be removed from the
desiccant material filter via one or more of heat or microwave
energy.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising: prior to the
actuating of the fan, inserting the desiccant material filter in
the cavity formed by the housing of an air purification device;
subsequent to the actuating of the fan, removing the desiccant
material filter from the cavity of the housing of the air
purification device, wherein the moisture is to be removed from the
desiccant material filter via the one or more of heat or microwave
energy responsive to the desiccant material filter being removed
from the air purification device; and responsive to the moisture
being removed from the desiccant material filter, re-inserting the
desiccant material filter into the cavity formed by the
housing.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the causing of the moisture to
be removed further comprises causing contaminants disposed in the
moisture to be destroyed via the one or more of heat or microwave
energy.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the causing of the moisture to
be removed from the desiccant material filter comprises placing the
desiccant material filter in a regeneration device to provide the
one or more of heat or microwave energy to the desiccant material
filter.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims benefit of Provisional Application
No. 63/166,033, filed Mar. 25, 2021, the entire content of which is
incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to air
purification devices, and in particular to desiccant air
purification devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Air can include contaminants. Contaminants can include
particulate matter, ground-level ozone, carbon, monoxide, sulfur
dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and lead. Other contaminants include
microorganisms (e.g., living and non-living) and agents that cause
infectious diseases.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It
should be noted that different references to "an" or "one"
embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same
embodiment, and such references mean at least one.
[0005] FIGS. 1A-B are block diagrams illustrating air purification
devices, according to certain embodiments.
[0006] FIGS. 2A-C illustrate air purification devices, according to
certain embodiments.
[0007] FIGS. 3A-C illustrate air purification devices, according to
certain embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a method of using an air purification
device, according to certain embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system,
according to certain embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0010] Embodiments described herein are related to desiccant air
purification devices.
[0011] Safe breathable air is a basic human need. The safety of
indoor air is now one of the most important issues facing
governments, business operators, and consumers worldwide. Even
before the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2) (e.g., coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), novel
coronavirus) crisis began, indoor air quality was recognized as an
emerging global health issue. The World Health Organization has
estimated that one in every eight people die due to factors
attributable to poor indoor air. However, since most of these
deaths occur in developing countries, indoor air safety has not
been a focus of global attention until the COVID-19 pandemic.
[0012] Air can include many contaminants including particulate
matter (e.g., particles), ground-level ozone, carbon, monoxide,
sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, lead, microorganisms (e.g.,
living and non-living organisms), viruses, allergens, and agents.
Contaminants in the air can harm human health, harm the
environment, and cause property damage.
[0013] Contaminants in the air can include microorganisms and
pathogens. Microorganisms (e.g., microscopic organisms) live in
almost every habitat around the world. Pathogens (e.g., infectious
agent, something that causes a disease, living and non-living
organisms, etc.) include infectious microorganisms and agents, such
as virus (e.g., non-enveloped virus, enveloped virus), bacterium,
protozoan, prion, viroid, and fungus. For example, some pathogenic
bacteria cause diseases such as plague, tuberculosis, and anthrax.
In another example, some protozoan parasites cause diseases such as
malaria, sleeping sickness, dysentery, and toxoplasmosis. In
another example, some fungi cause diseases such as ring worm,
candidiasis, or histoplasmosis. Some pathogenic viruses cause
influenza virus (e.g., the flu), yellow fever, COVID-19, and the
like. COVID-19 and other diseases such as influenza and the common
cold have been shown to be readily transmitted by airborne
pathogens.
[0014] Contaminants (e.g., pathogens) can be spread via moisture
droplets. Moisture droplets (e.g., respiratory droplets) can be
produced (e.g., exhaled) by talking, singling, breathing, coughing,
sneezing, etc. The moisture droplets travel through the air and
some contaminate surfaces. People can become infected by coming
into contact with the moisture droplets in the air or by touching a
contaminated surface and then touching their face (e.g., eyes,
nose, and/or mouth). In some instances, pathogens may be spread by
an infected person before and while showing symptoms.
[0015] Some pathogens (e.g., the influenza virus) spread around the
world in periodical outbreaks, resulting in millions of cases of
severe illness and hundreds of thousands of deaths. Some pathogens
have vaccines or specific antiviral treatments, while others do
not. Pandemics (e.g., COVID-19) are spread by a pathogen causing a
disease across a large region, affecting a substantial number of
people within a short period of time.
[0016] Conventionally, to avoid spreading disease caused by
contaminants carried by moisture droplets, normal guidelines are
for people to cover their mouth when coughing and sneezing, stay
home when sick, and wash their hands often. While this may reduce
some spread of disease, not everyone follows these guidelines,
moisture droplets containing contaminants can still spread via
talking and breathing, and contaminants (e.g., pathogens) can be
spread by an infected person before showing symptoms.
[0017] Conventionally, filters may be used (e.g., in building
ventilation systems, in vehicle ventilation systems, etc.) to
improve air quality. Conventional approaches are only partial
solutions. Conventional filters capture but do not destroy
contaminants (e.g., so that the contaminants no longer pose a
threat) and require frequent replacement adding cost and creating a
disposal hazard. Conventional filters are unable to capture small
particles (e.g., smaller than 30 nm in size). Viruses like COVID-19
are small in size (e.g., significantly smaller than 30 nm) and are
often found in droplets and particles also small in size (e.g.,
smaller than 30 nm in size) and can escape even the most robust
conventional filtration systems. Further, as trapped moisture
droplets dry and break-up, fragments can escape the filter and pose
a significant additional infection risk. Some conventional
filtration systems are fundamentally slow, often requiring hours to
clean a room-size space after a single contamination. As a result,
conventional approaches are unsuited for real-world applications.
Because there is no effective means of neutralizing airborne
COVID-19 available today, governments worldwide have been forced to
implement policies to mitigate the spread of the disease, causing
devastating economic damage and leaving businesses and consumers
frantically searching for solutions. As such, there is an immediate
and unmet need for air purifying products that can effectively
destroy airborne contaminants like COVID-19.
[0018] The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein provide
an air purification device (e.g., desiccant air purification
device, air purification system). The air purification device
includes a housing configured to house a desiccant material filter
(e.g., that includes silica gel, a polyacrylate, etc.). In some
embodiments, the air purification device includes a fan coupled to
the housing and configured to cause airflow to pass thorough the
desiccant material filter. The desiccant material collects moisture
(e.g., and contaminants in the moisture) from the airflow. The
moisture is removed from the desiccant material filter via heat
and/or microwave energy. The contaminants in the moisture are
destroyed via the heat and/or microwave energy. The removing of
moisture (e.g., and destroying the contaminants) from the desiccant
material filter may be referred to as regenerating the desiccant
material filter.
[0019] In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter is
configured to be removably inserted in the housing of the air
purification device. After use of the air purification device, the
desiccant material filter is removed from the housing and the
desiccant material filter is exposed to heat and/or microwave
energy to remove the moisture
[0020] In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter is placed
in a regeneration device to regenerate (e.g., remove the moisture
and/or contaminants from) the desiccant material filter. In some
examples, the regeneration device is a microwave oven and the
desiccant material filter is placed in a microwave oven for a
threshold amount of time at a threshold power setting (e.g., about
2 to 5 minutes at about 800-1000 Watts (W)). In some examples, the
regeneration device is a microwave oven and the desiccant material
filter is placed in an oven (e.g., kitchen oven) for a threshold
amount of time at a threshold temperature (e.g., about 1-3 hours at
about 250 degrees Fahrenheit). In some embodiments, the air
purification device is placed in the regeneration device.
[0021] In some embodiments, an indication is provided of when to
regenerate the desiccant material filter. In some examples, the air
purification device has a controller that provides an alert to
regenerate the desiccant material filter after a threshold amount
of time, after a threshold amount of use of the air purification
device, or based on sensor data (e.g., humidity data, electrical
data of the desiccant material filter such as resistance data or
voltage data of the desiccant material filter, etc.). In some
embodiments, at least a portion of the desiccant material filter
(e.g., spherical beads of silica gel, a polyacrylate, powder, etc.)
is a first color when in a substantially dry state and is a second
color when in a substantially saturated state (e.g., when the
desiccant material filter is to be regenerated).
[0022] In some embodiments, the air purification device is a
portable device that can be placed on a table, desk, cup holder,
floor, etc. In some embodiments, the air purification device is
configured to be mounted to the wall. In some embodiments, the air
purification device is configured to be cover at least a portion of
the face of a user (e.g., is a face mask, a face shield, a helmet,
etc.).
[0023] The systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein have
advantages over conventional solutions. The air purification device
of the present disclosure removes more contaminants (e.g., disposed
in moisture) from the air than conventional solutions. The air
purification device of the present disclosure uses a desiccant
material filter that is configured to be regenerated and reused
which increases efficiency and reduces waste compared to
conventional solutions. In some embodiments, the air purification
device of the present disclosure is portable and provides greater
reduction of contaminants than conventional solutions. The
contaminants collected by the desiccant material filter of the air
purification device of the present disclosure are destroyed
compared to conventional solutions that do not destroy
contaminants. This allows the air purification device to improve
health and improve the indoor environment compared to conventional
systems.
[0024] FIGS. 1A-B are block diagrams illustrating air purification
devices 100 (e.g., desiccant air purification device), according to
certain embodiments.
[0025] Air purification device 100 includes a housing 110
configured to house a desiccant material filter 120. The housing
110 may form an inlet 112, outlet 114, and cavity that are fluidly
coupled to each other. The desiccant material filter 120 may be
disposed in the cavity. Airflow may enter the inlet 112, go through
the desiccant material filter 120 in the cavity, and exit through
the outlet 114.
[0026] The desiccant material filter 120 (e.g., at a substantially
dry state, at an unsaturated state, prior to achieving a
substantially saturated state) collects moisture (e.g., that
contains contaminants) from airflow passing through the housing
110. After a threshold amount of moisture is collected, the
desiccant material filter 120 becomes substantially saturated
(e.g., cannot collect more moisture from the airflow). The
desiccant material filter 120 is regenerated (e.g., reactivated,
re-dried, recharged, reconditioned, etc.) by being exposed to heat
and/or microwave energy to remove the moisture from the desiccant
material filter 120.
[0027] In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter 120 is
regenerated by being placed a regenerating device. In some
embodiments, the regeneration device is a microwave oven, kitchen
oven, standalone recharging base (e.g., heating or microwave energy
generating device that is configured to receive the desiccant
material filter 120 and regenerate the desiccant material filter
via heat and/or microwave energy), etc.
[0028] In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter 120 is
regenerated by being placed in a heating device (e.g., kitchen
oven) for about 1-5 hours at about 200-300.degree. F. In some
embodiments, desiccant material filter 120 is regenerated by being
placed in a microwave energy generating device (e.g., microwave
oven) for about 2-5 minutes at about 800-1000 W.
[0029] In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 is
placed in a regenerating device (e.g., microwave oven, kitchen
oven, etc.) and receives heat and/or microwave energy (e.g.,
without removing the desiccant material filter 120 from the housing
110) to regenerate the desiccant material filter 120. In some
examples, the air purification device 100 does not include metal
and is configured to be placed in a microwave oven to receive
microwave energy. In some examples, the portion of the air
purification device 100 that is placed in the microwave oven does
not include metal (e.g., includes one or more of fabric, plastic,
ceramic, etc.). In some examples, the portion of the air
purification device 100 that is placed in a heating device does not
include heat-sensitive materials.
[0030] In some embodiments, the air purification device 100
includes a regeneration component 140 (e.g., heating component,
microwave energy generator) coupled to the housing 110 (e.g.,
disposed in the housing 110) that provides the heat and/or
microwave energy to regenerate the desiccant material filter 120.
In some embodiments, the regeneration component 140 provides
microwave energy (e.g., microwaves) at radiofrequency energies
selected from the range of about 500 to 5000 MHz. In some
embodiments, the regeneration component 140 provides microwave
energy (e.g., microwaves) from about 850 MHz to about 2450 GHz. The
air purification device 100 may operate continuing cycles of
adsorption (e.g., airflow without microwave energy) and desorption
(e.g., microwave energy with or without airflow). In some
embodiments, the microwave energy is employed at about 1000
watts.
[0031] In some embodiments, desiccant material filter 120 is
removed from the air purification device 100 and placed in a
regenerating device (e.g., microwave oven, kitchen oven, etc.) that
provides the heat and/or microwave energy to regenerate desiccant
material filter 120 and then desiccant material filter 120 is
re-inserted in the housing 110 of the air purification device 100.
In some examples, the desiccant material filter 120 does not
include metal and is configured to be placed in a microwave oven to
receive microwave energy. In some embodiments, microwave energy
causes the moisture in the desiccant material filter 120 to become
steam and the steam destroys the contaminants (e.g., the desiccant
material filter 120 is not directly heated by the microwave energy
which may prevent loss of efficiency of the desiccant material
filter 120).
[0032] In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter 120
includes an enclosure 122 and a handling feature 124 coupled to the
enclosure 122. The handling feature 124 is configured to be secured
(e.g., grasped by fingers of a user) to move (e.g., remove, place,
pick up, re-insert) the desiccant material filter 120 without
touching the desiccant material 126 (e.g., or other parts of the
desiccant material filter 120). Desiccant material 126 is disposed
in the enclosure 122. In some embodiments, at least a portion of
the enclosure 122 is at least partially transparent to be able to
view the desiccant material 126.
[0033] In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter 120 is a
packet of silica gel and/or a polyacrylate that has a dimension
(e.g., length, diameter, etc.) of about 12 inches. In some
embodiments, the desiccant material filter 120 is a pillow of about
10 to 12 inches (e.g., length) by about 6 inches (e.g., width). In
some embodiments, the desiccant material filter 120 is placed on a
tray to be inserted into the cavity formed by the housing 110 of
the air purification device 100.
[0034] In some embodiments, the enclosure 122 is one or more of a
sachet, a porous bag, a fabric enclosure, or porous packet. In some
embodiments, the enclosure 122 substantially retains a shape that
substantially matches the cavity of the housing 110.
[0035] In some embodiments, the handling feature 124 is part of the
enclosure 122. The handling feature 124 may include a protrusion
configured to be secured by a user to move (e.g., remove, insert)
the desiccant material filter 120 without touching the desiccant
material 126.
[0036] The desiccant material 126 may induce or sustain a state of
dryness (e.g., desiccation) in vicinity of the desiccant material
126. The desiccant material 126 may be hygroscopic (e.g., attract
and hold water molecules via absorption or adsorption from the
surrounding environment). The desiccant material 126 may be
hydrophilic (e.g., attracts water molecules).
[0037] In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 includes one
or more of silica (SiO.sub.2), silica gel, a polyacrylate, sodium
polyacrylates, super-absorbent polymer (SAP), anionic
polyelectrolyte, potassium SAP, lithium SAP, ammonium SAP,
super-absorbent nanofiber (SAN), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) (polymer
matrix), SAP combined with PVA, hydrogel, clay-polymer hydrogel,
clay, polyethylene oxide (PEO), sodium polyacrylates (PAAS), metal
ions, chitosan, chitosan/sodium polyacrylates polyelectrolyte
complex hydrogels (CPG), epichlorohydrin (ECH), activated charcoal,
calcium sulfate, calcium chloride, molecular sieve (e.g., zeolite),
and/or the like. In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 is
a coating on a material. For example, the desiccant material 126
can be sprayed as resin on fiber. In some embodiments, the
desiccant material 126 is a coating for a fibrous filter (e.g., a
high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, fibrous filter with
coating of desiccant material, HEPA filter with a coating of
desiccant material, etc.). In some embodiments, the desiccant
material 126 is disposed in an enclosure (e.g., perforated
enclosure, bag, enclosure similar to a flour bag, etc.). In some
embodiments, the desiccant material 126 has anti-microbial
features. In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 collects
contaminants and the contaminants are destroyed via one or more of
heat, microwave energy, and/or material properties of the desiccant
material 126.
[0038] In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 includes
spherical beads (e.g., of silica gel, polyacrylates, etc.) that are
about 1-8 millimeters (mm) in diameter (e.g., 2-5 mm, 3-5 mm, or
4-8 mm in diameter). In some embodiments, the desiccant material
126 include powder (e.g., about 100 to 500 microns in diameter). In
some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 includes different
sizes of material (e.g., two or more of powder, beads, pellets,
etc.). In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 is formed
into shapes (e.g., capsules, pellets, etc.) that are adhered to
each other (e.g., glued together) or placed in a semipermeable
membrane. In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 is placed
in a structure (e.g., honeycomb structure). The structure may be
made of ceramic, aluminum mesh, etc. The structure may be coated.
In some examples, a structure forms cavities (e.g., hexagon-shaped,
pentagon-shaped, rectangular-shaped, etc.) and the desiccant
material 126 (e.g., in the form of pills, capsules, pellets, beads,
powder, etc.) is placed in the cavities of the structure. The
structure may conduct heat through the desiccant material 126
evenly.
[0039] In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 can have an
adsorption capacity of about 20-50%. In some embodiments, the
desiccant material 126 can absorb about 20-50% (e.g., about 40%)
moisture of its weight in water vapor. In some embodiments, the
desiccant material 126 changes color when changing from a
substantially dry state (e.g., substantially unsaturated state) to
a substantially saturated state.
[0040] In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 may include
a powder that is a mixture of silica gel, polyacrylates, alumina
zeolites, metal oxide, silicon carbide, and/or the like. The powder
may be formed into a pellet, enclosed in a capsule (e.g., heatable
capsule), etc. The desiccant material 126 is configured to one or
more of receive heat, absorb moisture, absorb VOCs, etc.
[0041] In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 includes
silica gel and methyl-violet and is orange or light red at a
substantially dry state (e.g., substantially moisture free,
unsaturated state, etc.) and is dark green to black at a
substantially saturated state (e.g., moisture). The desiccant
material 126 may change color from orange to green when saturated
with moisture to about 15% by weight.
[0042] In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 includes
silica gel and cobalt chloride (CoCl.sub.2) (e.g., a heavy metal
salt) and is a deep-blue color at a substantially dry state (e.g.,
moisture free) and is pink at a substantially saturated state
(e.g., moisture). Anhydrous cobalt chloride is blue and then turns
purple when cobalt chloride bonds with two water molecules
(CoCl.sub.2.2H.sub.2O). Further hydration results in the pink
hexaaquacobalt(II) chloride complex [Co(H.sub.2O).sub.6]Cl.sub.2.
The desiccant material 126 may change color from blue to pink as it
becomes saturated.
[0043] In some embodiments, the housing 110 has an access component
116 (e.g., door, latch, removable pane, etc.). The access component
116 may be actuated (e.g., opened, removed, at least partially
removed) to remove the desiccant material filter 120 from the
housing 110 and to re-insert the desiccant material filter 120 into
the housing 110. In some embodiments, the access component 116 is
secured to the desiccant material filter 120. In some embodiments,
the access component 116 is the handling feature 124 of the
desiccant material filter 120 (e.g., and is at least partially
transparent so that at least a portion of the desiccant material
126 is viewable from outside the air purification device 100). In
some embodiments, the access component 116 is separate from the
desiccant material filter 120.
[0044] At least a portion of the housing 110 (e.g., access
component 116) and at least a portion of the enclosure 122 of the
desiccant material filter 120 may be at least partially transparent
to allow viewing the desiccant material 126 to determine if the
desiccant material filter 120 is to be regenerated.
[0045] In some embodiments, the air purification device 100
includes one or more electrical components that are electrically
coupled. The air purification device 100 may include electrical
components including one or more of a fan 130, a regeneration
component 140, a user interface 142, a power source 144, one or
more sensors 146, a wireless component 148, a controller 150,
and/or one or more additional components 160. The controller 150
may control and communication with one or more of the electrical
components.
[0046] The power source 144 may provide power for one or more of
the electrical components. In some embodiments, the power source
144 includes a battery (e.g., rechargeable battery, disposable
battery). In some embodiments, the power source 144 includes a
solar power generator. In some embodiments, the power source 144 is
coupled to an electrical port 118 to receive power. The electrical
port 118 may be a port configured to receive a universal serial bus
(USB) cable, a micro USB cable, a USB Type-C cable, and/or the
like. The power source 144 may be coupled to an electrical conduit
that is configured to be connected to an electrical outlet for
operation of the air purification device 100.
[0047] In some embodiments, the air purification device 100
includes a fan 130 to cause airflow to pass through the desiccant
material filter 120. The fan 130 may cause airflow to enter the
inlet 112, pass through the desiccant material filter 120 disposed
in the cavity of the housing 110, and exit through the outlet 114.
In some embodiments, the fan is reversible to cause air to switch
between entering the inlet 112, passing through the desiccant
material filter 120, and exiting through the outlet 114 and
entering the outlet 114, passing through the desiccant material
filter 120, and exiting through the inlet 112. In some embodiments,
the outlet 114 is configured to provide the filtered airflow
proximate a face of the user.
[0048] The regeneration component 140 may be a heating component
and/or a microwave energy generator that provides the heat and/or
microwave energy to regenerate the desiccant material filter 120.
The controller 150 may cause the regeneration component 140 to
generate heat and/or microwave energy periodically (e.g., after a
threshold amount of time, after a threshold amount of use). The
controller 150 may cause the regeneration component 140 to generate
heat and/or microwave energy based on sensor data from sensors 146.
The controller 150 may cause the regeneration component 140 to
generate heat and/or microwave energy responsive to user input via
the user interface 142 or wireless component 148. The regeneration
component 140 may be disposed proximate the desiccant material
filter 120. The controller 150 may cause the fan 130 to provide
airflow in conjunction with (e.g., during, before, after, etc.) the
regeneration component 140 providing heat and/or microwave
energy.
[0049] The user interface 142 may be one or more of a button, a
switch, a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)
display), one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), and or the
like. The user interface 142 may display one or more of an
operation schedule, moisture content (e.g., percent saturation,
etc.) of the desiccant material filter 120, battery level of power
source 144, operation time left (e.g., until power source 144 is
depleted, until desiccant material filter 120 is substantially
saturated), sensor data, whether the air purification device 100 is
currently operating, etc. In some examples, the user interface
includes one or more LEDs that indicate when the desiccant material
filter 120 is to be regenerated (e.g., is substantially saturated)
and/or when the power source 144 is to be recharged (e.g., the
battery level is below a threshold battery level). In some
embodiments, the user interface 142 receives user input (e.g., to
control one or more of the electrical components).
[0050] The wireless component 148 may communicate data between the
controller 150 and other devices (e.g., other air purification
devices, a user device, a server device, a smartphone, a computer,
etc.). In some embodiments, the wireless component 148 transmits
data (e.g., sensor data, operation data, etc.) to other devices. In
some embodiments, the wireless component 148 receives user input
(e.g., to control one or more of the electrical components).
[0051] The user interface 142 and/or wireless component 148 may
receive user input to actuate (e.g., turn on, turn off, increase
speed, decrease speed, set for a period of time) the fan 130. The
user interface 142 and/or wireless component 148 may receive user
input to actuate (e.g., turn on, turn off, adjust heat, adjust
power level of microwave energy, set for a period of time, etc.)
the regeneration component 140. The user interface 142 and/or
wireless component 148 may receive user input to set a schedule
(e.g., points in time to actuate fan 130, regeneration component
140, and/or one or more additional components 160). The user
interface 142 and/or wireless component 148 may receive user input
to actuate (e.g., turn on, turn off, adjust, set for a period of
time, etc.) the one or more additional components 160.
[0052] The sensors 146 may provide sensor data to the controller
150. The sensor data may include one or more of temperature,
pressure, airflow rate, humidity level, amount of contaminants,
data associated with type of contaminants, data associated with off
gassing of contaminants, resistance data of the desiccant material
filter 120, voltage data of the desiccant material filter 120,
etc.
[0053] The controller 150 may include a processing device and
memory (e.g., a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium that
stores instructions that when executed by a processing device,
cause the processing device to perform one or more of operations).
The controller may be a computer system 500 of FIG. 5.
[0054] The controller 150 may be configured to provide an alert via
user interface 142 and/or wireless component 140 (e.g., to perform
a corrective action, regenerate the desiccant material filter,
charge the power source 144, add water to a humidifier component, a
threshold amount of contaminants in the airflow, etc.) based on
sensor data from sensors. The sensor data may include humidity
data, electrical data of the desiccant material filter 120 (e.g.,
resistance data or voltage data of the desiccant material filter
120, etc.), weight of the desiccant material filter 120, change in
sensor data, etc.
[0055] The air purification device 100 may include one or more
additional components 160. The additional components 160 may
include a humidifier component, a filtration component, an ionizing
component, and/or the like. In some embodiments, a humidity level
of the airflow is to be increased via an additional component 160
(e.g., the humidifier component) subsequent to passing through the
desiccant material filter 120. The desiccant material filter 120
may collect existing moisture (e.g., and contaminants in the
moisture) in the airflow and the humidifier component may then
increase the humidity in the airflow (e.g., viruses may be harder
to transmit at higher humidity level). In some embodiments, an
additional component 160 (e.g., filtration component such as an
ultra violet light filtration component) is configured to destroy
contaminants in the humidifier component. In some embodiments, an
additive is added to the airflow after passing through the
desiccant material filter 120. For example, the humidifier
component may include one or more additives (e.g., peroxide) in
water in a water reservoir that are configured to kill aerosolized
contaminants or contaminants on surfaces proximate the air
purification device 100. In some embodiments, the airflow is to be
ionized via an additional component 160 (e.g., the ionizing
component) subsequent to passing through the desiccant material
filter 120.
[0056] In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 uses
one or more products (e.g., desiccant material filter 120, etc.)
and/or one or more processes (e.g., using heat and/or microwave to
destroy contaminants collected by the desiccant material filter
120) relating to COVID-19 (e.g., destroying COVID-19 from the
airflow, destroying COVID-19 trapped in the desiccant material
filter 120) that is subject to an applicable Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and/or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
approval for COVID-19 use.
[0057] The air purification device 100 may be one or more of a
portable device, a mountable device, insertable in a ventilation
system, insertable in ductwork of a ventilation system, a face
mask, a helmet, etc.
[0058] FIGS. 2A-C illustrate air purification devices 100,
according to certain embodiments.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 2A, air purification device 100 may be
portable and configured to be disposed on a substantially
horizontal surface. For example, air purification device 100 can be
disposed on a table, desk, night stand, floor, chair, etc. The air
purification device 100 may be configured to be disposed in a
vehicle (e.g., configured to fit in a cup holder, etc.). The air
purification device 100 can be used in a wide variety of locations
to improve indoor air quality. Airflow 210 may enter at a lower
portion of the air purification device 100 and may exit at an upper
portion of the air purification device 100.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 2B, air purification device 100 may be
configured to be mounted on a substantially vertical surface (e.g.,
on a wall). The air purification device 100 may be mounted on a
wall in a room (e.g., office, bedroom, living room, kitchen, etc.)
wherein indoor air quality is to be improved. Airflow 210 may enter
at a lower portion of the air purification device 100 and may exit
at an upper or lateral portion of the air purification device 100.
As shown in FIG. 2B, a rear surface, side surface, upper surface,
and/or lower surface of the air purification device 100 may be
mounted to a substantially vertical surface.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 2C, air purification device 100 may be
coupled to a ventilation unit 200 (e.g., heating ventilation and
air conditioning (HVAC) unit, building ventilation unit, vehicle
ventilation unit, etc.). The air purification device may be
disposed in the ventilation unit 200 and/or in the ducting 202
coupled to the ventilation unit 200. Ducting 202 may include one or
more of supply air ducting, return air ducting, outside air
ducting, piping, and/or the like.
[0062] In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 is
disposed inside the airflow within the ventilation unit 200 (e.g.,
before or after the heat exchanger and/or cooling coil). By
disposing the air purification device 100 before the heat exchanger
and/or cooling coil, the air purification device 100 may prevent
contaminants from damaging or soiling the heat exchanger and/or
cooling coil. By locating the air purification device 100 after the
heat exchanger and/or cooling coil, the desiccant material filter
of the air purification device 100 may regenerated less often
(e.g., other components of the ventilation unit 200 remove some of
the contaminants from the airflow). In some embodiments, the
ventilation unit 200 provides the airflow through the air
purification device 100 (e.g., the air purification device 100 may
not include a fan).
[0063] FIGS. 3A-C illustrate air purification devices 100,
according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, air
purification device 100 is configured to at least partially cover a
face of a user (e.g., cover at least the nose and mouth of the
user).
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 3A-B, the air purification device 100 may
have a housing 110 that is a flexible material (e.g., fabric) that
is configured to conform to a face of a user. The air purification
device 100 may have attaching components 310 coupled to the housing
110 to attach the air purification device 100 to a user (e.g.,
elastic loops that fit over the ears, cords configured to attach to
each other at a rear of the head or neck of the user, etc.).
[0065] A desiccant material filter 120 may be disposed in the
housing 110 (e.g., in a cavity formed by the fabric housing) of the
air purification device 100. In some embodiments, the desiccant
material filter 120 is configured to be removed from the air
purification device 100 (e.g., face mask) to be regenerated via
heat and/or microwave energy. In some embodiments, the desiccant
material filter 120 is configured to be regenerated via heat and/or
microwave energy while being disposed in the air purification
device 100 (e.g., the face mask housing the desiccant material
filter 120 is placed in a microwave oven and receives microwave
energy, the air purification device 100 does not include
metal).
[0066] Referring to FIG. 3A, air inhaled by the user and air
exhaled by the user may pass through the desiccant material filter
120. In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 includes
one or more valves (e.g., one-way valves, release valves) so that
air to be inhaled by the user (e.g., airflow provided from ambient
air) passes through the desiccant material filter 120 and air
exhaled by the user (e.g., airflow provided from the user to
ambient air) does not pass through the desiccant material filter
120 (e.g., passes through fabric of the housing 110 without going
through the desiccant material filter 120). This may reduce how
often the desiccant material filter 120 is to be regenerated (e.g.,
the desiccant material filter 120 does not receive the moisture
exhaled by the user.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 3B, the air purification device 100 may
include an inlet filter 302 and an outlet filter 304. The air
purification device 100 may include one or more valves (e.g., one
way valves) so that air to be inhaled by the user (e.g., airflow
provided form ambient air) passes through the inlet filter 302 and
airflow exhaled by the user (e.g., airflow provided from the user
to ambient air) passes through the outlet filter 304. In some
embodiments, the inlet filter 302 is a desiccant material filter
120. The airflow is to be provided from ambient air, through the
desiccant material filter 120 (e.g., inlet filter 302), and to the
user. The outlet filter 304 may be the same or a different type of
filter (e.g., a non-desiccant material filter that would not become
saturated with moisture from the user, a cloth filter). The second
airflow (e.g., exhaled air) is to be provided from the user,
through the outlet filter 304 (e.g., a second filter, cloth
filter), and to the ambient air without passing through the
desiccant material filter 120.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 3C, the air purification device 100 may
include an inlet filter 302, an outlet filter, and one or more fans
140. The air purification device 100 may be provided over at least
the nose and mouth of the user. In some embodiments, the air
purification device 100 is provided over the nose, mouth, and eyes
of the user. In some embodiments, the air purification device 100
is provided over the face of the user. In some embodiments, the air
purification device 100 is provided over the head of the user
(e.g., similar to a full face helmet). The air purification device
100 may form a substantially sealed volume where airflow into the
volume comes through an inlet filter 302 and airflow out of the
volume goes through an outlet filter 304 (e.g., the air
purification device 100 is substantially sealed against the neck of
the user).
[0069] A fan 130 may be disposed in the air purification device 100
proximate the inlet filter 302 (e.g., desiccant material filter
120) to provide airflow from ambient air through the inlet filter
302. A fan 130 may be disposed in the air purification device 100
proximate the outlet filter 304 (e.g., another type of filter,
non-desiccant material filter) to provide airflow from the user
(e.g., exhaled air) through the outlet filter 304 to the ambient
air. In some embodiments, a first fan 130 is disposed proximate the
inlet filter 302 and a second fan 130 is disposed proximate the
outlet filter 304. In some embodiments a fan 130 is disposed
proximate the inlet filter 302 to draw air into the air
purification device 100 from ambient air to pressurize the air
purification device 100 to force air out through the outlet filter
304. In some embodiments a fan 130 is disposed proximate the outlet
filter 304 to provide airflow to the ambient air from the air
purification device 100 to provide a negative pressure in the
volume to pull air in through the outlet filter 304.
[0070] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 of using an air purification
device (e.g., air purification device 100), according to certain
embodiments. In some embodiments, one or more operations of method
400 are performed by processing logic that includes hardware (e.g.,
circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode,
processing device, etc.), software (such as instructions run on a
processing device, a general purpose computer system, or a
dedicated machine), firmware, microcode, or a combination thereof.
In some embodiment, one or more operations of method 400 are
performed, at least in part, by a controller of an air purification
device. In some embodiments, a non-transitory machine-readable
storage medium stores instructions that when executed by a
processing device (e.g., of the controller 150 of the air
purification device 100, etc.), cause the processing device to
perform one or more operations of method 400.
[0071] For simplicity of explanation, method 400 is depicted and
described as a series of operations. However, operations in
accordance with this disclosure can occur in various orders and/or
concurrently and with other operations not presented and described
herein. Furthermore, in some embodiments, not all illustrated
operations are performed to implement method 400 in accordance with
the disclosed subject matter. In addition, those skilled in the art
will understand and appreciate that method 400 could alternatively
be represented as a series of interrelated states via a state
diagram or events.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, at block 402, a
desiccant material filter is inserted in a cavity formed by the
housing of an air purification device. In some embodiments, the
desiccant material filter is removably inserted into the housing.
An access component (e.g., door, port, latch, etc.) may be actuated
to insert the desiccant material filter into the cavity of the
housing and may be actuated (e.g., closed, locked, secured, etc.)
after the desiccant material filter is inserted into the housing
(e.g., seal the opening through which the desiccant material filter
passed to enter the cavity). In some embodiments, the access
component is a portion of the desiccant material filter (e.g., is
attached to the enclosure of the desiccant material filter) and
seals the opening through which the desiccant material filter
passes to enter the cavity.
[0073] In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter is
permanently inserted into the cavity of the housing of the air
purification device. In some examples, the housing and/or access
component may be permanently secured together (e.g., sewed, melted,
push fit, attached via fasteners, etc.) after the desiccant
material filter is inserted into the cavity.
[0074] In some embodiments, the air purification device is a
portable device that is configured to be placed on a substantially
horizontal surface. In some embodiments, the air purification
device is configured to be mounted to a surface (e.g., a wall,
etc.). In some embodiments, the air purification device is
configured to be worn by a user (e.g., to cover at least the mouth
and nose of the user, as a face mask, as a helmet, etc.).
[0075] In some embodiments, at block 404, a fan coupled to the
housing is actuated to provide airflow through the desiccant
material filter disposed in the cavity. In some embodiments, the
fan is attached to the housing. In some embodiments, the fan is
disposed in the housing. In some embodiments, the fan is actuated
via user input via a user interface of the air purification device.
In some embodiments, the fan is actuated via user input via another
device which is received via a wireless component of the air
purification device. In some embodiments, the fan is actuated by a
controller of the air purification device based on a schedule
stored in memory, timer, or sensor data received from sensors
(e.g., coupled to or disposed in housing of the air purification
device).
[0076] In some embodiments, the fan is external to the air
purification device. In some examples, the air purification device
is disposed in a ventilation system (e.g., building ventilation
system, HVAC system, furnace, cooling coil unit, heat exchanger,
roof top unit, air handler, vehicle cabin ventilation system, etc.)
or in ducting of the air purification system and the fan of the
ventilation system provides airflow through the air purification
device.
[0077] The fan causes airflow containing moisture and contaminants
disposed in the moisture to enter the inlet of the housing, pass
through the cavity of the housing where the desiccant material
filter is disposed, and exit through the outlet of the housing. As
the airflow passes through the desiccant material filter, the
desiccant material filter collects the moisture and the
contaminants disposed in the moisture.
[0078] In some embodiments, at block 406, the desiccant material
filter is removed from the cavity of the housing of the air
purification device. In some embodiments, the air purification
device provides an alert that the desiccant material filter is to
be removed (e.g., is substantially saturated) and regenerated. In
some embodiments, a controller of the air purification device
provides an alert via the user interface or via the wireless
component to a user device that the desiccant material filter is to
be regenerated. In some embodiments, the controller provides the
alert based on a timer (e.g., after a threshold amount of time the
desiccant material filter is to be regenerated), based on usage
(e.g., after a threshold amount of use the desiccant material
filter is to be regenerated), based on sensor data (e.g., from a
humidity sensor, imaging data, weight data, electrical data of the
desiccant material filter such as resistance or voltage measured
across the desiccant material filter, etc.), and/or the like. In
some embodiments, the desiccant material filter provides a visual
indication as it changes from a substantially dry state to a
substantially saturated state. In some examples, the desiccant
material filter is a first color when in a substantially dry state
and is a second color when in a substantially saturated state.
[0079] At block 408, the moisture is caused to be removed from the
desiccant material filter via one or more of heat or microwave
energy. As the moisture is removed, the contaminants in the
moisture are destroyed via the heat and/or microwave energy.
Removal of the moisture from (e.g., and accompanying destruction of
contaminants in the moisture) the desiccant material filter may be
referred to as one or more of regeneration, reactivation,
recharging, re-drying, etc. of the desiccant material filter.
[0080] In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter is placed
in a regeneration device (e.g., microwave oven, kitchen oven,
heating device, microwave energy generating device) to receive the
heat and/or microwave energy subsequent to being removed from the
air purification device (e.g., the desiccant material filter does
not include materials that are sensitive to heat and/or microwave
energy, the desiccant material filter does not include metal).
[0081] In some embodiments, the air purification device housing the
desiccant material filter is placed in a regeneration device (e.g.,
microwave oven, kitchen oven, heating device, microwave energy
generating device) to receive the heat and/or microwave energy
(e.g., without removing the desiccant material filter, the air
purification device does not include materials that are sensitive
to heat and/or microwave energy, the air purification device does
not include metal). In some examples, the air purification device
is a face mask that does not include metal (e.g., includes one or
more of fabric, plastic, nylon, etc.) and the face mask is placed
in a microwave oven to regenerate the desiccant material filter
(e.g., that is sewn into the face mask). In some embodiments, a
portion of the air purification device (e.g., housing that includes
the desiccant material filter, the non-metal portion of the air
purification device) is placed in a regeneration device (e.g., the
portion of the air purification device does not include metal).
[0082] In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter is placed
in the regeneration device for a threshold amount of time at a
threshold heat or threshold power setting. In some examples, the
desiccant material filter is placed in a microwave oven for about
2-5 minutes at about 800-1000 W. In some examples, the desiccant
material filter is placed in a heating device (e.g., kitchen oven)
for about 1-5 hours minutes at about 200-300.degree. F. In some
embodiments, the desiccant material filter receives heat and/or
microwave energy until the desiccant material filter reaches a
substantially dry state (e.g., until the desiccant material filter
provides a visual indication that it has reached a substantially
dry state by changing colors, based on sensor data such as humidity
data or temperature data in the regeneration device, etc.).
[0083] In some embodiments, the air purification device includes a
regeneration component (e.g., disposed in the housing, coupled to
the housing) that provides the heat and/or microwave energy to
regenerate the desiccant material filter (e.g., the desiccant
material filter is not removed from the housing to be
regenerated).
[0084] In some embodiments, at block 410, the desiccant material
filter is re-inserted into the cavity formed by the housing. After
re-inserting the desiccant material filter, the access component
may be coupled to the housing of the air purification device so
that airflow through the housing enters the inlet, passes through
the cavity, and exits through the outlet (e.g., without exiting
through the opening through which the desiccant material filter was
inserted into the cavity of the housing.
[0085] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system
500, according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the
computer system 500 is a controller of an air purification device.
In some embodiments, the processing device 502 is a controller of
an air purification device. In some embodiments, computer system
500 is a user device that communicates with the air purification
device (e.g., via the wireless component 148 of the air
purification device 100).
[0086] In some embodiments, computer system 500 is connected (e.g.,
via a network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), an intranet, an
extranet, or the Internet) to other computer systems. In some
embodiments, computer system 500 operates in the capacity of a
server or a client computer in a client-server environment, or as a
peer computer in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment.
In some embodiments, computer system 500 is provided by a personal
computer (PC), a tablet PC, a Set-Top Box (STB), a Personal Digital
Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a server, a
network router, switch or bridge, or any device capable of
executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that
specify actions to be taken by that device. Further, the term
"computer" shall include any collection of computers that
individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of
instructions to perform any one or more of the methods described
herein.
[0087] In a further aspect, the computer system 500 includes a
processing device 502, a volatile memory 504 (e.g., Random Access
Memory (RAM)), a non-volatile memory 506 (e.g., Read-Only Memory
(ROM) or Electrically-Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM)), and a
data storage device 516, which communicate with each other via a
bus 508.
[0088] In some embodiments, processing device 502 is provided by
one or more processors such as a general purpose processor (such
as, for example, a Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC)
microprocessor, a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC)
microprocessor, a Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) microprocessor,
a microprocessor implementing other types of instruction sets, or a
microprocessor implementing a combination of types of instruction
sets) or a specialized processor (such as, for example, an
Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field
Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP),
or a network processor).
[0089] In some embodiments, computer system 500 further includes a
network interface device 522 (e.g., coupled to network 574). In
some embodiments, computer system 500 also includes a video display
unit 510 (e.g., an LCD), an alphanumeric input device 512 (e.g., a
keyboard), a cursor control device 514 (e.g., a mouse), and a
signal generation device 520.
[0090] In some implementations, data storage device 516 includes a
non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 524 on which store
instructions 526 encoding any one or more of the methods or
functions described herein, including instructions for implementing
one or more operations of one or more methods described herein.
[0091] In some embodiments, instructions 526 also reside,
completely or partially, within volatile memory 504 and/or within
processing device 502 during execution thereof by computer system
500, hence, in some embodiments, volatile memory 504 and processing
device 502 also constitute machine-readable storage media.
[0092] While computer-readable storage medium 524 is shown in the
illustrative examples as a single medium, the term
"computer-readable storage medium" shall include a single medium or
multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or
associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of
executable instructions. The term "computer-readable storage
medium" shall also include any tangible medium that is capable of
storing or encoding a set of instructions for execution by a
computer that cause the computer to perform any one or more of the
methods described herein. The term "computer-readable storage
medium" shall include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories,
optical media, and magnetic media.
[0093] In some embodiments, the methods, components, and features
described herein are implemented by discrete hardware components or
are integrated in the functionality of other hardware components
such as ASICS, FPGAs, DSPs or similar devices. In some embodiments,
the methods, components, and features are implemented by firmware
modules or functional circuitry within hardware devices. In some
embodiments, the methods, components, and features are implemented
in any combination of hardware devices and computer program
components, or in computer programs.
[0094] Unless specifically stated otherwise, terms such as
"actuating," "causing," "inserting," "removing," "re-inserting,"
"generating," "providing," "causing," "determining,"
"transmitting," "receiving," or the like, refer to actions and
processes performed or implemented by computer systems that
manipulates and transforms data represented as physical
(electronic) quantities within the computer system registers and
memories into other data similarly represented as physical
quantities within the computer system memories or registers or
other such information storage, transmission or display devices. In
some embodiments, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth,"
etc. as used herein are meant as labels to distinguish among
different elements and do not have an ordinal meaning according to
their numerical designation.
[0095] Examples described herein also relate to an apparatus for
performing the methods described herein. In some embodiments, this
apparatus is specially constructed for performing the methods
described herein, or includes a general purpose computer system
selectively programmed by a computer program stored in the computer
system. Such a computer program is stored in a computer-readable
tangible storage medium.
[0096] Some of the methods and illustrative examples described
herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or
other apparatus. In some embodiments, various general purpose
systems are used in accordance with the teachings described herein.
In some embodiments, a more specialized apparatus is constructed to
perform methods described herein and/or each of their individual
functions, routines, subroutines, or operations. Examples of the
structure for a variety of these systems are set forth in the
description above.
[0097] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and
not restrictive. Although the present disclosure has been described
with references to specific illustrative examples and
implementations, it will be recognized that the present disclosure
is not limited to the examples and implementations described. The
scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the
following claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which
the claims are entitled.
[0098] The preceding description sets forth numerous specific
details such as examples of specific systems, components, methods,
and so forth in order to provide a good understanding of several
embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one
skilled in the art, however, that at least some embodiments of the
present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details.
In other instances, well-known components or methods are not
described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format
in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure.
Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary.
Particular implementations may vary from these exemplary details
and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0099] The terms "over," "under," "between," "disposed on," and
"on" as used herein refer to a relative position of one material
layer or component with respect to other layers or components. For
example, one layer disposed on, over, or under another layer may be
directly in contact with the other layer or may have one or more
intervening layers. Moreover, one layer disposed between two layers
may be directly in contact with the two layers or may have one or
more intervening layers. Similarly, unless explicitly stated
otherwise, one feature disposed between two features may be in
direct contact with the adjacent features or may have one or more
intervening layers.
[0100] The words "example" or "exemplary" are used herein to mean
serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or
design described herein as "example` or "exemplary" is not
necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other
aspects or designs. Rather, use of the words "example" or
"exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete
fashion.
[0101] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment,"
"an embodiment," or "some embodiments" means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the
appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment,"
or "in some embodiments" in various places throughout this
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment. In addition, the term "or" is intended to mean an
inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless
specified otherwise, or clear from context, "X includes A or B" is
intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That
is, if X includes A; X includes B; or X includes both A and B, then
"X includes A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing
instances. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this
application and the appended claims should generally be construed
to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from
context to be directed to a singular form. Also, the terms "first,"
"second," "third," "fourth," etc. as used herein are meant as
labels to distinguish among different elements and can not
necessarily have an ordinal meaning according to their numerical
designation. When the term "about," "substantially," or
"approximately" is used herein, this is intended to mean that the
nominal value presented is precise within .+-.10%.
[0102] Although the operations of the methods herein are shown and
described in a particular order, the order of operations of each
method may be altered so that certain operations may be performed
in an inverse order so that certain operations may be performed, at
least in part, concurrently with other operations. In another
embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of distinct operations
may be in an intermittent and/or alternating manner.
[0103] It is understood that the above description is intended to
be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will
be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and
understanding the above description. The scope of the disclosure
should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended
claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such
claims are entitled.
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