Patent ID: 6497840
Filing Date: 2002-12-24
Classification: A61L

Abstract:
A method for destroying airborne tuberculosis bacteria in the air in a room, comprising drawing air into a device, filtering the air using a filter mounted on the device, drawing the air through a sterilization chamber in the device having at least one ultraviolet light bulb for irradiating the air with germicidal ultraviolet light at an air flow rate that is calculated to produce at least ten air exchanges per hour in the room, and releasing the air including destroyed bacteria back into the room, wherein the device includes an air intake opening for air to enter the device and wherein the filter is positioned between the air intake opening and the sterilization chamber whereby substantially all air that enters the sterilization chamber passes first through the filter and wherein the sterilization chamber includes an air intake baffle to prevent ultraviolet light from escaping from the sterilization chamber through the air intake opening and into the room.