Patent ID: 12251344

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides techniques for an air curtain for a person or a patient. In some embodiments, systems and methods for providing an air curtain for a person or a patient include an air outlet to provide air for the air curtain. An air curtain is a generally considered to be a layer of moving air. In some embodiments, the systems and methods also include air inlet to intake air from the air curtain. For example, the systems and methods described herein can be used to provide an air curtain in the proximity of a person or a patient such that an amount of unwanted species (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.) from the person within the air curtain can be contained by the air curtain thereby protecting other people in the environment. The systems and methods described herein can also be used to reduce the amount of unwanted species from the environment reaching the person inside of the air curtain.

The air inlet and air outlet can be coupled to one or more devices that motivate air flow, in order to output and intake the air. In some cases, the air inlet intakes more air than the air outlet, for example, such that substantially all of the air from the air curtain is captured by the air inlet, and some additional air outside of the air curtain is also captured by the air inlet. A “device that motivates air flow” is considered herein to refer to any device that motivates air to flow, such as one or more fans, blowers, roots blowers, scroll pumps, side-channel blowers (single and two-stage), regenerative blowers (also known as vortex blowers), pumps, rotary vane pumps, diaphragm pumps, piston pumps, turbomolecular pumps, disc pumps, and/or peristaltic pumps.

The air outlet and air inlet of the systems described herein include a respective air outlet port and an air inlet port, through which the air flows to form the air curtain. The air outlet port and air inlet port can include one or more holes through which the air flows. The air outlet port and air inlet port can each include holes with many different shapes and be arranged in many different patterns and have three-dimensional structures such as conduits, tubes, pipes, and arrays thereof, for directing air. For example, the holes could be shaped as one or more slots, round holes, holes with a geometric shape (e.g., square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.), holes with a grating, or a honeycomb pattern of holes (e.g., of round holes, hexagonal holes, etc.). In some cases, the air outlet is formed in the shape of an arch. For example, the air outlet port can be formed in a line along the arch-shaped air outlet, or can be along a periphery of the arch-shaped air outlet. For example, the port can include a plurality of holes (e.g., round holes, oblong holes, or slots) that are arranged along the arch. A material can be arranged across the arch-shaped air outlet. In some cases, the material can be a non-rigid material configured to be movable and to allow access to a space within the arch-shaped air curtain when moved. In some cases, the material can be a rigid material configured to be movable and to allow access to a space within the arch-shaped air curtain when moved, for example using one or more hinges. In some cases, the material can be a mixture of rigid and non-rigid materials in different areas of the arch and be configured to be movable and to allow access to a space within the arch-shaped air curtain when moved.

In some cases, the air outlet and/or air inlet is formed in the shape of an arch. The arch-shaped air outlet can be configured to couple to a first region of a bed and to provide air to generate an arch-shaped air curtain. The arch-shaped air inlet can be configured to couple to a second region of a bed and intake air from the arch-shaped air curtain. The systems and methods described herein can be used with a flat bed, or a bed that is adjustable (e.g., that can change positions from sitting, to reclining, to lying down).

In some cases, the arch-shaped air inlet can also be configured to intake air from outside of the arch-shaped air curtain, for example, if more air is captured by the arch-shaped air inlet than is output by the arch-shaped air outlet. The arch-shaped air outlet can include an outlet port arranged along the arch-shaped air outlet, and the arch-shaped air inlet can include an air inlet port arranged along the arch-shaped air inlet. For example, the air inlet port can be arranged (or formed in a line) along the arch-shaped air inlet, or can be along a periphery of the arch-shaped air inlet. For example, the air inlet port can be arranged (or formed in a line) along the arch-shaped air inlet, or can be along a periphery of the arch-shaped air inlet.

In some cases, the air inlet and/or arch-shaped air outlet has an open space across the inside of the arch, which can allow access into an isolated space between the air curtain and a surface. For example, a caregiver can reach through the inside of the arch to interact with a person inside the isolated space between the air curtain and a surface (e.g., a bed). In another example, an arch can be arranged across a bed, and a person can lie underneath the arch, with their body or legs extending through the inside of the arch.

In some cases, a material can be arranged across the air inlet and/or arch-shaped air outlet. In some cases, the material can be a non-rigid material configured to be movable and to allow access to a space within the arch-shaped air curtain when moved. In some cases, the material can be a rigid material configured to be movable and to allow access to a space within the (arch-shaped) air curtain when moved, for example using one or more hinges. In some cases, the material can be a mixture of rigid and non-rigid materials in different areas of the arch and be configured to be movable and to allow access to a space within the arch-shaped air curtain when moved.

The systems for generating air curtains described herein can include a combination of features that can be particularly advantageous. For example, an inlet and/or outlet can be shaped like an arch, with access possible through the inside of the arch. Those features can enable the outlet and inlet to be positioned closer to one another. For example, the access through the inside of the arch can enable the inlet or outlet to be placed between the head and foot of a bed with a person lying on the bed with their body extending through the inside of the arch. It is advantageous to have the outlet and inlet of an air curtain closer together since it will improve the isolation efficiency of the air curtain, where the isolation efficiency is a measure of how well the air curtain can isolate particulates within a region, or isolate a region from particulates. In another example, the outlet and inlet arches can be placed on either side of a bed, and a caregiver can reach through the arch to a person that is between the air curtain and the bed. The access provided by the systems and methods described herein can advantageously block particles from exiting or entering a space defined by the air curtain and improve the comfort of the person and accessibility to the person by providing access into and out of the space. Another feature that can be combined with the above is a flow imbalance where an air flow out of the arch-shaped air outlet is less than an air flow into the arch-shaped air inlet, which can further improve the isolation efficiency especially when combined with other features that allow the arches to be placed close to one another (e.g., on inlet/outlet on opposite sides of a bed, or inlet at the head of a bed and outlet between the head and foot of the bed).

In some cases, the systems and methods for generating an air curtain described herein can isolate particles or prevent particles from leaving a region between the air curtain and a surface with an efficiency from about 50% to about 90%, or from about 50% to about 99%, or from about 50% to about 99.9%, or greater than about 60%, or greater than about 80%, or greater than about 90%. In some cases, the systems and methods for generating an air curtain described herein can isolate particles or prevent particles from entering a region between the air curtain and a surface with an efficiency from about 50% to about 90%, or from about 50% to about 99%, or from about 50% to about 99.9%, or greater than about 60%, or greater than about 80%, or greater than about 90%.

The systems and methods for generating an air curtain described herein can isolate particles as well as other vapors such as odors or smoke. For example, the system may be used to isolate smoke generated during surgical procedures such as electrocautery. In another example, the system may be used to isolate and contain odors from kitty litter boxes. In another example, the system may be used to contain smoke from industrial processes, such as welding. In some cases, the system may be used to isolate and protect food from becoming contaminated with pathogens in the environment, such as for use in a salad bar or food buffet, or in food preparation, such as a kitchen in a restaurant or industrial kitchen, bakery, or food processing facility. In another example, the system may be used in biotechnology applications or biological processing, such as pharmaceutical processing, genetic engineering, or in-vitro fertilization. In another example, the system may be used in place of a fume hood, or the system may be used inside a fume hood.

An air inlet conduit or duct can be coupled to the arch-shaped air inlet, and an air outlet conduit or duct coupled to the arch-shaped air outlet. For example, a conduit can be a pipe or cylinder with a circular or oval cross-section. A conduit can also be a tube or duct with a square, rectangular, hexagonal, or other shaped cross-section. The terms conduits, ducts, and tubes may be used interchangeably. The outlets and inlets, such as the arch-shaped outlets and inlets, described herein can also be hollow and elongate structures (i.e., with relatively high aspect ratios) that could be considered conduits. The outlets and inlets may also have conduits, tubes, pipes, or ducts within them. For example, the outlets and inlets can have tubes, pipes, or ducts within them that couple the port(s) of the outlet or inlet to the air outlet or air inlet conduits or ducts (which in turn are coupled to the device(s) that motive air flow).

One or more devices that motivate air flow (e.g., fans or pumps) can be coupled to the air outlet conduit or duct and the air inlet conduit or duct. The devices that motivate air flow can be controlled using a controller (e.g., with a hardware processor coupled to memory) such that an amount of air exiting the arch-shaped air outlet and an amount of air entering the arch-shaped air inlet can be controlled, either together or independently. For example, the amount of air exiting the arch-shaped air outlet can be controlled to be less than an amount of air entering the arch-shaped air inlet. In such cases, the arch-shaped air inlet can capture air from the air curtain and also from outside the air curtain. In some cases, a ratio of air flow into the air inlet to air flow out of the air outlet can be from about 1.5 to about 10, or from about 2 to about 6, or about 1.5, or about 2, or about 3, or about 4, or about 6, or about 10. In some cases, ratio of air flow into the air inlet to air flow out of the air outlet can be more than about 10, for example, when the efficiency of collection is required to be as high as possible.

The systems and methods described herein can include hardware processors coupled to memory, in some cases. Some examples of hardware processors can include central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). These hardware processors may be interconnected through various means, including buses, networks-on-chip (NoCs), or other suitable communication channels. The memory coupled to these processors may include various types, such as volatile memory (e.g., dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), static random-access memory (SRAM)) and non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, phase-change memory, magnetic storage). The choice of hardware processors and memory configurations may vary depending on the system or method.

Computer simulations were performed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and generally demonstrated that increasing levels of air-curtain isolation efficiency could be achieved by increasing the ratio of inlet to outlet flow (more air is drawn out of the air curtain by the inlet than is introduced to the air curtain by the outlet).

The efficiency of a prototype system containing an arch-shaped outlet and an arch-shaped inlet was also experimentally measured. A TSI Portacount Model 8020A particle detector was used with a Portacount Salt Particle Generator Model 8026. Two experiments were performed. In the first experiment, the particle generator was located inside a protected region formed between the arch-shaped outlet and inlet and a bed to which they were coupled, and the particle detector sampled measurements outside the protected region. In the first experiment, the system and air curtain was about 90% efficient; the amount of particulates measured was about 90% less outside of the protected region compared to the amount of particulates inside the protected region. In a second experiment, the particle detector was located outside the protected region, and the particle detector sampled measurements from inside the protected region. In the second experiment, the system and air curtain was also about 90% efficient; the amount of particulates measured was about 90% less inside of the protected region compared to the amount of particulates outside of the protected region (near the particle generator).

In some cases, one or more devices that motivate air flow (e.g., fans or pumps) can be coupled directly to the air outlet and/or air inlet instead of, or in addition to, the device(s) that motivate air flow being in the conduits. The device that motivates air flow in the air outlet and/or air inlet can be used to efficiently produce the air flow for the air curtain, and the air flow to capture air from the air curtain.

A filter and/or a pathogen deactivation unit can be coupled to the air inlet conduit or duct. The pathogen deactivation unit can include subsystems that deactivate pathogens such as UV lights, or a plasma generator. Filters can be used together with a pathogen deactivation device, in the systems and methods descried herein. For example, the filter can be configured to reduce unwanted species (e.g., dust, pathogens, odors, or chemicals) in the air traveling through the air inlet conduit or duct. Filters may be mechanical filters and/or electrostatic filters. In some applications it may be desirable to isolate a patient from particulates other than pathogens in the environment. In these cases, a filter that removes matter from the air is preferable to subsystems that deactivate pathogens but do not remove them from the air. The system may have a series of filters that are generally the same or different. Multiple filters that are the same when used in series may increase the filtration level of the system. In other embodiments, a series of filters may be used where each filter type removes a different type of material from the air, such as volatile organics for one type of filter, and viral particles for another type of filter.

A pathogen deactivation unit can be coupled to the air flow subsystem conduits to reduce infectious species in addition to, or instead of, the filters. For example, the pathogen deactivation unit can include plasma generators, ultraviolet lights (UV), photocatalysts (e.g., titanium dioxide or diatoms when used with UV light), or visible light (e.g., 405 nm light). For example, a pathogen deactivation unit can include a plasma generator, which generates a plasma in a region, and air can be forced to pass through the plasma (e.g., using a fan). UV light may for example have wavelengths in the range of about 220 nm to about 230 nm which has been shown to be harmless to humans, or about 255 nm to about 275 nm. These subsystems may not remove the particles (e.g., pathogens such as bacteria and viruses) but may be configured to inactivate the ability of a particle or pathogen to infect a person. Air that enters the pathogen deactivation unit with active (live or infectious) pathogens is configured to exit the pathogen deactivation unit with a reduced number of active pathogens. Such a reduction may be in the range of 2, 5 or 10, or 100, 1000, or 10,000 or greater.

In some cases, more than one conduit or duct can be coupled to an air inlet or an air outlet. For example, multiple conduits, each coupled to one or more devices that motivate air flow (e.g., fan, pump, or plurality of fans), can be coupled to an air outlet or an air inlet.

The systems described herein can be configured to be coupled to a bed, and provide an air curtain in the proximity of the bed. In some cases, the bed can be approximately rectangular, where the four sides can include a head, a foot, a first side extending from the head to the foot, and a second side, opposite the first side, extending from the head to the foot. In some cases, the arch-shaped air outlet of the systems described herein can be configured to be coupled to a first region of the bed, and the arch-shaped air outlet of the systems described herein can be configured to be coupled to a second region of the bed. In some cases, at least a portion of the first region of the bed or at least a portion of the second region of the bed is between a head of the bed and a foot of the bed. For example, the arch-shaped air outlet can be coupled to a first region of the bed near the head, and the arch-shaped air inlet can be coupled to a second region of the bed that is approximately halfway between the head and the foot of the bed. In some cases, the closer the spacing of the first and second regions generally the higher the protection efficiency of the air curtain is, where the protection efficiency is the ratio of particles impinging upon the air curtain to particles that pass through the air curtain.

In some cases, an air outlet can be used to provide an air curtain, and no air inlet is needed. For example, an air outlet can be used to provide an air curtain in the proximity of a bed such that an amount of unwanted species from the environment can be reduced for a person on the bed and inside of the air curtain. Such systems could be beneficial for example, to protect an immunocompromised person from unwanted pathogens in the environment.

In some cases, the systems and methods described herein include air inlet ports and/or air outlet ports including subsystems to direct the air exiting the outlet ports and/or entering the inlet ports. For example, the air could be directed upwards, downwards, left, or right relative to a nominal direction, for example, to align the air flow out of the outlet with air flow into the inlet. The subsystems to direct the air can include louvers, vents, movable tubes, air foils, flaps, or any structures inside the port (or a conduit leading to a port) or outside the port that can be used to direct the air flowing into or out of the port. For example, an air outlet port and/or air inlet port can include louvers that direct the air to generate the arch-shaped air curtain. In another example, an air outlet port and/or air inlet port can include a set of movable tubes that direct the air to generate the arch-shaped air curtain. The movable tubes can have circular or oval cross-sections, or can have square, rectangular, hexagonal, or other shaped cross-sections. In some cases, the movable tubes can be arranged in an array. For example, an array of tubes with hexagonal cross-sections can form a honeycomb structure, which can be moved to direct air flow out of the port of an outlet or into the port of an inlet. The subsystems to direct the air can be manually adjustable, or can be controlled using automated means (e.g., motors, actuators, controllers, sensors, and communication systems) to move the elements of the subsystems that are used to direct the air flow into or out of a port. In some cases, the manual adjustment or automated control of the subsystems to direct the air can cause the subsystems to direct the air to turn on or off. In some cases, the manual adjustment or automated control of the subsystems to direct the air can cause the subsystems to direct the air to change or adjust the speed or volume of air flow(s) in the system. The system may be configured to react to sensor outputs to adjust the ports in order to automatically optimize the air curtain (e.g., maximize efficiency) based on predetermined algorithms and settings.

In some cases, the components of the systems described herein, such as the air outlets, the air inlets, the conduits, the devices that motivate air flow, and a control system, are cleanable. In some cases, the components have removable access panels to allow cleaning. In some cases, a conduit may come apart in one or more sections where the interface is along the length of a conduit, such as a tube that splits in half along its length. In some cases, the components can be easily removed so that they can be cleaned, for example, by coupling them together using connectors such as snaps, magnets, or other fasteners. In some cases, conduits may be configured to couple to a cleaning system that introduces a cleaning gas such as ethylene oxide, steam, or hydrogen peroxide. For example, a subsystem that has a fan with inlet and an outlet ports may be coupled to a gas cleaning system to sterilize the surfaces of the fan in contact with air that flows through the system. In some cases, the components can be self-cleaning, for example, the conduits can contain ultraviolet (UV) lights that neutralize pathogens. In some cases, the components such as the ducts, the air outlet, and the air inlet can have antimicrobial coatings (e.g., silver or silver alloys, copper or copper alloys, or organosilanes) to prevent or inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

In some cases, the air outlets, the air inlets, and the conduits of the systems and methods described herein are disposable. For example, a system can include some disposable components and some non-disposable components. For example, a base can be non-disposable and include devices that motivate air flow (e.g., fans and pumps) and other components needed to control the system such as a processor or controller and human interface, and disposable conduits, a disposable air outlet, and a disposable air inlet can be coupled to the non-disposable base.

The control system may have settable configurations, that may be set by a user. For example, the flow rate in the air curtain may be increased or decreased, depending on desired isolation efficiency, power usage, or patient comfort, where lower flow may be, for example, quieter.

The subsystems of the patient isolation system may have structures and subsystems to minimize the sound that the system emits. A fan-containing subsystem may have an enclosure that contains sound, for example, by having walls composed of sound-damping materials, or multi-layered structures wherein the layers may alternate between rigid and pliable materials so as to form a sound-transmission impedance mismatch. The rigid layers in a multi-layered structure may be of the same or different materials, where different materials may favorably increase the impedance mismatch. Conduits may have foam on their inner surfaces which may be configured to act as a sound absorber, known in the art as a silencer. Flexible conduits may also have multi-layered structures that form the walls of the conduit, as well as structures that form flexible silencers, such as foam linings.

The systems and methods described herein can contain exhaled pathogens from infected patients. Additionally, the systems and methods described herein can block particles from entering or leaving a volume created by the systems around a living being, such as a human or an animal. The term exhale can refer to any air or particles leaving a mouth or nose of a person, and may include sneezes or coughs or other respiratory functions. The particles in the air can include pathogens, molds, fungi, microorganisms, dust, or any solid or liquid particles in the air. Pathogens as used herein are considered to be anything that causes an infection, condition, or disease in a patient, including but not limited to bacteria, fungi, molds, and viruses. Where operation of the system is described herein to stop transmission of pathogens, generally particles and pathogens may be used interchangeably, even though particles captured by the system may not be infectious. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein minimally interfere with patient comfort or safety, and give ready access to caregivers compared to conventional particle isolation systems that enclose the patient in a solid bubble of material (e.g., plastic). The systems and methods described herein use curtains of air through which people can access an isolated space between the air curtain and a surface (e.g., a bed). In some cases, the outlets and inlets can also be arch-shaped and allow access to the space through the arch. Improved access and a lack of a solid barrier around the person can improve their comfort, while maintaining their safety, and the safety of others around them (if they are contagious or have a communicable disease), by isolating the space of the person from the outside environment.

The systems and methods described herein use an air curtain in front of, or on a ventral side of, a patient. The various embodiments utilize a system where air is injected at a source (an outlet), and extracted at a sink (an inlet) where there is a distance through space between the source and sink. The inlet and outlet are connected in a generally closed loop where the air that goes into the inlet is drawn through a devices that motivate air flow (e.g., fan or pump) and fed to the outlet. The two systems may also be separate, where each inlet and outlet have one or more devices that motivate air flow, and filtration and/or pathogen-reducing subsystems.

FIGS.1A and1Bshow example schematics of systems that can provide an air curtain, in accordance with some embodiments. InFIG.1A, a conduit1has an inlet2and an outlet3where the inlet2and outlet3are in fluid communication. The air flows in a direction4aand5amotivated by a device that motivates air flow6a(e.g., one or more fans or pumps). The air is motivated by device that motivates air flow6ato move through the conduit1from the device that motivates air flow6atowards the outlet3, causing the air curtain4ato be formed between the outlet3and the inlet2. InFIG.1A, device that motivates air flow6ais optionally controlled by controller1010, which can control the speed of the device that motivates air flow6abased on user input or feedback from one or more sensors. The system inFIG.1Aincludes an air recycling loop, wherein the air that enters the inlet2is directed back to the outlet3. InFIG.1B, there are two device that motivates air flows6band6c, which motivate air in directions4band5b, respectively. Device that motivates air flow6bmotivates the air to move through the conduit1from the device that motivates air flow6btowards the outlet3, causing the air curtain4ato be formed between the outlet3and the inlet2. Device that motivates air flow6ccauses air to move through the conduit1causing pressure in the inlet2to be reduced and air to be captured by the inlet2. Devices that motivate air flow6band6care optionally controlled by controller1010, which can control the speed of the devices that motivate air flow based on user input or feedback from one or more sensors. Controller1010can control the speed of devices that motivate air flow6band6csuch that a ratio of air flow in directions4band5bis controlled. For example, controller1010can control the speed of devices that motivate air flow6band6csuch that a ratio of an air flow into inlet2to an air flow out of outlet3is from about 1.5 to about 10, or from about 2 to about 6, or about 1.5, or about 2, or about 3, or about 4, or about 6, or about 10. In some cases, controller1010controls the speed of devices that motivate air flow6band6cbased on user input, sensed air flow (using information from flow sensors in one or more of the conduits1). In some cases, the inlets and outlets may be interchangeable, where and inlet may be used as an outlet, and an outlet may be used as an inlet, where the air-motivator subsystem may be configured to change direction of air flow.

The systems inFIGS.1A and1Beach also include a pathogen deactivation unit7in series with the inlet2that cleans the air that flows into the inlet2. Pathogen deactivation is the process of reducing the ability of a pathogen (e.g., a bacteria, a virus, a mold, or a fungus) to cause undesired health conditions. Pathogens can cause infectiousness, such as causing infections in or on a living creature, and the pathogen deactivation unit7can eliminate or reduce the infectiousness of a pathogen in or passing through the pathogen deactivation unit7. Pathogen deactivation unit7can include a combination of filters and/or subsystems (e.g., plasma, UV light) that deactivate pathogens, as described herein. In some cases, the pathogen deactivation unit7or air cleaning subsystem cleans the air to a level of non-infectiousness in a pass or one or more passes, such as by 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, 99.9%, 99.97%, or higher, pathogen reduction in a single pass. In some cases, the pathogen deactivation unit may sterilize the air. The pathogen deactivation unit7may not necessarily physically filter out the pathogens, but may kill or otherwise neutralize or deactivate pathogens while leaving dead pathogens in the air stream. For example, pathogen deactivation unit7or air cleaning subsystem could use UV lights, which would kill pathogens but not physically remove them from the air stream. In other cases, pathogen deactivation unit7or air cleaning subsystem can include filters and other subsystems to physically remove pathogens from the air stream.

In some cases, substantially all of the sourced air, leaving air outlet3, is collected at air inlet2. In some cases, the air flow out of air outlet3is less than the flow into air inlet2. Such systems can be advantageous to create a cross-flow in front of a patient's mouth that pushes their exhaled air towards the air inlet2. Such systems can also be advantageous to avoid blowing exhaled air from a patient into the environment, and not into the air inlet2, where it can be cleaned by a pathogen deactivation unit7.

FIG.2shows an example schematic of a system similar to the system shown inFIG.1Awith a subsystem9added to divert some of the airflow away from the air outlet, in accordance with some embodiments. In this example, the air is recirculated from the air inlet to the air outlet, and there is a subsystem that diverts air such that the air flow out of air outlet3is less than the flow into air inlet2. This subsystem9may be a valve, flap, orifice, or other subsystem for opening and letting air out of the main flow path of conduit8. The subsystem9may also be an active electromechanical system that draws air out of the main flow path, such as a fan. In this manner, the airflow11at the air outlet may be made to be less than the airflow12at the air inlet, where the extra air is made up from the room with flow13and14. InFIG.3, an air curtain17is formed between air outlet15and air inlet16. The airflow18(dashed line) that leaves the air outlet15, and is not captured by the air inlet16, can be minimized or eliminated. Thus, pathogens entering the stream17will be carried into the air inlet16. An advantage of the air cleaning system for isolating patients is that it also cleans the air in the room and can be used an room-air purifier.

FIG.4Ashows an example schematic of an air curtain19, between an air outlet and an air inlet, in accordance with some embodiments. Air curtain19(or region of flowing air) has a sufficient thickness20that fast-moving matter21(i.e., droplets) entering the airstream have time to be diverted towards the inlet. In some cases, the thickness20of the air curtain is from about 2 cm to about 50 cm, or from about 2 cm to about 20 cm, or from about 20 cm to about 30 cm, or from about 30 cm to about 50 cm. The thickness20of the air curtain may be less than, equal to, or greater than the length22of the air curtain, where thicker air curtains for the same speed of moving air (higher overall flow) have generally higher protection efficiency. In some cases, the thickness20is about 10 times smaller than a length22of the air curtain. Droplets21may enter at a speed higher than the airflow speed, and may still get collected due to the rapid deceleration of airstreams and particles moving in air. For example, not to be limited by theory, the deceleration of particles in moving air can be described by a relationship where speed is proportional to a power of time, wherein the power can be from 2 to 4 (i.e., speed is approximately time∧n, where n=2, 3, or 4).

For example, it has been found that for air flowing at a speed of approximately 3 m/s, and small droplets (˜20 μm diameter) entering at about 5 m/s to 10 m/s will be drawn into the air inlet if the width is at least about 25 cm and the distance22from the injection of the particles into the airstream to the air inlet is about 50 cm. Other geometries are possible, since the width w and the length d depend on factors such as the speed of the air curtain19.

The air flows in the conduits, inlets, outlets and air curtains of the systems described herein can operate in different flow regimes. For example, air flows in the air curtains, or in the conduits, or exiting the outlets, or entering the inlets of the systems described herein can have velocities from 0.05 m/s to 10 m/s, or from 0.5 m/s to 5 m/s, or from 0.5 m/s to 2 m/s, or about 0.1 m/s, or about 1 m/s, or about 5 m/s, and have volumetric flow rates from 5 to 5000 cc/s per square centimeter, or about 10 cc/s per square centimeter, or about 100 cc/s per square centimeter, or about 500 cc/s per square centimeter The overall flow rate through conduits, inlets, and/or outlets of the system can be from about 10 CFM (cubic feet per minute) to about 100 CFM (or about 17 to about 170 m3/h), about 100 CFM to about 500 CFM (about 170 to about 850 m3/h), or most preferably about 500 CFM to about 1000 CFM (about 850 to about 1700 m3/h), or about 1000 CFM to about 5000 CFM (about 1700 to about 8500 m3/h), with corresponding air curtain flow rates depending on port configurations and arch length.

Computer simulations were performed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to investigate different flow rates out of outlets and into inlets to form air curtains. The models were used to determine system or air-curtain isolation efficiencies to prevent an introduced source gas (e.g., containing particulates) from leaving a protected region or zone. These models showed that increasing levels of air-curtain isolation efficiency could be achieved by increasing the ratio of inlet to outlet flow (more drawn out than introduced).

FIGS.4B-4Fshow the results of the CFD modeling that was performed for a system with an outlet and an inlet forming an air curtain, and a source within a protected region, in accordance with some embodiments. The modeled system shown inFIGS.4C-4Fincluded an inlet1015, an outlet1016, and a source1017of a gas (e.g., a gas containing particles). The model was two-dimensional. The inlet1015and the outlet1016were each 1 cm tall in the z-direction, and the source was 2 cm wide in the x-direction. The distance1018was 55 cm between the inlet1015and the outlet1016. The distance1019was 45 cm, as measured from the source1017to a horizontal line1020connecting the inlet1015and the outlet1016.

The table inFIG.4Bshows the Conditions that were modeled and the results. An air curtain was generated between the air outlet and the air inlet by flowing gas out of the outlet with a rate from 50 L/s to 100 L/s, and flowing air into the inlet at a rate from 100 L/s to 300 L/s.

FIG.4Cshows a plot of the modeled gas flow velocity for Condition1.FIG.4Dshows a plot of the modeled gas flow velocity for Condition2.FIG.4Cshows a plot of the modeled gas flow velocity for Condition3.FIG.4Cshows a plot of the modeled gas flow velocity for Condition4. Condition1had the highest ratio of outlet: inlet flow rate (1:1) and was the least effective. In Condition1, 50% of the source gas escaped past the air curtain.FIG.4Cshows a relatively large velocity of gas1021athat has escaped past the air curtain. Condition2had an increased outlet: inlet flow ratio of 1:2 compared to Condition1, and a 40 L/s source gas flow. The efficiency was improved in Condition2, where 25% of the source air1021bescaped past the air curtain as shown inFIG.4D. Condition3also had an outlet: inlet flow ratio of 1:2 but a source gas flow of 8 L/s (which was lower than that of Condition2). In Condition3, due to the lower source gas flow rate, only 10% of the source air1021cescaped past the air curtain, as shown inFIG.4E. Condition4had the highest inlet flow rate of 300 L/s, and the ratio of outlet: inlet flow rate was 1:6, which was the most effective condition modeled. In Condition4, 99% of the airflow out of the source was collected by the inlet, and only 1% escaped the protected region through the air curtain, as shown inFIG.4F.

The modeling results summarized inFIGS.4B-4Findicate that in some embodiments of the systems and methods described herein, a flow rate ratio of an air outlet flow rate to an air inlet flow rate (i.e., outlet flow rate: inlet flow rate) less than equal to 1:2 (e.g., 1:3, 1:4, 1:6, or less than 1:6) can result in the system having at least 90% isolation efficiency. In other words, a flow rate ratio of an air inlet flow rate to an air outlet flow rate (i.e., inlet flow rate: outlet flow rate) of at least 2:1 (e.g., 3:1, 4:1, 6:1, or greater than 6:1) can result in the system having at least 90% isolation efficiency. The isolation efficiency can be a metric for preventing particles from leaving a protected region and/or preventing particles from entering a protected region. In some embodiments, a flow rate ratio of an air outlet flow rate to an air inlet flow rate (i.e., outlet flow rate: inlet flow rate) less than equal to 1:6 (e.g., 1:10, or less than 1:10) can result in the system having at least 99% isolation efficiency.

FIG.5shows a schematic example of an air curtain23placed with a distance24in front of the mouth25of a person26(e.g., a patient, seen from the top of their head), in accordance with some embodiments. In this manner, there is additional time from the exhalation of particles27to when the particles27enter the moving air of air curtain23. This gives the particles27time to slow down. Further, it is more comfortable for the person or patient as they are not in the direct air curtain23. In another embodiment, the air curtain23may be positioned close to or inclusive of the person's mouth25.

In some cases, the systems and methods described herein provide an air flow or air curtain to prevent a person or patient from being exposed to pathogens or other harmful species in the environment. For example, a patient may not have a communicable respiratory disease, and it may not be necessary to isolate their exhaled air, but it may be desirable to protect said patient from pathogens in their immediate environment. In some cases, the systems and methods described herein provide an air flow or air curtain to prevent a person or patient from being exposed to pathogens or other harmful species in the environment, or other harmful material in the air, such as particles or chemicals, and also to contain pathogens from the person or patient and prevent them from entering the environment. The air curtains of the systems and methods described herein can effectively capture pathogens or any particles from both inside (e.g., as shown inFIG.5) and outside a zone within the air curtain. For example, the particle21inFIG.4Acan be a particle from the outside environment and the person or patient can be on the opposite side of the air curtain19.

FIG.6shows an example wherein the air outlet28and the air inlet29are generally planar, in accordance with some embodiments. The air outlet28and the air inlet29in this example may have an area that is generally rectangular or ovoid with dimensions30and31(labeled xoand xi) in direction that are away from the person or patient, and dimensions32and33(labeled yoand yi) that are along the length of the person and perpendicular to dimensions32and33. Dimensions xoand xiare similar to dimension20(labeled w) inFIG.4A, and represent an approximate thickness of an air curtain produced using outlet28and inlet29. Dimensions xo, xi, yo, and yican be from about 1 cm to about 100 cm, or more than 100 cm, or about 5 cm, or about 10 cm, or about 20 cm. The airflow can be laminar as it exits the air outlet28, and in some cases, is substantially or generally uniform across the face. The faces may present a resistance to flow to aid in spreading out the pressure inside the air outlet28and air inlet29so that the flow of air is more uniform, and uniform in collection, while supplied and collected into ducts or conduits34and35. The thicknesses36and37(labeled toand ti) of the injector and collector of the air outlet and the air inlet, respectively, may be considered thin in that they are much less than xo, xi, yo, or yi. In some cases, the thicknesses36and37may be in the range of about 2 cm to about 5 cm. In some cases, the diameter of conduit34or35coupled to or feeding the outlet28or the inlet29is a factor of several (e.g., from about 2 to about 5, or from about 2 to about 10, or from about 2 to about 100) times smaller than the dimensions of the plane of the air outlet28or air inlet29. In some cases, there is a relationship between the uniformity of flow, the resistance of the air leaving or entering the air outlet28or air inlet29, and the thickness tior to, where uniformity of the produced air curtain increases with increasing thickness tior toand increasing resistance. In such systems, for a constant uniformity, if the thickness is decreased, the resistance must increase, and vice versa.

In general, for a given air volume flow, it is preferable to have xoand xi(related to the thickness of a produced air curtain) as large as possible. While the air speed across the curtain will decrease linearly, the power law of injected particle deceleration dominates and collection ability increases. That is, in general for improved capture efficiency, it is better to have a thicker air curtain rather than a fast air curtain. If yoor yiis increased, to maintain the same capture efficiency, it is necessary to linearly increase the volume of air flow to maintain the speed of the air flow in the air curtain.

In some cases, xocan be smaller than xi, such that as the airflow in the air curtain spreads out, there is more area of the air inlet29to capture the air.

FIG.7shows a schematic example including shields38and39that extend from the edge of the air outlet46and air inlet45to a fixed surface40(e.g., a bed), in accordance with some embodiments. In this example, the shields38and38form a generally continuous barrier to air flow between the fixed surface40and outlet46or the inlet45respectively. When air is exhaled in a direction41that is sideways towards the barrier or shield39and perpendicular to a direction towards the air curtain47(e.g., when a patient's head is sideways on a bed), it may encounter the shield39and flow upwards42into the airstream47. Similarly, when air is exhaled in a sideways direction43it will run into barrier or shield38and flow upward44into the airstream47. In this manner, the shields38and39can help capture exhalations from all directions or substantially all directions (left to right) from a patient. In some cases, the shields may be expandable or include a plurality of sliding components1053and1054. In some cases, the shields38and39are movable such that they allow access to the space between the air curtain47and the fixed surface40through the shields38and/or39. For example, shields38and39can be made from a stretchable material, a plastic sheet, a strip curtain, an elastomeric material, or a textile material.

The systems and methods described herein can have an adjustable height between the air curtain47and a fixed surface40(e.g., a bed) bounding the isolated space inside the air curtain. For example, the air outlet46and the air inlet45in the system inFIG.7could be moved closer to the fixed surface40, and shields38and39could be made shorter. In some cases, there is a trade-off where moving the air curtain47closer to the fixed surface improves the efficiency of the isolation but makes it harder to access the isolated space (because the air outlet and air inlet block the access), and moving the air curtain47farther from the fixed surface reduces the efficiency of the isolation but makes it easier to access the isolated space (e.g., through movable shields38and39).

FIG.8shows a view of the system shown inFIG.6from above, looking down on a person or patient for example when they are lying in bed, in accordance with some embodiments. In this embodiment, the dimension yiand yoof the system shown inFIG.8of air outlet49and air inlet50are sufficiently long to capture diffusing air that is exhaled from a person48or patient in directions51and52before exhaled particles can enter the room towards the feet of the person48or above their head. In some cases, the speed of air in the directions51and52is generally much less than directions41and43shown inFIG.7(which are generally straight out of the mouth).

FIG.9shows a schematic example of an air outlet54and an air inlet55which form an air curtain between them, and effectively contain pathogens exhaled by the person in zone53, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG.10shows a schematic example of a system with an air outlet and an air inlet, wherein the air curtain flows in various directions, in accordance with some embodiments. A person57is shown lying on a bed56. The outlet and the inlet can be arranged as shown in arrangement58, such that the air curtain flows from the head of the person57towards the feet of the person57. The air outlet and the air inlet can be arranged as shown in arrangement59, such that the air curtain flows at another angle, such as a 45-degree angle to the person57. Such alternate configurations may afford improved access or comfort to the person57or patient. In some cases, the systems for producing air curtains described herein may be adjustable. For example, the air outlet and air inlet relative positions can be fixed, and they can be rotatable together as shown inFIG.10. The relative position of air inlet and air outlet may generally be the same to maintain the same effectiveness. In some cases, the air inlet and air outlet may be adjustable, such that they can be moved closer for greater effectiveness, or farther for reduced effectiveness and improved access and comfort when needed.

FIG.11shows a schematic of an example in which air flows generally up from a bed61in a vertical direction with a person62or patient, in accordance with some embodiments. Air outlets64and65provide airflow66and67to an air inlet63, wherein airflow66,67,68and69create a vertical (i.e., a direction normal to a main surface of the bed) air curtain around the patient. The air outlets64and65may be in a single unit or multiple units, or may be a ring, or may be arch-shaped, or may be flexible and lie on the bed, or be held via an arm off the bed. The dimensions of the inlet63in the plane of the bed may be less than a lateral spacing between outlets64and65along the bed, in some cases 0.5 or 0.25 or 0.1 times the spacing between64and65, where in this configuration the outlets are configured to direct air upwards and inwards to reach the smaller inlet63. In another embodiment, the width of inlet63is greater than the spacing between outlets64and65, with air directed outwards.

FIG.12shows a schematic of an example where a person71or patient lies on a bed70and air outlets72and73with airflow74and75is directed towards an air inlet77with airflow76, in accordance with some embodiments. The air outlets72and73and air inlet77may be supported by one or more arms (not shown, which can be coupled (or mounted) to the bed, a floor unit, or a wall or ceiling. Similar coupling or mounting possibilities are disclosed for the previous embodiments herein.

The systems, subsystems, and configurations described herein may be effectively applied in various environments. A person or patient may be lying in a bed, sitting in a chair, on a couch, or on a bean bag chair, or standing, and the systems described herein can be used to form a zone wherein pathogens exhaled by a person can be effectively contained. In addition to being used in conjunction with a bed, the systems and methods described herein may be applied to a chair, such as a dental or optical chair.

FIG.13shows a schematic of an example where a person80is sitting in a chair81, and air inlet78and air outlet79are used to form an air curtain in accordance with some embodiments. The air inlet78and air outlet79may be mounted to a support structure (not shown) connected to, or independent of, a chair. The support structure may provide adjustability, such as an arm mounted to a portable base on the floor.

FIG.14shows a schematic of an example of an air outlet82and air inlet83that are placed in close proximity to a patient's84mouth85, and nose, in accordance with some embodiments. Such a system may be self-contained (e.g., worn by the patient) or connected to a base unit (e.g., using an arm). For example, the system inFIG.14can mount to the shoulders and be worn while a patient is sitting or standing.

FIGS.15aand15bshow respective front and side view schematics of an example system for forming a zone wherein pathogens exhaled by a person can be effectively contained, in accordance with some embodiments.FIGS.15aand15bshow a containment chair system87where a person86or patient sits in a chair system87with an opening88that is otherwise closed on all other sides89as a barrier to air flow. The chair system has an air inlet90and an air outlet91(such as those previously described) forming an air curtain92across the opening88of the chair. The air curtain92may extend partially or completely from top to bottom of the opening88of the chair.

In some embodiments, the systems and methods for forming a zone where pathogens exhaled by a person can be effectively contained can include air handling systems, which may contain subsystems for heating and humidifying the air in the aforementioned systems. The humidifying or heating subsystems may be manually or automatically adjusted to a predetermined humidity value such as by an operator by incorporating the output from a humidity or temperature sensor. Additional subsystems may introduce liquids or solids or chemicals such as medicines into the air stream to benefit the patient or the environment.

FIG.16shows a schematic of an example of an isolation bed system, in accordance with some embodiments. In this example system, a patient1091lies on a bed1092surrounded by airflow barriers93that form a continuous or semicontinuous wall or barrier to airflow extending upwards from the bed. For example, the patient's body and members can generally be below a top edge96of the barrier93. An air curtain97covers the opening (or substantially all, or a part of the opening) with an air inlet94and air outlet95disposed along the length of the generally top edge96of the barrier93. This isolation bed system affords a pathogen containment system that has openings via an air curtain. In some cases, a portion of the opening (e.g., below the face or below the chest or below the waist of the patient) may be closed with additional barriers. For example, a portion of the opening can be covered with a rigid or soft additional barrier. For example, a blanket can be affixed to the outside or edges of two or more of the airflow barriers93so that it is suspended. In this manner, less air flow is needed, as it is needed only for the open parts, and the air supply can be reduced, or turned off in the region under the barrier (or cover). In some cases, the airflow barrier93may be flexible along its length, or be jointed, so that the bed may be repositioned (e.g., into reclining positions).

In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may contain alarms and alarm subsystems. The processor of the device can be coupled to sensors to detect various air flow conditions, and other events. Alarms may be triggered by events, for example, that are detected by the sensors. Some events that could trigger alarms include: airflow blockage (such as a clogged filter, or reduced fan capacity, which can be detected by one or more flow meters); misalignment of air inlet(s) and air outlet(s) (may be detected by optical sensor, camera, or other sensor subsystem to indicate relative position or distance); patient movement out of zone (may be detected by optical image analysis, e.g., by locating a marker previously affixed to the patient or their clothing, such as a fluorescent dot); filter maintenance time; low flow compared to patient exhale rate (via sneeze detector using a sound sensor, or optical turbulence measurement); or air curtain interruption (may detect an object in the path of the air curtain such as via optical sensor). Air pressure sensors may also be disposed to detect pressure in the isolation region, in an air curtain, or in a conduit. Air temperature and/or humidity sensors may also be included to detect the temperature and/or the humidity of air in the system or moving through the system. The system may also contain alarms for maintenance, such as filter changes.

In some embodiments, systems used for beds may be mountable on the bed including the subsystems such as controls, device(s) that motivate air flow, and air cleaning, along with a portable electrical power subsystem, such that the containment system can be transported with the bed. Such a system can be advantageous, for example, as a patient is moved around a hospital.

In some cases, the systems and devices described herein can be configured to be coupled to a bed, where a component of the system is in the proximity of a region of the bed. For example, coupling the systems described herein to a bed can include mounting a component of the system (e.g., an air inlet or outlet) on the floor, and positioning the component to be aligned with a region of the bed (e.g., next to an edge of the bed, over an edge of the bed, or over a central region of the bed). In another example, an air outlet can be mounted to an arm that is coupled to a base, and the arm can be used to position the air outlet over (or next to) a head, foot, or side of the bed. In some cases, coupling the systems described herein to a bed can include mounting a component of the system (e.g., an air inlet or outlet) to the bed, for example, to a frame, headboard, leg, or post of the bed. In some cases, a component of the system (e.g., an air inlet or outlet) can be coupled to the bed by mounting the component to the bed using a mounting system configured to movably couple the component to the bed, such that, for example, an arch maintains a fixed position relative to a bed component when the bed component is moved.

FIG.17shows a schematic of an example wherein an air inlet or air outlet can be modularly extended, in accordance with some embodiments. InFIG.17, an air inlet or air outlet subsystem98with a conduit99may be coupled to a second air inlet (or outlet) subsystem100with mating openings101and102. Mating openings101and102can include doors that open when air inlet (or outlet) subsystem98is attached to air inlet (or outlet) subsystem100. In other cases, mating openings101and102can have covers that are manually removed prior to coupling air inlet (or outlet) subsystem98to air inlet (or outlet) subsystem100. The two units may have coupling locking mechanisms and alignment mechanisms, such as a pin103and a corresponding hole104. The pin and hole may be any shape, where the pin and hole are a generally matching shape, such as a ridge and a slot, or the pin may be a protrusion with an asymmetrical outline such that it only enters a matching shaped hole in a pre-determined orientation. There may be a plurality of such coupling subsystems at a coupling interface.

The systems and methods described herein include air inlets and air outlets that provide an air curtain. The air that flows out of the air outlet and into the air inlet flows through openings or ports in the air outlet and air inlet, respectively. The openings (or ports) in the air inlets and air outlets that allow air to flow through may be adjustable in any system described herein. For example, the size of the openings or the shape of the openings can be adjusted, for example, using a valve.

The air inlets and air outlets of the systems and methods described herein can be shapes other than rectilinear, for example, they may contain arcuate edges and surfaces. The air inlets and outlets may be adjustable, for example to form an arch that may be configured into different shapes. For example, arch-shaped inlets and/or outlets may contain flexible segments and rigid segments, or be composed of a flexible material, or be composed of rigid segments with hinges between segments, or a combination of these. The arches may also be extensible and compressible, so as to form longer or shorter arches, where segments may telescope into each other, or segments may stretch or extend such as by conduits that have a zigzag and flexible structure along their length, as in common flexible plastic drinking straws.

FIG.18shows a schematic of an example wherein the air outlet105and the air inlet106are arch-shaped, in accordance with some embodiments. The arch-shaped air outlet105and the arch-shaped air inlet106are shaped generally in ares in this example, where the air curtain107at one end108is in close proximity to a fixed surface110(such as a bed or a wall) and a second end109is also in close proximity to a second surface111(such as the lower part of a bed). The air inlet and air outlet of the systems and methods described herein may be arch-shaped (i.e., they may have a cross-section that is arch-shaped), for example, be an arc of a circle, a section of an oval, three sides of a rectangle, composed of sides of a polygon, or other shape that forms an arch. Likewise, the profile of the air curtain107may be arch-shaped, for example, be an arc of a circle, a section of an oval, three sides of a rectangle, composed of sides of a polygon, or other shape that forms an arch. In some cases, the air curtain107forms a generally (or substantially) complete enclosure in concert with an air barrier surface (e.g., a wall, bed, or other solid surface). The inside of the arch-shaped outlet105and inlet106may be a barrier112and113, respectively, that may be transparent, translucent, or other light transmissive value. Barrier112and/or113can be solid barriers, non-rigid barriers, movable barriers. The inside of an arch-shaped inlet or outlet114is shown inFIG.19, where it includes an air curtain115in place of an air barrier. The air curtain115within the arch-shaped inlet or outlet may be in the plane of the arc. The inside of the arc of an inlet or outlet may be filled and also be a source of air.FIG.20shows a schematic of an example where the air outlet116emits air117generally across its whole surface, in accordance with some embodiments.

The systems and methods described herein can include arch-shaped air inlets and air outlets, with barriers (e.g., barrier112and113inFIG.18) across an inside of the arch-shaped air inlet or outlet. The barriers can be solid barriers, made from a material such as a piece of rigid plastic, to block the flow of air through the inside of the arch-shaped air inlet or outlet. The barriers can also be non-rigid barriers, made from a material such as a stretchable material, a flexible plastic sheet, a strip curtain, an elastomeric material, or a textile material. The lower edges of a non-rigid barrier may have weights to hold the barrier down to conform to a surface such as a patient.

In some embodiments, the barriers (e.g., barrier112and113inFIG.18) can also be movable barriers. Movable barriers can be either made from rigid materials that are movably coupled to the arch-shaped air inlet or air outlet, or they are made from non-rigid materials that can be moved (e.g., a flexible plastic, a strip curtain, or a textile material). For example, a movable barrier can include a rigid material coupled to the arch-shaped air inlet or air outlet using one or more hinges (or any movable mount) such that the barrier can be swung open (like a door) to allow access through the arch-shaped air inlet or air outlet. In another example, a movable barrier can include a strip curtain made of plastic or textile strips coupled to the arch-shaped air inlet or air outlet such that the strips can be independently moved out of the way to allow access through the arch-shaped air inlet or air outlet. In another example, the barrier can be made from a rigid material that is removably coupled to the arch-shaped air inlet or air outlet (e.g., using magnets), such that the barrier can be removed from the arch-shaped air inlet or air outlet to allow access through the arch-shaped air inlet or air outlet. The movable barriers can be advantageous to both improve isolation of a region between the air curtain and a surface (e.g., a bed) and allow access to the space when needed.

In some cases, the air outlets and/or air inlets of the systems described herein can be movable, or repositionable. For example, the arch-shaped air outlet105and/or arch-shaped air inlet106could be mounted using a mounting system configured to movably couple to the arch-shaped air outlet such that a position of the arch-shaped air outlet with respect to the bed is maintained. The mounting systems for the systems described herein can include a floor standing base, or can be configured to mount to another object such as a wall, or a table, or the bed to which the system is coupled. Accordingly, the movable or repositionable mechanisms of the mounting systems can also be floor mounted, or can be mounted to another object such as a wall, or a table, or the bed to which the system is coupled. The mounting may have subsystems that allow the arches to be moved into positions that disrupt the air curtain but improve patient access, such as sliding down towards the floor, swinging outwards rotating about an end of the arch, sliding horizontally towards the head or foot of the bed, lifting up in the plane of the arch hinging around an end of the arch, sliding along a path that extends from the curve of the arch, folding inwards or outwards with both ends of the arch having hinges, segments of the arches having hinges such as for example an arch having a hinge in the middle of the arch such that half an arch can move rotatably inwards or outwards, or both arches may readily rotate such that both arches remain upright with respect to the bed, and remain in the same position relative to each other.

For storing the arches, the arches may be composed of segments that connect end to end and are separable or hinged. The arches may also have segments that fit inside one another so that the arch may telescope.

In some embodiments, the mounting system can be configured such that the arch-shaped air outlet105and/or arch-shaped air inlet106retracts below the surface of the bed (like the movement of a car window). For example, the mounting system could include guiding elements (e.g., rails, or tracks, or linear gears, or screws, or any linear movement mechanism), and the arch-shaped air outlet105and/or arch-shaped air inlet106could be moveably coupled to the guiding elements, for example, using one or more mating elements (e.g., protruding tabs, rails, wheels, and/or gears) that are guided by the guiding elements.

In some embodiments, the mounting system can enable the arch-shaped air outlet105and/or arch-shaped air inlet106to rotate with respect to the bed. Such a mounting system could include one or more rotation elements (e.g., a hinge, a pivot, a swivel joint, a slotted ball joint, a universal ball joint, or any rotating movement mechanism) coupled to the arch-shaped air outlet105and/or arch-shaped air inlet106to enable them to rotate with respect to the bed. For example, the arch-shaped air outlet105and/or arch-shaped air inlet106could rotate along a vertical rotation axis and swing out from the edge of the bed (like the movement of a car door). In another example, the arch-shaped air outlet105and/or arch-shaped air inlet106could rotate along a horizontal rotation axis and rotate orientation so that one side moves up away from the bed (like the motion of a gull-wing car door).

Various embodiments of arch-shape inlets or outlets with different cross-sectional profiles are illustrated inFIG.21A-21G.FIG.21Ashows an example of an arch-shaped inlet or outlet with a cross-section118that is arcuate.FIG.21Bshows an example of an arch-shaped inlet or outlet with a cross-section119that is rectilinear.FIG.21Cshows an example of an arch-shaped inlet or outlet with a cross-section120that is a multi-angled polygon, where angles at vertices may vary, and there may be an apex2120.FIG.21Dshows an example of an arch-shaped inlet or outlet with a cross-section121that is a polygon, where different sides may have different lengths, and there may be a generally flat or horizontal high point2121.FIG.21Eshows an example of an arch-shaped inlet or outlet with a cross-section122that is a rounded-vertex polygon, where the profile may contain a combination of straight section2122aand arcuate sections2122b.FIG.21Fshows an example of an arch-shaped inlet or outlet with a cross-section123that is a combination of arcuate and angled vertices, where there may be an arcuate apex2123.FIG.21Gshows an example of an arch-shaped inlet or outlet with a cross-section124that is an asymmetric shape. For example, an arch-shaped inlet or outlet may have a cross-section that is asymmetric such that there may be more space near where a person's head may be under the arch-shaped air curtain. The example inFIG.21Ghas an asymmetric shape such that a first side or portion2124aof the arch-shaped air outlet or inlet is farther away from a top surface of the bed than a second side or portion2124bof the arch-shaped air outlet or inlet, such that there may be more space under the arch-shaped air curtain on the first side or portion2124athan the second side or portion2124b.

The term arcuate, as used herein, means any path that contains curves, and may contain straight segments. The term barrier is used to mean any surface with a material that limits or prevents air from passing through the surface (as contrasted with an air curtain, which also limits or prevents air from passing through, but has no solid material in it).

In some cases, the outlets and inlets of the systems and methods described herein are configurable to source or vacuum air. For example, the system may include pathogen deactivation subsystems on both of the outlet and inlet conduits or ducts, so that the direction of the air flow can be reversed. This may be particularly useful if one of the sides needs to be moved to a position out of the way of the person or patient. The system may include subsystems that allow repositioning of the inlets or outlets. To continue effective pathogen collection when one side is moved out of the way, that side may be turned off, and the remaining side be configured to vacuum air as an inlet, or expel air for a one-sided air curtain. It may be preferable to increase the flow rate in such configurations to a high level. Such sufficient flow rates may create sound at a level that is undesirable, but may be acceptable for short procedures such as repositioning or replacing the inlet and/or outlet.

The arched inlets and outlets may be configured with the flow in a direction other than across a bed, but in another direction, at any angle between 0 degrees (across the bed) to 90 degrees (along the length of the bed). This latter position is a preferred position as may allow the greatest access to the patient.

FIG.22shows a schematic of an example where a patient125lies on a bed126, with an arch-shaped air outlet127and an arch-shaped air inlet128forming an air curtain129, in accordance with some embodiments. The region inside (or under) the arch-shaped air inlet128over the body may be open, or be comprised of a movable barrier, for example including a flexible barrier material, or strips of barriers material that can move independently. The region130inside (or under) the arch-shaped air outlet127at (or near) the head of the bed may be a solid barrier material or a flexible material generally the same as inside the arch-shaped air inlet128over the body of the person125. The air may flow from the head of the person125towards the feet of the person125, as shown inFIG.22with arch-shaped air outlet127and arch-shaped air inlet128, or the air inlet and the air outlet can be switched and air may flow from the feet of the person125towards the head of the person125. In the example configuration shown inFIG.22, the body of the person125extends through one of the arches (arch-shaped air inlet128). There can be a barrier across the inside of the arch (e.g., a flexible material, a textile material, or strips of material), but the other arch (arch-shaped air outlet127inFIG.22) can, in some cases, include a more effective barrier material (e.g., a rigid material) since the body of the person125does not need to extend through it. In such cases, it may be more effective for containment to have the air move in a direction from the legs of the person125towards the head of the person125. Not to be limited by theory, air moving in the air curtain towards an arch may tend to entrain air to move through the arch if no barrier (or an insufficient barrier) is present. Air that passes through the arch would not be collected by the arch-shaped air inlet and would not be contained. In some cases, the arch that is positioned between the head of the bed and the foot of the bed (arch-shaped air inlet128inFIG.22) may be positioned at or below a patient's waist, so that it doesn't interfere with their hand and arm movements.

The barriers across the inside of the arch-shaped air inlet128can also be movable barriers that are advantageously used to allow a part of a body of person125to extend through the inside of the arch-shaped air inlet128while an effective isolation space is maintained. For example, the movable barrier can be a strip curtain (made from plastic strips, textile strips, or a combination or materials), a flexible plastic material, or a textile material that can block air flow from moving through the inside of the arch-shaped air outlet past the body of person125.

FIGS.23A-23Eshow schematics of examples of arches that are curved or angled out of a vertical plane, in accordance with some embodiments.FIG.23Aillustrates a side view of an arch130with airflow132either in or out, where the arch generally bends inwards over the person or patient in an arcuate fashion or a combination of linear or arcuate segments.FIG.23Eshows a side view of an example arch138with segments140and141with air142going in or out which meet at an angle139less than 180 degrees, where there may be two or more segments. The profile of the arches in the systems and methods described herein can be any curvilinear form. The arch may curved or bent away from the vertical plane as well. For example, the arch can be bent or curved (at least partially) around a vertical axis that is generally convex towards the patient, as shown inFIG.23Bwhich is a top view of an arch131with air133either going in or out. The curve of the arch131may contain one or more arcuate and/or linear segments. The curve may also be generally concave towards the patient, as shown inFIG.23Cthat shows a schematic of a top view of an arch135and air134either going in or out of the arch. The arch may also bend inwards or outwards to the patient, as shown inFIG.23Dwith a side view of an arch136angled towards a patient with air137going in or out. The angled-in arch may include linear or arcuate segments, as exemplified inFIG.23Ewith an arch138with generally linear segments140and141meeting at an angle139which is less than 180 degrees, with air142going either in or out. The segments140and141may be arcuate or linear, and may be a combination of linear and arcuate, where there may be a plurality of segments, or the profile may follow any trajectory.

The angle at which the air leaves or enters the arch may be such that the air is parallel to a surface defined by a plane below the arches, such as a bed, while the surface of the arch where the air enters or exits may or may not be perpendicular to this plane. This is exemplified inFIG.24, which shows an example where arches143and144shown in a side view have an arcuate form yet the air145is configured (e.g., by a suitable arrangement of vents or louvers within the arches) to travel (or leave or enter the arches at angles that are) generally parallel to a surface147, in accordance with some embodiments.

An arcuate arch, or an arch with linear segments, that bend toward one another (e.g., towards an apex or top of an arch), may have the advantage of reducing the distance between arches which may increase the capture efficiency of the system or afford reduced airflow while having a comparable capture efficiency to planar arches. The capture efficiency is the amount of particulates either contained or excluded by the air curtain. Such an arch may yet afford an open feel for patients and open access for caregivers.

In some embodiments, a single arch delivering air may be employed to provide an air flow, or air curtain. For example, a patient may not have a communicable respiratory disease, and it may not be necessary to isolate their exhaled air, but it may be desirable to protect said patient from pathogens in their immediate environment. Thus, it can be desirable to create a shield of air (or air flow, or air curtain) that protects the patient from pathogens in the environment. Such a shield may be accomplished by using an arch to deliver air, generally in the form of an air curtain. The air curtain may form a shield over the patient such that pathogens in the air are blown past the patient and back into the environment.

FIGS.25A and25Bshow schematic examples of an arch delivering an air curtain to form an air shield over a person or patient, in accordance with some embodiments. InFIG.25A, a sideview of a person151lying on a bed is shown with an arch148delivering air149at an angle150which is less than 90 degrees and configured by suitable vents in the arch to angle the air down to the bed, thus forming a curved layer of moving air (with an arch-shaped cross-section) over the patient that connects the arch and the bed so as to form a closed environment. The inside of the arch can be of an air-impenetrable material, such as a solid material, or a flexible material. Any of the arch-shaped outlets described herein can be used in such a single-arch application.FIG.25Billustrates a three-dimensional view of such a system, where an arch152is disposed generally at the head of a bed153with air154angled to hit the bed153along a line155(dashed line) over a person156. The air layer can have a thickness of about 1 inch to about 6 inches. Thus, a region157is formed between the air curtain, the bed and the person, and the arch including the inner closed surface of the arch, that is isolated from pathogens in the environment. The arch152may have any of the configurations or shapes described elsewhere herein.

The arch may preferably contain light sources that illuminate a pattern on the bed surface that is generally the same as the location where the air from the air curtain touches the surface, thus indicating where the edge of the contained region is located. This may be advantageous for users so that they know if a person is within the safe region.

FIG.26illustrates an embodiment, where an arch158(similar to arch148and152inFIGS.25A and25B) contains light sources159that illuminate regions160. The combination of such illuminated regions falling generally on a line161that is generally the same as where the air curtain lands on the bed162and person (not shown), in accordance with some embodiments. The light sources may be LEDs, lasers, or other lamps. Lasers may be low-powered Class I lasers (less than 5 mW as used in laser pointers). The light sources may form illumination regions that are spots or lines configured to generally lie along the path161. In some cases, light sources159can include lasers with suitable optics to focus the light into a line. Further, a laser source may contain a system of optics to scan a beam such that a single source may repeatably trace a line161at a rate that is sufficiently rapid to appear as a continuous illumination. The system may contain a single such source, or a plurality of sources. A control system may have an interface that allows an operator to turn on or off the illumination system.

The system illustrated inFIGS.25A and25Bmay further contain a subsystem for configuring the position of the air curtain. Such a subsystem may include subsystems to direct the air exiting the outlet ports such as movable conduits or louvers that are adjustable such that the line155may be adjusted. The line155generally indicates a region where air157impinges upon a surface such as bed153and person156and may have a width generally perpendicular to the line155, and a length consisting of all or a portion of the dashed line155. Such a subsystem may have multiple manual adjustment points, a single adjustment point that adjusts all air control subsystems, or a system of actuators that adjust the air control subsystems such that the air curtain position may be configured from a control interface. For example, a smaller person may only require a smaller isolation region, which may be advantageous as when the air travels a shorter distance, the isolation efficiency may be improved.

A system with a single arch such as inFIGS.25A and25Bmay be combined with other arch features indicated herein, including those inFIGS.23A-23E and24, and other arch features mentioned in this application, such as arch shape.

FIG.27shows a schematic of an example including an arch163positioned generally on the side of a bed164, or in close proximity to the edge of a bed164, in accordance with some embodiments. Air curtain165may be directed toward the bed over a patient166generally enclosing them, or a portion of them, for example their head.

In a further embodiment, an air curtain may be disposed to be generally vertical above a bed and generally form a wall around a patient in the bed.

FIG.28shows a schematic of an example including a subsystem167for delivering air to form an air curtain170with generally downward flowing air, in accordance with some embodiments. In some cases, the air is angled (e.g., from a few degrees to as much as 45 degrees) outward from a center of the bed towards an edge of the bed, such that particles entrained in the air flow are generally pushed off of the bed instead of potentially back onto the bed. In this example, subsystem167is disposed above a bed168by a support subsystem (not shown) (e.g., 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, or 4 feet, or from 1-4 feet above the bed). The subsystem167delivers air generally around its perimeter and is impermeable to air along generally continuous surface169.

In some embodiments, a subsystem171containing an air-impermeable material may be disposed between a lower edge of the air delivery subsystem167and the bed168so as to form an air-impermeable wall along a certain region. The material may be rigid or flexible, and is preferably flexible and/or transparent. The material of subsystem171may be a curtain slidably mounted on the subsystem167so as to be easily positioned by an operator. There may be none or a plurality of such wall subsystems, such as a curtain at the head and foot of a patient, thus conserving air and improving isolation efficiency.

The general width and length of the air delivery subsystem167in the plane of the bed may be greater than, equal to, or less than that of the bed. For example, in some embodiments, the width of the subsystem167is less than that of the bed, where the air is directed straight down to the bed to form an enclosed region having a width less than the bed, or directed in an outward angle to generally impact the edge of the bed thus forming an enclosed region having width approximately equal to that of the bed. The perimeter of the subsystem167may be rectangular, ovoid, or a combination of shapes, so as to optimize for different use cases accessibility, patient comfort and mobility, and isolation effectiveness.

FIGS.29A and29Bshow schematics of an example where a source of air is generally in the plane (or in proximity to the plane) of a bed and moves air upwards and inwards to form a shielded region over a patient. A subsystem172that delivers air174can be coupled to (or mounted on) a bed, or can be arranged near the edge of a bed173. A subsystem may also be implemented to complete the shield across a patient's body, where a subsystem175is a means for transmitting air such as a tube that can preferably flexibly conform to a surface containing a patient where an air curtain176is generally emitted upwards (above the patient). The air-transmitting subsystem (e.g., a conduit or duct containing one or more devices that motivate air flow) may be connected to the subsystem172such as at region177to supply air to the subsystem172, or subsystem172can have its own source of air flow (e.g., one or more fans). The air curtain generated can generally lie along a path between the ends of the subsystem172, from region177to region178, which can form a perimeter around a patient, or a portion of a patient (e.g., their head). The air174is generally aimed upwards (away from the bed) and inwards (towards the patient).FIG.29Bshows a cross section of172, where the air-carrying conduits179and180have air-emitting subsystems that emit air in a generally continuous curtain181and182whose flows meet in a region proximal to183and join flows in an upward direction184, thus forming a generally isolated region185. The air emitted proximal to the ends of the conduit172at regions178and177may be aimed generally along the bed surface, and gradually aim more upwards along the conduit away from the ends177and178. Such an arrangement can obviate the need for the subsystem175, since the air aimed along the bed surface can be sufficient for particle isolation. The air delivery subsystem172may be rigid or flexible, and may lie on a bed or proximal to the edge of bed, such as supported off the edge of a bed.

In yet another embodiment, a ring (or arch) of air may be formed in proximity to a patient's face, with air moving upward to join and form an isolated region. In this manner, the materials required may be reduced as compared to the subsystem inFIGS.29A and29B, and the efficiency of isolation may be increased, and the amount of air may be reduced.

FIG.30shows a schematic of an example where an air-delivery subsystem186including an air conduit and air-directing subsystems, deliver an air curtain187over the face and head of a patient188on a bed189. The air may be delivered to subsystem186by a conduit190from one or more devices that motivate air flow or an air-delivery source, such as a pump or a fan. The subsystem186may contain flexible regions so as to conform to a non-planar topology such as over the chest and pillow of a patient. The subsystem186may have subsystems to direct air in a desired direction, such as adjustable louvers, or a plurality of adjustable air direction subsystems. The air-directing subsystems may be coupled to light sources such as LEDs, or lasers that are generally aimed in a direction coincident with the air flow, so as to indicate the direction of air flow, where lasers may be low-powered Class I lasers (less than about 5 mW as used in laser pointers, or less than about 1 mW, or less than 0.5 mW, with lower power being less of a risk to eye damage). Laser color may be green which is the most sensitive color for the eye to see, so that a laser may be viewable at about 0.1 mW or about 0.25 mW or about 0.5 mW. Such a laser may have controls that limit the time the laser is on, such as an intermittent switch on a control panel generally inaccessible to a person (or patient) in a bed, or a switch that turns on when pressed and automatically turns off after a preset time, such as after about 1 second or about 5 seconds. The subsystem186inFIG.30can include of a plurality of air-delivery subsystems, forming segments. The air from such segments may be configured to form a generally contiguous dome of air over a patient. In some embodiments, an air segment is positioned on either side of a patient's head, with air directed as described herein in a set of directions so as to form a dome of air over the patient. In another embodiment, the subsystem186generally forms an arch that may sit around the head of a patient, the ends in proximity to the shoulders.

FIGS.31A-31Dshow schematics of beds, with a person or patient and some examples of regions to which the systems described herein can couple to a bed, in accordance with some embodiments. The bed in these examples includes four sides comprising the head202, the foot204, a first side206extending from the head202to the foot204, and a second side208, opposite the first side206, extending from the head202to the foot204. The outlet or inlet can be coupled to the bed, for example, by mounting the outlet or inlet to the bed at the region, or by mounting the outlet or inlet to a base (or a wall, or another structure) and arranging the outlet or inlet in the proximity of the region (e.g., 210a or212a).

FIG.31Ashows an example where a first outlet or inlet (e.g., an arch-shaped outlet or inlet like that shown inFIGS.18-27) is coupled to a region210a, and a second outlet or inlet (e.g., an arch-shaped outlet or inlet like that shown inFIGS.18-27) is coupled to a region212a. Region210ais along a portion of side206of the bed, and region212ais along a portion of side208of the bed, such that the outlet and inlet couple to the opposite sides206and208of the bed. The example inFIG.31Ais similar to that shown inFIG.18, where the air flow of the air curtain moves across a person's body, and the air outlet and air inlet are located on the sides206and208of the bed. A portion of region210ais between the head202and the foot204of the bed, and a portion of region212ais between the head202and the foot204of the bed, in this example. Therefore, the outlet and inlet both couple to regions of the bed between the head202and the foot204of the bed.

FIG.31Bshows an example where a first outlet or inlet (e.g., an arch-shaped outlet or inlet like that shown inFIGS.18-27) is coupled to a region210b, and a second outlet or inlet (e.g., an arch-shaped outlet or inlet like that shown inFIGS.18-27) is coupled to a region212b. The example inFIG.31Bis similar to that shown inFIG.22. Region210bis along the head202of the bed, and region212bis at a location between the head202and the foot204of the bed. Region212bis approximately at the waist of the person inFIG.31B, but in other examples, region212bcan be at a location between the head202and the foot204of the bed, for example, approximately at the person's chest, or approximately at the person's knees. The second outlet or inlet couples to a location on the bed between the head202and the foot2004of the bed, in this example. For example, the second outlet or inlet can be arch-shaped, and the person's body can extend through the arch-shaped outlet or inlet.

FIGS.31C and31Dshow examples where an arch-shaped air outlet is coupled to a bed in two regions, and an arch-shaped air inlet is coupled to the bed at two other regions. In these examples, the arch-shaped outlet or arch-shaped air inlet can be coupled to the bed, for example, by mounting the outlet or inlet to the bed, or by mounting the outlet or inlet to a base (or a wall, or another structure) and arranging the outlet or inlet in the proximity of the coupling regions (e.g.,210cand210d, and212cand212d).

FIG.31Cshows an example where a first outlet or inlet (e.g., an arch-shaped outlet or inlet like that shown inFIGS.18-27) is coupled to regions210cand210d, and a second outlet or inlet (e.g., an arch-shaped outlet or inlet like that shown inFIGS.18-27) is coupled to regions212cand212d. Region210cis at or near a corner of the bed where the head202and the side206meet, and region210dis on the same side206between the head202and the foot205of the bed, such that the first outlet or inlet couples along a portion of the side206of the bed, along a portion of side206of the bed, and region212ais along a portion of side208of the bed. Region212cis at or near a corner of the bed where the head202and the side208meet, and region212dis on the same side208between the head202and the foot205of the bed, such that the second outlet or inlet couples along a portion of the side208of the bed. The example inFIG.31Cis similar to that shown inFIG.18, where the air flow of the air curtain moves across a person's body, and the air outlet and air inlet are located on the sides of the bed. Regions212eand212fare both between the head202and the foot204of the bed, in this example.

FIG.31Dshows an example where a first outlet or inlet (e.g., an arch-shaped outlet or inlet like that shown inFIGS.18-27) is coupled to regions210eand210f, and a second outlet or inlet (e.g., an arch-shaped outlet or inlet like that shown inFIGS.18-27) is coupled to regions212eand212f. The example inFIG.31Dis similar to that shown inFIG.22. Region210eis at or near a corner of the bed where the head202and the side206meet, and region210fis at or near a corner of the bed where the head202and the side208meet, such that the first outlet or inlet is at or near the head202of the bed. Regions212eand212fare on the sides of the bed206and208respectively, between the head202and the foot205of the bed, such that the second outlet or inlet couples to a location on the bed between the head202and the foot2004of the bed. For example, the second outlet or inlet can be arch-shaped, and the person's body can extend through the arch-shaped outlet or inlet.

In some cases, an air curtain as described herein has substantially the same flow rate along the length of the air curtain. It may be generally advantageous for an air curtain as described herein to have generally the same flow rate along the length of the air curtain to improve the isolation efficiency of the air curtain. In other cases, it may be advantageous to have increased flow in one area, such as a section at the top of an arch for a patient that is coughing.

FIG.32Ashows a schematic of an example of an outlet901(e.g., in the shape of an arch) and an air inlet902, which can produce an air curtain903, where the flow rates at points within the air curtain903along the air inlet902and/or outlet901are uniform, have a low amount of variation, or are substantially the same. In some cases, the flow rates at points within the air curtain903along the air inlet902and/or outlet901that are in close proximity to the air inlet902and/or outlet901are uniform, have a low amount of variation, or are substantially the same. In some cases, in close proximity to the air inlet and/or outlet may include distances approximately equal to dimensions of openings or ports of the inlets and outlets. In the example shown inFIG.32A, flow rates904,905and906at different positions in air curtain903that are in close proximity to the outlet901may be uniform, have a low amount of variation, or be substantially the same. Similarly, flow rates907,908and909at different positions in air curtain903that are in close proximity to the inlet902may be uniform, have a low amount of variation, or be substantially the same. For example, a flow rate at904may have a velocity of 1 m/s and a volumetric flow rate of 100 cc/s per square centimeter, with a flow rate at905and906within 10% or 20% of these values. The flow rates907,908and909in close proximity to the inlet may also be within 10%, or 20%, or 30% of one another, however, they may have significantly different values than those of the flows904,905and906in close proximity to the outlet. In some cases, the air curtain (e.g., an arch-shaped air curtain) includes a plurality of flow rates in a vicinity of the air outlet and/or air inlet. In such cases, the respective air outlet and/or air inlet can be further configured to generate the air curtain such that the plurality of flow rates is within about 20% of one another along the respective arch-shaped air outlet and/or inlet.

To even out the flow through the conduits, inlets, outlets, and in the air curtain of the systems and methods described herein, air resistance subsystems may be included in the conduits, inlets, outlets of the systems and methods described herein to introduce resistance to the flow. For example, a subsystem could cause the resistance to increase, or decrease, or change in another way, along the length of a conduit, which can result in evening out the flow though the conduit, or of air exiting ports of the conduit at different locations along the conduit. In some cases, air may enter the conduits of the systems described herein at one or multiple points, and the pattern of resistance change along the conduit may be changed using the air resistance subsystems to create a desired outlet or inlet flow pattern depending on the placement and flows of the sources or sinks in the conduit. For example, the resistance may increase monotonically from one end to the other for flow introduced at one end, or alternately decrease from both ends towards the center (farthest from the ends) for a conduit configured as an air inlet with air being drawn out of both ends to enter the inlet conduits coupled to the air inlet.

FIGS.32B-321show different embodiments of air resistance subsystems that can be used to even out the flow through a conduit, to produce improved uniformity of outlets, inlets, and air curtains for the systems and methods described herein. The examples shown inFIGS.32B-321may show only one air source (for an outlet) or sink (for an inlet), but it is understood that in all embodiments a plurality of air sources and sinks for a single conduit shall be considered to be disclosed.

FIG.32Bshows a schematic of an example of an air conduit910that may form an arch as disclosed herein, which has a non-uniform cross-section, in accordance with some embodiments. In this example, the air enters the conduit910generally an end of the conduit910to produce and air inlet or outlet with a flow of air912exiting conduit910at locations along the conduit910. Air flow912can in some cases be approximately perpendicular to a direction along the length of conduit910. The cross section913at one end of conduit910may be larger than a cross-section914at the opposite end. For air entering at end911, the configuration will produce a flow912exiting at location along the conduit910that is more even or uniform than that of a conduit with a constant cross-section, as the resistance to flow of the conduit increases towards the distal end with the distal end closed (away from flow entrance). Not to be limited by theory, it is generally known that in a constant-cross-section conduit, with air outlets along its length, flow will be greater at the distal end (closed), thus increasing the resistance along the conduit will tend to increase flow at the proximal end and decrease it at the distal end. For flow exiting at an end of the conduit911(e.g., for an inlet instead of an outlet), the opposite is true, such that reducing the cross-section at the proximal end (compared to constant cross-section) and increasing it at the distal end, will tend to reduce the flow at the proximal end and increase it at the distal end, so as to create a more even flow from end to end. The drawing of conduit910is not drawn to scale, and the relationship of the change in cross section along the conduit, can be linear, exponential, quadratic, other power law, or other form in different embodiments.

FIG.32Cshows a schematic of an example of a conduit915with a port including openings916,917, and918for air inlet or outlet, in accordance with some embodiments. The dots and circles inFIG.32Cindicate a series of openings of the port including openings916,917, and918, which make up a port of an inlet or an outlet. Openings916,917, and918have varying size along the length of the conduit915in this example, which can advantageously make flow of air into or out of the port more uniform along the length of the conduit915. Opening917is towards one end of the conduit915and is smaller in area than opening918at the opposite end of the conduit, with openings in between generally smoothly and or monotonically varying in size between them. The current example shows an outlet where air is supplied at919, and exits the ports though openings916,917, and918. Alternatively, as described above with respect to the conduit with a varying cross-section, the conduit915can be configured as an air inlet (draws air in) with919drawing air at one end. In such cases, the opening918would be smaller in area compared to the opening917to effect a more even inlet flow along the conduit915. The openings917and918are round inFIG.32C, but openings of ports of the systems and methods described herein can have other cross-section shapes, such as rectangles, squares, honeycomb, or slots or form a continuous port such as a slot running the length of the conduit. In the case of a continuous slot, the width of the slot could be varied along the length of the conduit.

FIG.32Dshows a schematic of an example of a conduit where an air resistance change along the conduit is created by a series of baffles, in accordance with some embodiments. In this example, a series of baffles923and924are arranged inside or internal to the conduit920. Conduit920has an air source or sink921, with an air inflow or outflow922along the length of the conduit920. The baffles923and924are structures that protrude from walls of the conduit that create a resistance to flow. When multiple baffles923and924are used together, the resistance along the conduit920can be changed to make the air flow922along conduit920more uniform. For example, baffles923and924are generally flat surfaces in contact with the walls of the conduit that partially fill the cross-section of the conduit, and are offset from each other so as to create a tortuous path for the air flow, thus creating resistance to flow. The resistance is dependent upon the spacing of the baffles923and924with inter-baffle spacing926and928, and baffle-wall opening spacings925and927.

FIG.32Dshows a schematic of an example of a conduit929in cross-section with a baffle region930and an open region931, in accordance with some embodiments. Flow resistance increases with decreasing inter-baffle spacing and baffle-wall spacing. In the example illustrated, two sets of baffles923and924have different resistances. There may be multiple baffles continuously along the conduit with generally monotonically varying spacings in order to create a generally monotonically varying flow resistance. Baffles may be of other shapes such as curved or scooped or generally cylindrical. Generally cylindrical baffles may be disposed to create Karman vortices which may create resistance to flow.

FIG.32Eshows a schematic of an example where baffles933are in contact with the walls of a conduit932along a part or sections of their perimeters, in accordance with some embodiments. In this example, the baffle933is a disk suspended within a conduit. Conduit932of non-specific shape has a baffle933generally separated from the conduit walls creating unobstructed spaces934and935. The baffle933is coupled to the wall of the conduit932, using two supports936. In other cases, one or multiple supports or contacts points can be used.

In yet another embodiment, resistance to flow may be created by filters at the ports or openings of the conduits of the systems described herein, for example systems comprising arch-shaped air inlets and outlets. The filters can have varying air resistance, for example, by being made of a porous material with varying density. In one case such a material may be a foam with varying pore size. In another case, fiber or textile filters can have varying resistance to air flow by using more or fewer fibers per area, having a different thickness, and/or by changing the fiber diameters. In another example, the filters can be made of a porous mixture of filler particles in a housing, and the air resistance through the housing can be varying by varying the sizes of the housing and filler particles.

FIG.32Fshows a schematic of an example of a cross-section of a conduit937an air inlet or outlet port938, that is covered or substantially sealed with a filter939, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG.32Gshows a schematic of an example of a face (inlet of outlet port) of a conduit940, with a region of filter941, in accordance with some embodiments. The filter941may be generally continuous, or may cover generally all of the ports which may have individual openings or have a continuous opening, where the filter941may change along the length of the conduit940, as described above to create a change in resistance. The resistance of the filter941can change generally monotonically along the conduit. Filter941may have a generally continuous or monotonic change in resistance to flow along the length of the conduit, such as by a change in thickness of a material within filter941. In some cases, there may be a plurality of regions such as filter942and filter943wherein each region has a filter with a different resistance.

In yet another embodiment, resistance to flow may be created by adjustable openings at the ports of a conduit or arch. For example, the adjustable opening may be a valve, or a louver.

FIG.32Hshows a schematic of an example of an adjustable opening for an outlet or an inlet port that has a louver, in accordance with some embodiments. A cross-section of conduit944is shown with a port945, and a louver946. The louver946may be adjusted over a range of positions947indicated by the arrow in the figure. The louver946may be manually adjusted or can be adjustable using an actuator subsystem that can be controlled by a controller or processor of the system.

FIG.321shows a schematic of an example where the flow within a conduit may be adjusted by dampers disposed internal to the conduit, in accordance with some embodiments. A section of a conduit948is shown with a flap949that may be rotated about an axis951with a range of positions950indicated by the arrow in the figure. The flap949forms a damper which creates a variable resistance to air flow within the conduit948. The conduit948may have a plurality of dampers within it, and can be adjusted such that the positions change continuously or monotonically along the length of the conduit948. As described above, the variable resistance along the length of the conduit948can be beneficial to flow exiting the conduit948at openings along the conduit948. The dampers may be manually adjusted or by an actuator subsystem that can be controlled by a controller in the system.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to create uniform flow across the length of the conduit which may afford uniform air curtain isolation efficiency (e.g., to isolate particulates within a region, or to isolate a region from particulates). In some cases, however, it may be desirable to have non-uniform flow across the air curtains of the systems and methods described herein, where the air curtain has regions of higher and lower flow. For example, certain regions of a space may be subject to a greater influx of particulates, or a greater speed of particulates than other regions of an air curtain in some applications. An example may be in isolating a patient on a bed that is sneezing or coughing, which may generally eject particulates upwards away from the bed, and generally more than towards the edges of the bed. In such a case, it may be effective to create higher flow over the patient to increase efficiency of capturing the ejected particles, instead of creating higher flow over the whole arch. Reducing the flow of the air curtain in certain regions can be beneficial, for example, to conserve power, and improve the efficiency of the whole system. Efficiency can be an important consideration, for example, since some systems have constrained power budgets, such as the power available from a 110V AC 1500 W wall socket.

Described in this application is a system for creating a curtain of air with a subsystem of arched conduits (simply referred to as an arch) for delivering and in some cases receiving a flow of air. Herein is disclosed subsystems and structures for arches that are inflatable.

It is desirable to have arches in the air isolation system that have the following characteristics. First, the arches may be disposable. Second, the arches may move out of the way of clinicians. To accomplish this, subsystems are disclosed that support an arch that is inflatable, and deflatable (that is, an arch that has been inflated, may have the air inside generally removed so that the arch deflates).

FIG.33Ashows a schematic example wherein an arch1951has an opening connected to an air supply conduit953and a region on a surface of the arch that is an air outlet952including ports or nozzles that are a source of air, in accordance with some embodiments. The arch1951may inflate due to the higher pressure inside the arch conduit than in the atmosphere around the arch1951. In some cases, a separate vent954is also included, which can be used to inflate a separately inflatable section of the arch1951, for example, using a fan, a pump, or a pressurized air tank.

The arch1951may be coupled via a plurality of conduits to air sources and air sinks and air vents. To deflate the arch1951, an air source may be turned off, such that air escapes from the air outlet952until pressure equalizes. Additionally, one or more manually or electromechanically operated vents954may be part of the arch1951to allow for deflation.

In another embodiment, the arch may be deflated by reversing the flow in a plurality of conduits that were sources of air for inflation, such that these conduits then suck air such as via a fan that is reversed in rotation so that the arch deflates more rapidly than by only turning off the source air.

In another embodiment, an arch may have separately inflatable subsystems to provide mechanical support.

FIG.33Bshows a schematic example of an arch955with conduits956connected to the arch that are separately inflatable by an air source subsystem, in accordance with some embodiments. For example, the air source subsystem can include a fan, a pump, or a pressurized air tank, that is different than the air source subsystem which provides air to the air curtain. The additional conduits956, which can also be referred to as supports, may form a structure that gives mechanical stability to the arch, whether the arch is an inlet or outlet. While such supports may not be needed to inflate an air outlet arch as described above and illustrated inFIG.33A, an air inlet arch will generally have a lower pressure inside the conduit than the atmosphere, thus requiring an additional structure to support it during operation. An example of such a support structure is shown inFIG.33B, where a system of conduits957form a truss structure. The support pattern is not limited by that shown inFIG.33B, but may be any pattern that provides sufficient strength to maintain the arch in an inflated state during operation, especially when the arch is an inlet drawing air into the arch. In another embodiment, the support conduits may be internal to the arch conduit.FIG.33Cshows a schematic example where a conduit958viewed in cross-section has support conduits959along its length, as well as supports960internal to the arch conduit.

The materials of the inflatable conduits disclosed herein may generally be flexible membranes, such as polyurethane sheets, or other plastic sheet material. The material may be transparent, opaque, translucent, or have a color.

Rigid components may also be incorporated into the inflatable arches, such as conduit connectors, air nozzles, vents, and mechanical supports. Such mechanical components may or may not be mechanically coupled to each other. In some cases, the rigid mechanical components, if included, are not coupled to form a rigid structure, which would prevent the arch from fully collapsing.

The supports of the inflatable arches and conduits described herein may themselves be conduits, such as tubes, or other air-containing structures. In some cases, the arch may have an outer support structure comprising two layers of flexible materials intermittently joined together.

FIG.33Dshows a schematic of an example of a material of an arch or other inlet or outlet described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. View (a) shows the material in cross-section, and view (b) shows the material from a side view, where layers of flexible material962are mechanically joined at multiple positions such as963.

The air support system of the inflatable components described herein may have a separate air supply such as a plurality of fans or pumps, connected via air conduits to the supports, the generate a pressure inside the supports greater than atmospheric pressure. In some cases, the pressure inside the supports is sufficiently high to overcome the force of suction on an air inlet arch in order to maintain the air outlet arch in an inflated state. This air supply may also be configured as an air sink in order to deflate the arch.

FIGS.34A-34Dshow schematic examples of outlets and inlets forming an air curtain using air-directing subsystems, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS.34A and34Bshow examples where outlet1110and inlet1120are used to form air curtain1130using air-directing subsystems that are louvers1140a,1140b,1150a, and1150b.FIG.34Ashows an example where the louvers1140aand1150aare inside the outlet1110and inlet1120respectively.FIG.34Bshows an example where the louvers1140band1150bextend outside of the outlet1110and inlet1120respectively. Louvers1140a,1140b,1150a, and1150bcan be movable, and can be manually movable, or can be moved using an electromechanical actuation system (not shown).

FIGS.34C and34Dshow examples where outlet1110and inlet1120are used to form air curtain1130using air-directing subsystems that are movable tubes or conduits1140c,1140d,1150c, and1150d.FIG.35Ashows an example where the moveable tubes or conduits1140cand1150care inside the outlet1110and inlet1120respectively.FIG.35Bshows an example where the movable tubes or conduits1140dand1150dextend outside of the outlet1110and inlet1120respectively. Moveable tubes or conduits1140c,1140d,1150c, and1150dcan be manually movable, or can be moved using an electromechanical actuation system (not shown). The movable tubes or conduits1140c,1140d,1150c, and1150dcan have circular or oval cross-sections, or can have square, rectangular, hexagonal, or other shaped cross-sections. In some cases, the movable tubes or conduits1140c,1140d,1150c, and1150dcan be arranged in an array. For example, an array of tubes with hexagonal cross-sections can form a honeycomb structure, which can be movable to direct air flow out of the port of an outlet or into the port of an inlet.

FIG.35shows a schematic example of a subsystem for ensuring alignment of two arch-shaped air inlets/outlets, in accordance with some embodiments. An arch-shaped outlet or inlet964and an arch-shaped inlet or outlet965have subsystems that together can have an output that is indicative of relative positions. For example, arch-shaped outlet or inlet964can include an optical source966such as a laser, an LED, or a camera, shown by a plurality of circles. Arch-shaped outlet or inlet964can also include a sensor1963may be a sensor to detect light, such as a split sensor, or a CMOS sensor, indicated by the squares of which there may be a plurality. Arch-shaped inlet or outlet965may have subsystems967which may be reflectors such as retroreflectors, or fiducial marks. Each arch may have a combination of all of the aforementioned, which can be used to align and/or adjust a position of the arch-shaped outlet or inlet964and the arch-shaped inlet or outlet965. For example, the optical source966can shine light which is reflected by the subsystems967and detected by sensor1963to determine if the arch-shaped outlet or inlet964and the arch-shaped inlet or outlet965are aligned. In another example, the optical source966can be a camera which images the subsystems967which are fiducial marks to determine if the arch-shaped outlet or inlet964and the arch-shaped inlet or outlet965are aligned. In some cases, the arch-shaped outlet or inlet964and the arch-shaped inlet or outlet965can be manually aligned using the optical source966, sensors1963, and subsystems967. In some cases, the arch-shaped outlet or inlet964and the arch-shaped inlet or outlet965can be mounted to electromechanical systems to automatically align the arch-shaped outlet or inlet964and the arch-shaped inlet or outlet965based on the feedback from the optical source966, sensors1963, and subsystems967.

FIGS.36A-36Dshow schematics of examples, where an outlet and an inlet are mounted, for example to couple to a bed, and the outlet and/or inlet can be moved, in accordance with some embodiments. In these figures, arch-shaped air outlet1220aand arch-shaped air inlet1220bare coupled to a bed1210, using a mounting system. In other cases, the flow direction can be reversed and arch-shaped air outlet1220acan be an inlet and arch-shaped air inlet1220bcan be an outlet. The mounting system includes a base1240and supports1250aand1250b. In other cases, the mounting system can include elements to couple the arch-shaped air outlet1220aand arch-shaped air inlet1220bto the bed, for example, by coupling the supports1250aand1250bto a frame of the bed.FIGS.36A-36Deach only show the movement of the arch-shaped air inlet1220bfor clarity, but the arch-shaped air outlet1220a, can also move in some cases. Such movement can be advantageous for access to the bed1210or a person on the bed, or for a person on the bed1210to more easily get out of the bed.

FIG.36Ashows an example where the mounting system is configured such that the arch-shaped air outlet1220aand/or arch-shaped air inlet1220bretracts below the surface of the bed (like the movement shown by arrows1230a). For example, the supports1250aand/or1250bof the mounting system could include guiding elements (e.g., rails, or tracks, or linear gears, or screws, or any linear movement mechanism), and the arch-shaped air outlet1220aand/or arch-shaped air inlet1220bcould be moveably coupled to the guiding elements, for example, using one or more mating elements (e.g., protruding tabs, rails, wheels, and/or gears) that are guided by the guiding elements. Additionally, in some cases, the mounting system can include supports and guiding elements to allow the arch-shaped air outlet1220aand/or arch-shaped air inlet1220bto translate horizontally or slide in the y-direction and/or in the x-direction.

FIGS.36B-36Dshow examples where the mounting system is configured such that the arch-shaped air outlet1220aand/or arch-shaped air inlet1220bcan rotate with respect to the bed. For example, supports1250aand/or1250bcould include one or more rotation elements (e.g., a hinge, a pivot, a swivel joint, a slotted ball joint, a universal ball joint, or any rotating movement mechanism) coupled to the arch-shaped air outlet1220aand/or arch-shaped air inlet1220bto enable them to rotate with respect to the bed.

FIG.36Bshows an example where the arch-shaped air outlet1220aand/or arch-shaped air inlet1220bcould rotate along a horizontal rotation axis1260aperpendicular to a major surface1221dof the arch (in the x-direction as shown inFIG.36B) and rotate orientation so that one side moves up away from the bed (like motion1230bshown inFIG.36B).

FIG.36Cshows an example where the arch-shaped air outlet1220aand/or arch-shaped air inlet1220bcould rotate along a vertical rotation axis1260b(in the z-direction as shown inFIG.36C) and one side of the arch-shaped air outlet1220aand/or arch-shaped air inlet1220bcan swing out from the edge of the bed (like motion1230cshown inFIG.36C).

FIG.36Dshows an example where the arch-shaped air outlet1220aand/or arch-shaped air inlet1220bcould rotate along a horizontal rotation axis1260cparallel to a major surface1221hof the arch (in the y-direction as shown inFIG.36C) and the top of the arch-shaped air outlet1220aand/or arch-shaped air inlet1220bcan fold down from the edge of the bed (like motion1230dshown inFIG.36D).

FIG.37shows a schematic of an example where the air outlets and/or air inlets of the systems described herein are movable such their positions with respect to a bed1210is maintained, even when the bed1210itself is movable, in accordance with some embodiments. The example inFIG.37includes a similar mounting system as the systems shown inFIGS.36A-36D. The mounting system in this example is configured to couple the outlet and inlet to a bed1210that is adjustable or moveable in this example. The adjustable bed1210in this example can recline, by approximately half of the bed rotating along an axis or rotation1260dthat is horizontal and across the bed (in the x-direction as shown inFIG.37). Direction1230eshows the movement of the bed1210and the movement of the arch-shaped air outlet1220iand the arch-shaped air inlet1220j. Since the bed1210and the arch-shaped air outlet1220iand the arch-shaped air inlet1220jmove with the bed when the bed is adjusted, the air curtain generated by the arch-shaped air outlet1220iand the arch-shaped air inlet1220jalso moves with the bed when the bed is adjusted. In some cases, the arch-shaped air outlet and the arch-shaped air inlet maintain relative positions to each other when moving with the bed.

The mounting system in the system shown inFIG.37includes a base1240and supports1250aand1250bin this example. In other cases, the mounting system can be mounted to another object such as a wall, or a table, or the bed to which the system is coupled. The supports1250aand1250bcan move the arches with the bed1210as the bed moves such that both arches may rotate. In some cases, both arches remain upright with respect to the bed, and remain in the same position relative to each other. In this case, the arch-shaped air outlet1220iand/or arch-shaped air inlet1220jcan rotate along a horizontal rotation axis1260dperpendicular to a major surface of the arch (in the x-direction as shown inFIG.37) and rotate orientation so that one side moves up with the bed1210as it moves. In some embodiments, the supports1250aand1250bare configured to move the arch-shaped air outlet1220iand/or arch-shaped air inlet1220jin other directions, for example translating them up or down (in the positive or negative z-direction in the figure), as needed to move them with an adjustable bed1210as it moves.

The air curtain generating systems and methods described herein can include one or more air-delivery subsystems that have a plurality of segments that are mechanically connected so that the relation of one segment to the next is flexible or adjustable while the segments form a generally contiguous conduit. Segments of the air-delivery systems may contain adjustable air-directing subsystems such as louvers. In other cases, the air direction from a segment may be fixed and the segment itself can be fixedly adjustable, so the generally complete segment may be positioned to adjust the direction of airflow. wherein some cases, the segment has a subsystem that allows the segment to generally be fixed in position after repositioning. This may improve the efficiency of the air delivery, including sound minimization, as the air conduit and air-aiming subsystem may be optimized prior to construction, and generally never adjusted so as to achieve improved performance.

The air curtain generating systems and methods described herein can include one or more subsystems that can detect light, such as a camera or a plurality of photo sensors. In such systems, light can be emitted by a subsystem (e.g., made visible by the emission of harmless particulates), and the light is detected and imaged to determine a pattern. The position of the light and the pattern can be used to indicate the position of the air curtain. In some cases, control systems can use information from such light sensors to further to indicate to an operator the position of the air curtain, or to indicate to an automation subsystem that can control the air-direction subsystems to create a pre-desired outcome such as a height or volume of an isolation region. In some cases, the systems and methods described herein can further include the use of one or more electromechanical systems (e.g., controlled by a processor, and including sensors) to automatically adjust the air curtain to a predetermined setting or in response to a detected condition. Additionally, the automated system may adjust to inputs in real time such as due to movement by a patient (e.g., as detected using a camera, or a motion sensor).

The air curtain generating systems and methods described herein may further include a system of visualization to determine the direction of air flow from an air outlet. For example, an air delivery system may have a source that can be controllably release particulates such as a smoke such as a disco fogger smoke or talcum powder, for a period of time (e.g., less than 30 seconds, or for several minutes), such that laser beams coupled to the outlets and/or inlets of the systems described herein can be made visible. This system of visualization may be employed with all systems and subsystems described herein.

It shall be considered as disclosed that any part of a subsystem disclosed herein may be combined with any part of any other system of subsystem described herein, such that all possible combinations are considered to be disclosed.

Generally in all embodiments of a single source delivering an air curtain to create an isolation volume, the air-delivery subsystem preferably has an air pump and an air-cleaning subsystem, so as to deliver purified air. In other embodiments, there may be no air cleaning system, however air may preferably be drawn through a conduit subsystem from a region of clean air, such as outside or from a building's clean air ventilation system.

Methods

FIG.38shows a flowchart of a method3800to generate an arch-shaped air curtain includes the following steps, in accordance with some embodiments. The systems described herein, such as those shown inFIGS.18-24can be used to perform method3800.

At block3810, an arch-shaped air outlet is provided that is configured to provide air to generate an arch-shaped air curtain. In some cases, the arch-shaped air outlet can be configured to couple to a first region of a bed. The arch-shaped air outlet can include an air outlet port arranged along the arch-shaped air outlet. The arch-shaped air outlet can allow access to a space between the arch-shaped air curtain and the bed through an inside of the arch-shaped air outlet, as described herein (e.g., with respect toFIG.18or22).

At block3820, an arch-shaped air outlet is provided that captures air from the arch-shaped air curtain and from outside of the arch-shaped air curtain. In some cases, the arch-shaped air inlet can couple to a second region of a bed. The arch-shaped air outlet can include an air inlet port arranged along the arch-shaped air inlet. The arch-shaped air inlet can allow access to a space between the arch-shaped air curtain and the bed through an inside of the arch-shaped air inlet, as described herein (e.g., with respect toFIG.18or22).

At block3830, one or more air outlet conduits are provided that are coupled to the arch-shaped air outlet. At block3840, one or more air inlet conduits are provided that are coupled to the arch-shaped air inlet.

At block3850, air flow is motivated using one or more devices coupled to the air inlet conduit and the air outlet conduit such that an air flow out of the arch-shaped air outlet is less than an air flow into the arch-shaped air inlet. For example, a controller (e.g., controller1010ofFIGS.1A and1B) can be used to control the one or more devices such that the air flow out of the arch-shaped air outlet is less than the air flow into the arch-shaped air inlet. In some cases, one or more sensors (e.g., flow meters) can be used to provide information about air flow rates within the system to the controller to control the one or more devices such that the air flow out of the arch-shaped air outlet is less than the air flow into the arch-shaped air inlet.

At block3860, the air is filtered using a filter, or pathogens are deactivated using a pathogen deactivation unit, wherein the filter or the pathogen deactivation unit is coupled to the air outlet conduit. For example, the pathogen deactivation unit can include subsystems that deactivate pathogens such as UV lights, or a plasma generator. Filters can be used instead of or together with a pathogen deactivation device, for example, to reduce unwanted species (e.g., dust, pathogens, odors, or chemicals) in the air traveling through the air inlet conduit or duct. For example, the filters can be mechanical filters and/or electrostatic filters.

In other cases, a method like method3800can be used to generate an air curtain that is approximately flat, or planar, or otherwise not arch-shaped, for example, using the systems shown inFIG.6,13, or16.

The systems used to perform method3800can include any of the embodiments described herein. For example, at least a portion of the first region of the bed or at least a portion of the second region of the bed can be between a head of the bed and a foot of the bed. In another example, any of the air-directing subsystems described herein (e.g., those shown inFIGS.34A-34D) can be used with method3800. In such examples, method3800could include an additional block where the air flow from the arch-shaped air outlet or the air flow into the arch-shaped air inlet is directed using an air-directing subsystem of the arch-shaped air outlet or the air flow into the arch-shaped air inlet. In another example, method3800can use the movable arch-shaped air outlets and/or the movable the arch-shaped air inlets, such as those shown inFIGS.36A-36D and37. In such examples, method3800could include an additional block where the movable arch-shaped air outlet and/or the movable the arch-shaped air inlet is moved in a direction shown inFIGS.36A-36D and37.

Embodiments

Clause 1. A system comprising: an arch-shaped air outlet configured to couple to a first region of a bed and to provide air to generate an arch-shaped air curtain, the arch-shaped air outlet comprising an air outlet port arranged along the arch-shaped air outlet, wherein the arch-shaped air outlet is configured to allow access to a space between the arch-shaped air curtain and the bed through an inside of the arch-shaped air outlet; an arch-shaped air inlet configured to couple to a second region of a bed and capture air from the arch-shaped air curtain and from outside of the arch-shaped air curtain, the arch-shaped air inlet comprising an air inlet port arranged along the arch-shaped air inlet, wherein the arch-shaped air inlet is configured to allow access to a space between the arch-shaped air curtain and the bed through the inside of the arch-shaped air inlet; one or more air outlet conduits coupled to the arch-shaped air outlet; one or more air inlet conduits coupled to the arch-shaped air inlet; one or more devices that motivate air flow, coupled to the air inlet conduit and the air outlet conduit; and a filter or pathogen deactivation unit coupled to the air outlet conduit configured to reduce pathogens in the air flowing through the air outlet conduit; wherein an air flow out of the arch-shaped air outlet is less than an air flow into the arch-shaped air inlet; wherein at least a portion of the first region of the bed or at least a portion of the second region of the bed is between a head of the bed and a foot of the bed, wherein the bed comprises four sides comprising the head, the foot, a first side extending from the head to the foot, and a second side, opposite the first side, extending from the head to the foot.

Clause 2. The system of clause 1, wherein: the arch-shaped air outlet further comprises a first material arranged across the arch-shaped air outlet; the arch-shaped air inlet further comprises a second material arranged across the arch-shaped air inlet; and wherein the first or second material is configured to be movable and to allow the access to the space between the arch-shaped air curtain and the bed through the inside of the arch-shaped air outlet or the arch-shaped air inlet, respectively.

Clause 3. The system of clause 2, wherein the first, the second, or the first and the second materials are non-rigid materials that are configured to be movable and to allow access to the space between the arch-shaped air curtain and the bed when moved.

Clause 4. The system of clause 3, wherein the first, the second, or the first and the second materials comprise one or more of: a stretchable material, a plastic sheet, a strip curtain, or an elastomeric material.

Clause 5. The system of clause 2, wherein the first or second material arranged across the arch-shaped air outlet or the arch-shaped air inlet, respectively, is configured to be movable and to allow a body of a person to extend through the arch-shaped air outlet or the arch-shaped air inlet.

Clause 6. The system of clause 2, wherein the first or second material arranged across the arch-shaped air outlet or the arch-shaped air inlet, respectively, is a rigid material.

Clause 7. The system of clause 1, wherein the air outlet port, the air inlet port, or both the air outlet and the air inlet ports, comprise one or more holes or slots, or one or more tubes.

Clause 8. The system of clause 1, wherein the air outlet port, the air inlet port, or both the air outlet and the air inlet ports, comprise a set of movable tubes configured to direct the air to generate the arch-shaped air curtain.

Clause 9. The system of clause 1, wherein the first region of the bed is at or near the head of the bed and the second region of the bed is a region between the head of the bed and the foot of the bed.

Clause 10. The system of clause 1, wherein the arch-shaped air inlet is adjustably coupled to the bed, such that a position of the arch-shaped air inlet with respect to the bed can be adjusted.

Clause 11. The system of clause 10, wherein the arch-shaped air outlet is coupled to the bed using a mounting system, wherein the mounting system is configured to move the arch-shaped air outlet such that the arch-shaped air outlet can be translated or rotated with respect to the bed.

Clause 12. The system of clause 1, wherein the first region is on the first side of the bed and the second region is on the second side of the bed.

Clause 13. The system of clause 12, wherein the arch-shaped air outlet or the arch-shaped air inlet is adjustably coupled to the bed, such that the arch-shaped air outlet or the arch-shaped air inlet can be translated or rotated with respect to the bed.

Clause 14. The system of clause 1, wherein the arch-shaped air outlet and the arch-shaped air inlet each comprises an asymmetric shape such that a first side of the arch-shaped air outlet is farther away from a top surface of the bed than a second side of the arch-shaped air outlet.

Clause 15. The system of clause 1, wherein the air inlet conduit and the air outlet conduit are coupled together into an air recycling loop, wherein the one or more devices that motivate air flow are configured to move air through the air recycling loop, and wherein some of the air in the air recycling loop is directed out of the air recycling loop such that the air flow into the arch-shaped air inlet is greater than the air flow out of the arch-shaped air outlet.

Clause 16. The system of clause 1, further comprising a controller configured to control a first device that motivates air flow of the one or more devices that motivate air flow and a second device that motivates air flow of the one or more devices that motivate air flow, wherein the air inlet conduit is coupled to the first device that motivates air flow, and the air outlet conduit is coupled to the second device that motivates air flow, and wherein the first device that motivates air flow and the second device that motivates air flow are configured to move air through the air outlet conduit and the air inlet conduit such that the air flow into the arch-shaped air inlet is greater than the air flow out of the arch-shaped air outlet.

Clause 17. The system of clause 1, wherein the bed is an adjustable bed, and wherein the arch-shaped air outlet and the arch-shaped air inlet are configured to be coupled to the bed such that the arch-shaped air outlet, the arch-shaped air inlet, or both, move with the bed when the bed is adjusted, such that the arch-shaped air curtain also moves with the bed when the bed is adjusted.

Clause 18. The system of clause 17, wherein the arch-shaped air outlet and the arch-shaped air inlet maintain relative positions to each other when moving with the bed.

Clause 19. The system of clause 1, wherein the arch-shaped air curtain comprises a plurality of flow rates in a vicinity of the arch-shaped air outlet, and wherein either the arch-shaped air outlet is further configured to generate the arch-shaped air curtain such that the plurality of flow rates are within 20% of one another along the arch-shaped air outlet, or the arch-shaped air inlet is further configured to generate the arch-shaped air curtain such that the plurality of flow rates are within 20% of one another along the arch-shaped air inlet.

Clause 20. A system comprising: an arch-shaped air outlet configured to provide air for an arch-shaped air curtain, the arch-shaped air outlet comprising: an air outlet port arranged along the arch-shaped air outlet; and a movable material arranged across the arch-shaped air outlet, wherein the movable material is configured to be movable and to allow access to a space within the arch-shaped air curtain when moved; at least one air outlet conduit coupled to the arch-shaped air outlet; and at least one device that motivates air flow coupled to the air outlet conduit; wherein the arch-shaped air outlet is configured to couple to a first region of a bed, and wherein the arch-shaped air curtain is configured to be aimed downwards towards the bed, such that the arch-shaped air curtain blocks particles from an environment from reaching a head of a patient on the bed.

Clause 21. A method for generating an arch-shaped air curtain comprising: providing an arch-shaped air outlet configured to couple to a first region of a bed and to provide air to generate an arch-shaped air curtain, the arch-shaped air outlet comprising an air outlet port arranged along the arch-shaped air outlet, wherein the arch-shaped air outlet is configured to allow access to a space between the arch-shaped air curtain and the bed through an inside of the arch-shaped air outlet; providing an arch-shaped air inlet configured to couple to a second region of a bed and capture air from the arch-shaped air curtain and from outside of the arch-shaped air curtain, the arch-shaped air inlet comprising an air inlet port arranged along the arch-shaped air inlet, wherein the arch-shaped air inlet is configured to allow access to a space between the arch-shaped air curtain and the bed through the inside of the arch-shaped air inlet; providing one or more air outlet conduits coupled to the arch-shaped air outlet; providing one or more air inlet conduits coupled to the arch-shaped air inlet; motivating air flow using one or more devices coupled to the air inlet conduit and the air outlet conduit such that an air flow out of the arch-shaped air outlet is less than an air flow in to the arch-shaped air inlet; and filtering the air using a filter, or deactivating pathogens using a pathogen deactivation unit, wherein the filter or the pathogen deactivation unit is coupled to the air outlet conduit, wherein at least a portion of the first region of the bed or at least a portion of the second region of the bed is between a head of the bed and a foot of the bed, wherein the bed comprises four sides comprising the head, the foot, a first side extending from the head to the foot, and a second side, opposite the first side, extending from the head to the foot.

Embodiments of the disclosed invention have been referenced in detail, and one or more examples of the disclosed invention have also been illustrated in the accompanying figures. Each of the embodiments and examples herein have been provided to explain the present technology, not as limitations of the present technology. Furthermore, while particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated that alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments may be readily conceived of by those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing. For instance, features illustrated or described with respect to one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield an additional embodiment. It is intended that the present subject matter covers all such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Those of ordinary skill in the art may practice these and other modifications and variations to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.