Patent ID: 12246116

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG.1shows a hydroxyl generator1, including a polygonal-shaped housing, including a bracket brace14for supporting crystal-spliced UV optics12and13within respective C-shaped spring clasps12aand13a, which are each respectively mounted on bracket brace14, which are mounted parallel lengthwise to each other inside the clamshell hexagon housing, but staggered so that UV optic12is on a different side of the bracket14from the side on which UV optic13is located, wherein the crystal spliced UV optics12and13each have a length that runs substantially the entire length of the housing of the hydroxyl generator1. A preferred example for the crystal-spliced UV optics12and13is the GPH457T5L/4P UV Optic 4-pin Base 18″ GPH457T5 of Light Spectrum Enterprises of Southampton these optics12and13are typically 18 inches long and are made of quartz. The tubular optics12and13are composed of pure Medical Grade quartz crystal in the portion of the optics which creates the hydroxyls. The present invention adds additional frequencies to the pure crystal optics. This tubular lamp optics12and13generate ‘Harmonic’ bio-mimicry nonchemical process of the present invention enables the production of desired atmospheric hydroxyls at a rate commensurate with the VOC/Bio loading in that particular space to be treated with the hydroxyls.

In contrast to the medical grade quartz tubular optics, it is noted that total glass tubes cannot be used when generating UV. The glass would simply be vaporized. Some companies use a fusion of glass and quartz crystal, which is not optimal as the glass portion creates a frequency that actually attracts contaminants. This problematic action neutralizes the desired UV action. Such a fusion lamp of glass and quartz crystal is cheaper to produce, however the poor performance of the lamp would be the end result.

Other similar Medical Grade quartz tubed UV optics can be used. The optic12and13are preferably symmetrically positioned in the housing of the hydroxyl generator1, as shown inFIGS.3and4to operate most efficiently, but where inFIG.3the crystal spliced UV optics12and13are staggered so that UV optic12is on a different side of the bracket brace14from the side on which UV optic13is located.FIG.4shows an alternate embodiment where there are two pairs of UV optics, namely112,113and112a,113a. The UV optics112,113are staggered to the right on one bottom side of the horizontal bracket brace114, but are separated by upright bracket brace114. Likewise, UV optics112aand113aare respectively staggered to the left on the opposite top side of the horizontal bracket brace114, also separated from each other by upright bracket brace114. Optics pairs112,113and112a,113aare supported within pairs of respective C-shaped spring clasps112c,113cand112d,113d, which pairs of optics112,113and112a,113aare each respectively mounted on bracket brace114, and which pairs of optics112,113and112a,113aare mounted parallel lengthwise to each other inside the clamshell hexagon housing1.

The clamshell hexagon housing hydroxyl generator1has a clamshell configuration, including a clamshell top wall2, upper side walls7,8,9and10, a hinge6for opening the polygonal clamshell housing1and a bottom clamshell portion, including a bottom wall4and angle-oriented walls11and11a, whereby the polygon housing opens hinge6to expose the inside of the hydroxyl generator1for maintenance and/or repair. In addition, the polygon hydroxyl generator enclosure can be removed from the air duct wall40A for such maintenance and repair. The hydroxyl generator also includes an adjacent electronic control box20, which is attachable to the clamshell housing of the hydroxyl generator1. Alternatively, as shown inFIGS.3and4, the electronic control box20is preferably located outside of the air path, which may be a duct or other conduit. it can alternatively be attached outside of the duct. It communicates with the UV optics wirelessly. The reason for the polygon shape is that the hydroxyl generators generated by the crystal-spliced UV optics12and13are scattered upon being generated by the optics12and13, but they dissipate quickly if not activated by contact with reflective non-absorbent surfaces inside the respective walls of the polygon. The purpose of the polygon shape is that when the hydroxyl radicals are generated, they are emitted radially in all directions from the UV crystal-spliced optics12and13and normally would dissipate when scattered radially from the optics. In order to permit the hydroxyl radicals to maintain their desired electron charge and ability to contact and inactivate mold, volatile organic compounds, pathogens, bacteria, virus, etc., they need to reflect and refract off of the reflective non-absorbent walls continuously, within the reaction chamber confined space. As atmospheric hydroxyls are being activated by being created and excited in back-and-forth activity, the air inside the air duct/plenum40awill contact the activated hydroxyl radicals with the end result of the neutralization of any impurities, such as VOCs, virus, bacteria, fungi, etc., in the air and surfaces.

Furthermore, once these radicals are emitted, they can penetrate any crevices in any area, such as between seats of mass transit vehicles, between the surfaces of desks; anywhere where ultraviolet light by itself would not be capable of eradicating the undesirable VOCs, fungi, virus, bacteria, etc. The polygon-shaped housing is strategically located within an air duct wall, which can be in a building which has sub walls extending to various rooms in the building.

As shown in the end view ofFIG.3, the inside of the polygon housing1is located below the field of vision within the sealed off plenum so that the ultraviolet (UV) crystal-spliced tubular optics12and13will not be exposed to the eyes of any observers. Therefore, while the hydroxyl radicals are being generated, the UV energy which create hydroxyl generation from optics12and13are completely sealed off so that when the optics12and13are operational, the UV light emanating therefrom will not penetrate outside of the polygonal housing. There is no restriction regarding the active flow of the hydroxyls inside the hydroxyl generator1and no interference with the excitement of the hydroxyls produced by the exposure of ambient water vapor within the polygon shaped housing with the UV optics12and13irradiating light that causes the —OH radicals to form.

FIG.4shows an alternate embodiment for a four optic version, where polygon hydroxyl generator enclosure101, having top wall102, side walls107,108,109,110of an upper shell, as well as lower walls105,111a,111bof the clamshell housing.FIG.4also shows the electronics control box120. The respective pairs of optics112,113are supported within respective pairs of C-shaped spring clasps112aand113a, which are each respectively mounted on bracket brace114, which are mounted parallel lengthwise to each other inside the clamshell hexagon housing101. Clamshell housing101is openable via hinge106.

FIG.5is a block diagram showing the network and electronics of the control box20. Initially AC power23of 110 VAC is converted by converter22to low voltage 12 VDC, or else a low voltage battery alternatively delivers 12 VDC to a secure Key Switch22a, to provide power to the Master Events Controller20, which may have a microprocessor21. The Master Events Controller20also receives input from sensors, such as Air Flow Sensor25, UV Light Sensor26, Proximity Switch27(detecting opening of the enclosure), Timer30and Voltage Monitor Sensor31. These sensors provide Sensor Input to the Master Events Controller20. Power Switching in the Master Events Controller20sends 12V Pulse Width Modulation data to a PWM Speed Controlled Fan34, to send air through the hydroxyl generator unit1or101, or to stop the flow of air when needed for safety and maintenance situations. The Power Switching also sends data via a Large Serve Outlet (LSO) to a Relay, which controls the Ballast32, providing power to the Crystal UV Optics12, which creates the needed hydroxyls within the hydroxyl generators1or101. The Master Events Controller20also has a Communications Output, which can send data via a Controller Area Network (CAN) to a Visual Display29for user feedback. The Communications Output of the Master Events Controller20also sends digital data wirelessly as output to Status Feedback Units. The Communications Output of the Master Events Controller20also sends Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Signal output to Wireless input devices28for Wireless user feedback during use.

FIG.5Ais a diagrammatic flow chart, showing the electronic control box20ofFIGS.1,2and3, which is also equivalent to the electronic control box120ofFIG.4. Adjacent to the hydroxyl generator1or101, which inFIGS.1-3, the hydroxyl generators are attached by brackets19to the electronic control box20. Similarly, the electronic control box120is attached by brackets119ofFIG.4.

In the diagrammatic flow chart ofFIG.5A, related to the electrical block diagram ofFIG.5, the control box20includes a microprocessor21for controlling the sensors and switches, which control the operation of the optics12and13, or112and113, of the hydroxyl generators1shown inFIGS.1-3and4respectively. There is also a power source being either a DC low-voltage battery24, or an AC plug23, to provide higher-voltage AC power. When the AC is used, a converter22can be provided to convert high-voltage AC to low-voltage DC power for operating any of the sensors and control elements within box20. Box25ofFIG.5Adiscloses the detector25to detect whether airflow is on, so that the optics12and13will only be on after airflow is confirmed, so that they are not on when there is no airflow. Box26of the diagrammatic flow chart ofFIG.5Adiscloses the sensor26for detecting emitted light, and providing feedback to replace optics, including a secondary backup optic, which is also disclosed in box26of the flowchart ofFIG.5A. Box27of the diagrammatic flow chart ofFIG.5Adiscloses a detector with a proximity switch27detecting opening of the enclosure, and thereafter used to turn off the optics12and13, to protect people from being exposed to the possible harmful UV light emitted from the optics12and13. This detector with the proximity switch27shown in box27of the diagrammatic flow chart ofFIG.5Aalso includes a limit switch, a micro switch and sensors. Box28of the diagrammatic flow chart ofFIG.5Adiscloses the mobile phone application connection28for user feedback by wireless communication, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® communications, between the operator, the control box20and hydroxyl generator1itself, together with a timer. The control box20also includes the LCD user feedback system29, with a timer shown in box29of the diagrammatic flow chart ofFIG.5Awith a timer, as well as a further timer30shown in box30of the diagrammatic flow chart ofFIG.5A, to provide feedback for regular maintenance. The voltage and frequency of AC main supply sensor31is shown in box31of the diagrammatic flow chart ofFIG.5A, Box32of the diagrammatic flow chart ofFIG.5Ashows the voltage and frequency of the monitor of the ballast power outfit32. Box33of the diagrammatic flow chart ofFIG.5Adiscloses a fire sensor33, which detects excess heat in the system. Box34of the diagrammatic flow chart ofFIG.5Adiscloses a real time clock34which controls any fans providing and activating the airflow through the polygon hydroxyl generators1.

In the alternate embodiment shown in block diagramFIG.5B, tailored specifically for a hydroponic greenhouse, such as shown inFIGS.6and6A. there are disclosed therein shown the following differences of block diagramFIG.5Bfrom block diagramFIG.5, wherein in block diagramFIG.5Bthe following features are shown:1. The key switch (22a) can alternatively be positioned before the power supply (22);2. The key switch (22a) can alternatively be a pushbutton;3. The power supply (22) can alternatively be included in the Master Events Controller (MEC)20;4. The user feedback display (29) ofFIG.5is not needed inFIG.5B, because the WiFi/Bluetooth communication works with a mobile application;5. The PWM Speed controlled fan (34) ofFIG.5is not needed, because the hydroxyl generator1will be located in an existing duct with moving air; and,6. The power to the relay (not numbered) inFIG.5can alternatively be provided by the Master Events Controller (MEC)20inFIG.5B.

In the preferred agricultural hydroponic embodiment, as shown inFIGS.6and6A, the hydroxyl generators can be used in greenhouses, for producing plants hydroponically, such as medicinal or other botanical plants, which are grown agriculturally inside a greenhouse. The plants are mounted in the greenhouse on troughs and tables, typically hydroponically, where the roots are held in place by media, such as coconut fibers, vermiculite, perlite, growstones, rockwool, pine shavings, rice hulls, peat moss, soil, sand or other mineral materials, so that a portion of the roots are soaked in hydroponic fluid, for irrigation and fertigation, and the upper part of the roots are exposed to air, which is brought through with hydroxyl radicals from the hydroxyl generators. For example, inFIG.6, hydroxyl generator310(polygonal-shaped) is positioned in the greenhouse300in an air duct330.

The greenhouse has a top roof area300a, side walls300band300c, and a base ground level300d. The greenhouse300is adjacent to a utility room350, which has utility controls320for controlling the electronics and mechanics of the system, as well as a hydroponic fluid source390, which provides the hydroponic fluid through a pipe conduit360. The pipe360has the lower parts of the roots and the media soaking in the fluid, with an upper portion of the roots and media being exposed to air of the plants370, which have roots370aheld in place by media370B. The plants370are rooted in the pipe360, with a stem portion of each plant370rising through a crevice360ain the pipe360, and a lower portion of the roots370abeing soaked in the hydroponic fluid for irrigation and fertigation, and an upper portion of the roots of370abeing exposed to air flowing out of the sock sleeve340into the pipe360, through the crevice360a, and in and around the pipe360. The hydroponic fluid370eis provided through the hydroponic fluid pipe360. The polygonal-shaped hydroxyl generators310are produced in an enclosed air duct, which is preferably a fan351, and produces an airflow into an air duct330, which emanates horizontally from the fan351, or other air source, then makes an upward 90-degree turn, through an air duct portion330a, which then turns at 90 degrees horizontally at an upper portion of the utility room350through a horizontal portion330b, within which is located the hydroxyl generator, just before a further downward air duct portion330cemanates downward to the level of trough334inside the greenhouse, so that the air from the downward portion330cof the air duct is then sent horizontally through a flexible sock sleeve340, having multiple upper apertures341to permit the radical hydroxyl flows below and then around the hydroponic fluid pipe, and then contacting the air and plant roots370aof the plants370, within the media, such as the coconut fiber370b. Optionally, an overhead mister hose365may be provided in case the plants are not hydroponically bred. In any case, the hydroxyls, whether they are blown or pumped through the root system and media in the greenhouse trough in the hydroponic growing system in the greenhouse, the hydroxyl radicals are exposed to the portions of the roots370aand growing media370b, so that they can be misted exposed therein while being irrigated and/or fertigated, either hydroponically, or alternatively within conventional soil media. In this version, the greenhouse300is connected to the utility room350. The hydroxyl generators are installed in a strategic position at the top of the air duct330b, before the hydroxylated air is sent downward through portion330cof undulating air duct330spanning from utility laboratory room350and greenhouse300and then the air filled with hydroxyls is sent to the flexible sock sleeve340, having upper apertures341for release of the hydroxyls to intermingle with the plant roots370aof the hydroponically grown plants370located above the parallel troughs334of greenhouse300. Flexible sock sleeve340is tapered to decrease in diameter towards its distal end, to accommodate for air pressure loss, due to decreasing air flow through the length of the flexible sock sleeve340.

FIG.6Ashows a detailed view of the hydroxyl flexible sleeve340, with hydroxyls302therein and the arrows indicate the flow of the hydroxyls around the lower portion of the pipe with the fertigation and irrigation fluids for the hydroponics where the lower levels of the roots370aare provided, but where the upper level of the roots exposed to air within the media370bare then exposed to the hydroxyls of the plants370. The trough334is shown below the flexible sock sleeve340. The hydroxyls are introduced into air surrounding exposed roots, leaves, stems, vascular or phloem tissues of the plant.

In an alternate embodiment in a non-hydroponic system, as shown inFIG.7, a greenhouse400includes hydroxyl generators410and411, which are provided either adjacent to an intake fan451for airflow through and out the greenhouse400through exhaust fan451and/or motorized or pressurized shutter outlets480,481. A trough434is provided for the plants and there may be a drip irrigation hose470with apertures for irrigation of hydroponic growing media470cof the roots470aof plants470, where the hydroxyls less generated by hydroxyl generator411will mingle within the air exposed portions of the roots and in the media470bof the plants470. Optional hydroxyl generator410can be located at the intake fan for sending the hydroxyls through the airflow of the greenhouse400in areas above the plants.

The hydroxyl generators shown inFIGS.1-7will inactivate any VOCs or pathogens, such as virus, bacteria or fungi, anywhere in the air of the buildingsFIGS.1-4, or having the controls ofFIGS.5and5A.

In addition, in the greenhouse embodiment, the hydroxyl generators are provided so that the hydroxyl radicals will flow adjacent to and through the media of the plants being farmed therein.

In the foregoing description, certain terms and visual depictions are used to illustrate the preferred embodiment. However, no unnecessary limitations are to be construed by the terms used or illustrations depicted, beyond what is shown in the prior art, since the terms and illustrations are exemplary only, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention.

It is further known that other modifications may be made to the present invention, without departing the scope of the invention, as noted in the appended Claims.