Patent ID: 12201932

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

Definitions

For purposes of the present application, the term “fan” refers to any air movement device. Such air movement devices may include traditional bladed fans, or may include bladeless fans such as the Air Multiplier® available from Dyson Technology LLC of Wiltshire, UK.

As used herein, the term “cabin” or “passenger cabin” refers to any compartment wherein individuals are moved. The individuals may stand, or may be seated in chairs or along benches.

The term “ejector” refers to a valve that provides motive flow for a fluid comprised primarily of air. The term ejector includes eductors, jet pumps, vacuum ejectors, air ejectors, aspirator pumps and other motive flow devices that utilize an intake side, an opposing outlet side, and a suction side, which typically is at the base of the valve. Ejectors will typically rely upon an internal design that forms a venturi tube.

As used herein, the term “train” includes traditional rail cars pulled by a locomotive engine. It also includes more modern electrically-driven cars that ride on a rail such as a subway or elevated line. It also includes so-called mag-lev trains, and the so-called Hyper-Loop that moves pods in response to pressure differential. Cars having passenger cabins may be used with any of these forms of a train. An enclosed roller coaster may also be considered a “train” for purposes of the present disclosure.

Description of Specific Embodiments

An air purification system for a passenger cabin is described herein. The passenger cabin is part of a transport vessel. The transport vessel may be, for example, a bus, an airplane, a passenger ferry, a ski lift, or a train.

FIG.1Ais a top, or plan, view of an illustrative passenger cabin10. The passenger cabin10offers rows of seats55for passengers (not shown). A center aisle50is provided along the rows55. In this arrangement, six seats are shown along each row. However, it is understood that the configuration of seats is not important for the present air purification system.

The passenger cabin10has a front (or bow) end12, and a back (or stern) end14. In addition, the passenger cabin10has a left (or port) side16and a right (or starboard) side18. The illustrative passenger cabin10is shown as a rectangle, but it is understood that all sides12,14,16,18may be aerodynamically shaped. Where the passenger cabin10is part of an airplane, the, front12, left16and right18sides will be concave.

The passenger cabin10is fitted with an air filtration system100. Only a portion of the filtration system100is visible in the view ofFIG.1A. First, two series of registers112are visible. The registers112serve as air intakes, indicated by Arrows I. Air I moves through the registers112and into ductwork110. The ductwork110resides adjacent the outermost seats, and runs along the left16and right18sides.

In the arrangement ofFIG.1A, air I moves through the ductwork110from front12to back14, indicated by Arrows D. This is a standard direction in aircraft air circulation design. However, it is understood that the system100can be easily configured to move the air D from stern14to bow12or inward to the center of the airplane, it being understood that the ductwork110is schematic.

As the air D moves towards the back14of the cabin10, the air D encounters filters120. The filters120are preferably high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Alternatively or in addition, the filters120are odor-reducing media such as photocatalytic oxidation filters or carbon-based filters. Each filter120is placed at the intake side of an air circulation fan125. (In HVAC systems, the fan is frequently referred to as a blower, but the term “fan” is considered appropriate for this application.)

In the arrangement ofFIG.1A, two filters120and two fans125are employed. However, it is understood that additional filters120and fans125may be used. In any instance, filtered air is pushed by the fans125, as shown at Arrows C.

As an optional feature, an ozone generating device may also be employed. Preferably, this would be placed proximate the filter120, either at the intake or the outtake side. Alternatively, the ozone generating device may be placed at the outtake side of one or both of the fans125. In either instance, and as demonstrated inFIGS.1B and1C, air C or M moves through one or more air compartments, back towards the front12of the cabin10.

FIG.1Bis another plan view of the passenger cabin10ofFIG.1A.FIG.1Bdemonstrates additional components of the air filtration system, indicated in this embodiment as100B. In the arrangement100B, two air compartments130B have been placed over the rows of seats55. One air compartment130B is on the port side16, while the other air compartment130B is on the starboard side18. The seats55themselves are under the air compartments130B and are not visible.

InFIG.1B, it can be seen that an array of ultra-violet light emitting sources140is provided. As the air C leaves the fans125, the air C is exposed to the array of lights140. The UV lights140may be, for example, organic light-emitting diodes (“OLED”) or electroluminescent lamps. Preferably, the UV light-emitting source is a UV-C LED with emission wavelengths in the range of 220-275 nm, but it is understood that other UV wavelengths may have germicidal properties and may be employed. There are several benefits of the UV-C LED. They consume little electricity, they are negligibly affected by numerous on/off cycles, as opposed to mercury based and other UV lamps, and they can produce effective UV energy levels at close distance. All of this makes them ideal for narrow ducts that would be installed in space-critical aircraft cabins, or other transport vehicles and safety-critical spaces. Most importantly, UV-C LED's generate radiation that inactivates bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

In one aspect, the ultraviolet light source is a semiconductor device having an active layer positioned between an n-type region and a p-type region. The active layer emits radiation having a peak wavelength in a UV-C range, such as between 210 and 290 nm. A large number of UV-C LED's may be used based on GaN, AlGaN or InGaN substrates.

In any instance, the air C moves into the respective air compartments130B and is disinfected. Each air compartment130B has an inlet end132and distal end134. Intermediate the inlet132and distal134ends is one or more panels138. The panels138represent a lower surface, or other surface visible to the passengers. Of course, the panels138may be any panel exposed to the passengers in the cabin10.

A plurality of air outlets158reside along the panels138. Each outlet158is configured to release air C as the air C moves from the inlet end132towards the distal end134. In this way, a relatively continuous and even distribution of filtered and disinfected air is circulated into the passenger cabin10.

As an optional feature, the air compartments130B may include sets of “internals”145. The internals represent partial barriers to the flow of air C into or through the air compartments130B. The internals145serve as diverters, and help ensure that the air is mixed and exposed to the UV-C lights140for an adequate time for disinfection. In one aspect, and particularly where UV-C LED strips342are placed along the air compartments130B, the internals145may also reside in the air compartments130B.

In addition to the air outlets158, the air compartments130B also include openings155placed along the panels138. The openings155are configured to receive air from the cabin10. Filters (shown at135inFIGS.2A and2B) are preferably placed in the openings155to further filter the circulated air C.

The air filtration system100B also includes air tubes150. Each air tube150has an inlet152that is fluid communication with a source of air flow. The source of air flow M may be taken, for example, from compressed air already available incident to turbines, pumps, or braking systems on the transport vessel. Alternatively, the source of air flow C may be from the air circulation fans125, wherein a portion of the air C flows into the air tubes150, at inlets152, while the rest of the air C flows into the air compartment130B by action of the fans125to aid in the movement of air C. In a preferred embodiment, the system100moves air using only compressed air delivered directly into the air compartments130B.

Beneficially, the flow of air through the tubes150is aided by motive air flow. Ejectors (or “ejector pumps”), shown at250inFIGS.2A and2B) are placed along the lengths of the tubes150. The inlet tubes150cause the ejectors250to pull air from the cabin10and into the air compartments130B, further pushing the air towards the distal end134of the air compartments130B. The ejectors250are spaced close enough to each other to generate a good mix of the air F through the air compartment130B, but spaced apart at sufficient intervals so as not to overpressure the duct, causing the air to exit before it has had adequate time for disinfection.

One preferred ejector pump is the Fox™ Mini-Ejector. This ejector pump is available from Fox Development Corporation of Dover, New Jersey. Of course, other ejectors may be used.

FIG.1Cis an alternate plan view of the passenger cabin10ofFIG.1A. Specifically,FIG.1Cdemonstrates components of an alternate air filtration system, indicated as100C. In the arrangement100C, a single air compartment130C has been placed over the rows of seats55, with the air compartment130C generally residing over the center aisle50(not visible). The air compartment130C is generally structured in accordance with the air compartments130B discussed above, with like elements being consistently numbered, except that motive air M is used rather than air C circulated through registers112and fans125.

FIG.1Dis yet another plan view of the passenger cabin10ofFIG.1A.FIG.1Ddemonstrates components of an alternate air filtration system, indicated as100D. As withFIG.1C, a single air compartment130D has been placed over the rows of seats55, with the air compartment130D generally residing over a center aisle (again not visible). Compressed air is pumped into the air tubes150by means of air that is compressed by existing turbines or pumps on the transport vessel. The pumped air is shown at Arrows P. The pumped air P is independent from the air D that is circulated through the registers112and air ducts110.

InFIG.1D, three pressurized air manifolds157are shown. The manifolds157are configured to disperse pressurized air P to the plurality of air tubes150. The manifolds157are in fluid communication with air inlets (shown at152inFIG.2C) of the various air tubes150. The air P is thiefed from an existing source of compressed air, such as from an air compressor or, more preferably, from compressed air generated by and readily available from turbines, pumps, a hydraulic system or a braking system on the transport vessel. Additional details concerning the manifolds157is provided below in connection withFIG.2C.

It is observed that UV-C lights140are placed within the air compartment130C. As noted above, the UV-C lights140generate radiation that inactivates bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. In addition, internals145have been placed along the air compartment130D. As described above, the internals serve to impede the flow of air, allowing the air to be more fully exposed to the UV-C lights140as it flows from the various air tubes150through the air outlets158along the air compartment130D.

FIG.2Ais a side, cross-sectional view of a panel138of one of the air compartments130B ofFIG.1B. In this view, an opening155in the panel138is visible. The opening155serves as an air inlet, with Arrow F indicating a flow of air into the air compartment130B. A filtration medium135is affixed within the opening155. As air F moves through the opening155, the air is filtered.

FIG.2Aalso shows an air outlet158. Air F flows from the air compartment130B and back into the cabin10, through the air outlet138. As shown inFIG.1B, the air compartment130B actually offers multiple air openings155and multiple air outlets158. Ideally, the air outlets158are essentially pinholes formed in a matrix. In this way, clean air is distributed evenly throughout the cabin10.

It is noted that in the arrangement ofFIG.2A, the air outlet158is in the form of a nozzle. More specifically, the air outlet158is in the form of an air gasper139. The gasper139allows passengers to adjust the amount of air that is flowing through the outlet158.

In order to move the air F along the air compartment130B, and as indicated above, a series of ejectors250is employed.FIG.2Ademonstrates an ejector250, in one embodiment. The ejector250has an air inlet255that is in sealed fluid communication with the opening155. Air F is drawn in through the filtration medium135and into the ejector250.

The ejector250has a tube inlet end252that is in sealed fluid communication with an air tube150, and a tube outlet end254. As shown, the tube inlet end252receives pressurized air M through an air tube150(seen more fully inFIG.2C). The tube outlet end254releases air from the ejector250. The ejectors250use pressurized (or “motive”) air through inlet end252and over a venturi and convergent and/or divergent internals to create pressure differential, which draws air F into the ejector250, and moves the air F into the air compartment for disinfection, and on towards downstream air outlets158. In this way, the ejector250serves as a motive flow valve operated by small, relatively high pressure lines150of preferably conditioned air.

FIG.2Bis a side, cross-sectional view of the panel138of the air compartment130C ofFIG.1C. The ejector250is again shown residing over the filter135in the air inlet155. In addition, a small outlet158is shown as the air outlet. Ideally, a matrix of very small openings158is placed along the lower panel138. The outlets158(and any optional adjustable outlet nozzles139) are sized to prevent exposure of UV-C light to passengers. For example, each air outlet may only be 0.25 cm in diameter, or 0.1 cm in diameter, or less. There could be a matrix of100, or200, or500, or even more, pinhole-type openings158in the panel138.

UV-C light, particularly in the 253-270 nm wavelength range, is proven to be highly effective for germicidal irradiation. However, it is not safe for continuous exposure to the skin or eyes of humans, so in many environments potential human exposure precludes its use. By providing multiple small outlets158that are spaced apart, the system will safely and actively disinfect the air in spaces with human occupants. The desired level of disinfection can be accurately achieved for broad or specifically targeted pathogens by calculating the UV need based on the device dimensions, material used, and the expected time of exposure. Most harmful virus and bacteria in the air passing through this device can be disinfected in under one second with proper air chamber sizing and airflow calculations.

In addition to the UV-C lights, the panel138may also include visible light-emitting sources. Any type of light from the bottom-visible, or 222 nm UV-C, may be added.

FIG.2Cpresents two pressurized air manifolds157. The manifolds157are configured to disperse pressurized air P to the plurality of air tubes150. An air tube Tp carrying pressurized air P feeds into an inlet153of each manifold157. The manifold157is in fluid communication with the air inlets152of the various air tubes150. The air P is thiefed from an existing source of compressed air, such as from an air compressor or, more preferably, from compressed air generated by and readily available from turbines, pumps, a hydraulic system or a braking system on the transport vessel. In a preferred embodiment, air supplied into the air compartments comes only from the compressed air and the ejectors250, without the use of air circulation fans125or even the intake ductwork110.

FIG.3is a plan view of a passenger cabin310, or at least a portion of a passenger cabin310, of an airplane300. An elongated air compartment330is shown. The air compartment330is generally in accordance with air compartment130C ofFIG.1C, but with modifications as set out inFIGS.4A and5Abelow. The passenger cabin310includes a number of seats55arranged in rows, with the air compartment330extending along the aisle of the passenger cabin310. The air compartment330is arranged in modular form. Arrows indicate an outflow of air from the air compartment330.

FIG.4Ais a bottom view of an enlarged portion of the air compartment330ofFIG.3. It can be seen that the air compartment330includes a matrix of air inlets355. Each air inlet355includes a filtration medium, such as shown at135ofFIGS.2A and2B. In addition, the air compartment330includes a matrix of small air outlets358. The air outlets358are also shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG.2B. The air outlets358are in the form of very small pinholes, each having a diameter of less than 0.25 cm, and more preferably less than 0.1 cm, or even less than 0.05 cm.

The air compartment330also includes a series of UV-C strips342. The UV-C strips342may be in the form of LED light strips. In one aspect, the strips342offer18ultraviolet LED's340per meter, with the strips342being placed about four inches apart. The number and spacing of the strips342depends on the width and depth of the air compartment330, the flow rate of the air M, the targeted pathogens, and the UV output of the LED lights340. The LED's340may provide, for example, 265 nm light wave frequency.

The UV-C energy from the ultraviolet light sources340is designed to kill viruses, bacteria and mold in the air as the air C, F, M, P moves through the air compartment330from an inlet end132to a distal end134. Ultraviolet producing light emitting diode devices (LED's) are preferably utilized for the UV-C irradiation for their compact design, durability and low power requirements.

FIG.4Bis a cross-sectional view of the air compartment330ofFIG.4A. The view ofFIG.4Bis taken across Line B-B. In this arrangement, the air compartment330is a self-contained compartment that has an upper, concave housing336, and then a lower panel338. The lower panel338is connected to the housing336through hinge339. Together, the housing336and the panel338form an internal cavity335.

It is noted that the internal cavity335may receive conditioned air. Conditioned air may mean air that has been heated, refrigerated, vaporized or dehumidified. In this instance, the internal cavity335may be used as a duct for conditioned air. Preferably, the under surface of the housing336is either made of or is lined with a reflective, UV-resistant material to enhance the treatment of the conditioned air.

InFIG.4B, four UV-C light strips342are shown attached to an undersurface of the housing336. LED lights340are connected to the light strips342. Alternatively, the lights340represent semiconductors. The UV-C light strips342, in turn, are connected to the electrical system of the airplane. The LED lights340also commonly emit a small amount of visible light which will illuminate the cavity335of the air compartment330, while the UV-C is disinfecting the cavity335and disinfecting the air F. Beneficially, this visible spectrum may be seen through the outlets358,158,139, and serve as a reminder to the passengers of the pathogen-reducing mechanism in place as well as add a safety layer to prevent maintenance personnel from accessing powered air disinfection panels.

Optionally, a switch345is provided in the cavity335. The switch345senses when the lower panel338is opened, and automatically turns off the UV-C lights340.

It is observed that in the arrangement ofFIGS.4A and4B, no ejectors are used. Instead, air C is moved through the cavity335by means of the fans125ofFIG.1Aonly. Alternatively, the air C may be moved by taking advantage of compressed air already available incident to any turbines or pumps used for other purposes. However, it is understood that ejectors250may be placed over the filters of openings355, or alternatively one-way air flow valves may be used.

FIG.5Ais a cross-sectional view of a passenger cabin500of a rail pod. While the passenger cabin500is intended to be a rail pod, it is understood that it could be any other type of passenger cabin. The rail pod may be associated with a train that runs on magnetic levitation. Alternatively, the pod may operate using electricity or may move in response to pressure differential within a confined tube or tunnel. The cabin500has a concave housing510for aerodynamic purposes. The housing510includes a port side516and a starboard side518.

In the arrangement ofFIG.5A, six seats55are shown. A center aisle50is preserved between the seats55. It is understood that the cabin may offer multiple rows of seats55. Overhead compartments60are shown schematically above the seats55.

An air compartment530is shown above the center aisle50. The air compartment530is generally in accordance with the air compartment330ofFIG.4B, except that the lower panel338has two parallel layers. The additional layer provides a level of insulation between passengers and the UV-C lights340. In addition, air compartment530utilizes the ejectors250to assist in moving air through the cavity335. The ejectors250are shown in equi-distantly spaced, side-by-side arrangement, but it is understood that ejectors may be installed in groups of more or less than two and may or may not be symmetrically arranged.

The benefit of placing the air compartment530above the center aisle is that little to no modification of existing overhead luggage bins is required. The array of gaspers, attendant buttons, safety signs, oxygen masks, and no smoking signs, etc. need not be changed. The compartment530can also be easily retrofitted for use in airplanes, subways, busses, rail cars, and even moving walkways.

FIG.5Bis an enlarged view of the air compartment530ofFIG.5A. Here, the panel538of the air compartment530has been released. This demonstrates that the cavity335of the air compartment530may be accessed for maintenance purposes. For example, maintenance may need to replace a UV-C light strip342. Again, the switch345serves to disable the lights340along the light strips342in the event that the panel is opened without first manually turning off or otherwise disabling the UV-C lights340. It is understood that the switch345may be installed in a variety of locations in order to accomplish its safety function.

It is again observed that the lower panel338includes a plurality of air outlets358. The outlets358are designed to release disinfected air into the cabin500in a continuous, low-flow fashion. The outlets358are designed to be small enough to prevent direct exposure to unacceptable levels of UV light340exposure.

As can be seen from the drawings and the above discussion, an improved air filtration system for a passenger cabin is offered. The system directs moving air from multiple inlet locations along an air compartment through a panel, where it receives UV exposure for disinfection. The system allows for a series of connected air compartment sections to be installed for disinfection coverage over selected lengths. Beneficially, the system is able to actively mix and disinfect air in a continuous method over potentially very long distances while occupants are in close proximity.

The air is moved through the air compartment sections using compressed air, vacuum, fans, motive flow valves, or combinations thereof, all while being disinfected through a highly effective dose of ultraviolet light. The treated air is then returned to the occupied passenger space through a matrix of air outlets along the length of the duct. Thus, potentially contaminated air is drawn in, quickly disinfected, and returned to the space through even distribution.

In a preferred embodiment, the passenger cabin is a part of an aircraft, where air compartments are installed above the seats or aisles in such a way that signage would not need to be altered. The air compartments have a low profile so as to avoid or limit restrictions to passenger head room, overhead baggage bins or emergency equipment compartments. The modular (or segmented) nature of the long, ducted air compartments allows for quick maintenance access to replace UV-C lights, filters, ejectors, or for cleaning.

Preferably, the air filtration systems herein utilize small volumes of air compressed and then pushed through so-called ejector pumps. As air moves across the ejectors, additional air (including vaporized fluid) is drawn from the cabin and into the air compartments. The air is then disinfected by one or more UV lights before the higher pressure inside the chamber drives the air or vapor through a multitude of exit points along the length of the compartment, or overhead duct. Where air circulation fans are not used, the system will have no moving parts other than movable or hinged access panels for maintenance, or the source of compressed air.

The air filtration system may be incorporated into buildings such as airports or indoor shopping malls where heavy pedestrian traffic occurs. In this instance, air compartments having air tubes, air inlets, filters, ejectors and air outlets may be installed into ductwork in selected portions of the building. Air outlets would be placed in ceiling panels or air purification panels, with air being supplied by a source of compressed air, aided by motive air flow, or fans. The system may also be modified for use in outdoor high-traffic areas such as ticket lines or concession areas for a sporting venue.

As an alternate arrangement to the air filtration systems100B,100C (and variations) disclosed above, a free-standing and portable system is also disclosed herein. The portable system is intended to be used at large public venues such as concert halls, sporting arenas and stadiums where individuals might congregate. Examples of such areas include ticket lines, restroom lines and concession stands.

FIG.6is a perspective view of a free-standing air filtration system600of the present invention, in one embodiment. The air filtration system600represents a partially enclosed structure605having a front end612and a back end614. Air A is directed from the back end614to the front end612of the structure605. Individuals will enter the structure600at the back end614. The ticket counter, restroom, or food service counter will be at the front end612of the structure605.

The structure605may have an open top, or may be covered, or it may be completely enclosed. In the arrangement ofFIG.6, the structure has a cover608, which is preferably fabricated from a lightweight plastic material. The structure605also includes optional left602and right604sides, or panels. The sides602,604are also preferably fabricated from a plastic material. The plastic material holds in purified air generated by the air purification system600.

Base frame members626,628are provided to support the structure605. In addition, a frame system618is provided to support the cover608and sides602,604above the base frame members626,628. These include horizontal support members621,622above the base frame members626,628and vertical support members619. The frame system618may include wheels or slidable pucks or feet to provide portability.

The air purification system600includes an air inlet610. Air A is drawn into the inlet610through opening, or cavity615. Air A then moves through the system600for treatment. Components of the air purification system600may include a HEPA filter620, a fan625, UV-C emitting light sources640, and an air compartment630. The air compartment630may be designed generally in accordance with the compartments ofFIG.4B or5B. To this end, the compartment630will include air inlets (not shown), optional ejectors (not shown), air outlets655, and UV-LED light strips642.

Individuals attending a public event or visiting a high-concentration public space will receive air that has undergone rapid disinfection. A separate local compressor or other source may be used to drive ejector pumps and/or power for UV devices and optional fans. However mechanical fans or other air movement device could adequately operate the system600.

In an alternate geometry, the frame structure605is concave, and may have the profile of a Quonset hut. The cavity615may be semi-circular in profile and may extend across a substantial portion of the Quonset hut. Air inlets with ejector pumps may be dispersed radially along the cavity615of the frame structure605. Hundreds of pinhole air outlets may be placed along the cavity615as well, essentially surrounding individuals as they stand in or walk through the structure605. UV-C lights640reside within the cavity615to disinfect air as it is pumped by the ejectors250and moved by the fan625. Preferably, the UV-C lights640are in the form of UV-C LED strips, as shown at342, and extend essentially from the back614to the front612of the structure.

Further variations of the air purification systems may fall within the spirit of the claims, below. The system may be utilized for the purpose of disinfecting moving vapor or fluid in a variety of industries and applications. It will be appreciated that the inventions are susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the spirit thereof.