WO2021220179A1 - Sanitizing system for ventilated breathing - Google Patents

Sanitizing system for ventilated breathing Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021220179A1
WO2021220179A1 PCT/IB2021/053507 IB2021053507W WO2021220179A1 WO 2021220179 A1 WO2021220179 A1 WO 2021220179A1 IB 2021053507 W IB2021053507 W IB 2021053507W WO 2021220179 A1 WO2021220179 A1 WO 2021220179A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sanitizing
chamber
operator
breathing
air
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2021/053507
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Fausto Bruschi
Corrado Bacchi
Original Assignee
Fausto Bruschi
Corrado Bacchi
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fausto Bruschi, Corrado Bacchi filed Critical Fausto Bruschi
Publication of WO2021220179A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021220179A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
    • A62B18/006—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort with pumps for forced ventilation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/16—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using physical phenomena
    • A61L9/18—Radiation
    • A61L9/20—Ultraviolet radiation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2209/14—Filtering means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a sanitizing system for ventilated breathing, of the type which can be used as breathing aid of operators in environments the atmosphere thereof can contain microbiological agents, spores, molds and toxins which could cause infections or poisoning.
  • a sanitizing system of this type can be helpful in hospitals, emergency room and clinics, particularly in wards intended for the treatment of highly infective diseases, and still more particularly for the infections which are transmitted through the airways.
  • filtering masks are usually used, which exploit different types of filters classified based upon their filtering capability, expressed in micrometres, that is the minimum size of the particles which are filtered.
  • the more effective filtering masks can stop particles having sizes up to 0,6 pm, but they lose this effectiveness after a certain usage time, and however many pathogen agents have smaller sizes, therefore the protection may not be 100% guaranteed.
  • the technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide a sanitizing system for ventilated breathing allowing to obviate the drawback mentioned with reference to the known art, that is by modifying the approach used by the filtering masks which do not break up the entering particles .
  • Such problem is solved by a sanitizing system as specified above and as defined by the enclosed claim 1.
  • a suction device comprising a filter at a section for entering atmospheric air;
  • ⁇ a possible electrostatic filter with a crown-effect chamber;
  • a sanitizing chamber comprising a higher air internal volume than the volume generally sucked during one single sucking phase in man
  • the main advantage of the sanitizing system according to the present invention lies in the fact of allowing the disinfection of a filtered air volume higher than or equal to the one breathed by the operator, before it is directed to the breathing mask.
  • figure 1 shows a perspective view of a sanitizing system for ventilated breathing, worn by an operator
  • figure 2 shows a perspective view of the breathing mask of the sanitizing system of figure 1;
  • figure 3 shows a perspective view of the sanitizing system of figure 1, without operator.
  • figure 4 shows a functional scheme of the sanitizing system of figure 1.
  • a sanitizing system for ventilated breathing is designated as a whole with 1.
  • a suction device 2 implementing a section for inletting air taken from the atmosphere surrounding the operator, comprising a filter 3, of replaceable type, and a suction fan 4, of centrifugal type, actuated by an electric motor controlled by a control unit 5, in case provided with a display 6 and with an input interface for the switching-on and for adjusting the sucking power.
  • the interface could include even a warning device for signalling possible operation anomalies.
  • the control unit 5 can be connected to a remote-control R, with which it communicates through an electromagnetic signal, for example by means of a Bluetooth protocol, which can be implemented even by an app installed in a personnel electronic device such as a smartphone.
  • the suction device 2 comprises a discharge line 7 connecting it to a stiff box-like casing 8.
  • the casing 8 receives inside thereof a sanitizing chamber 9 which determines an internal volume receiving the air sent by the suction device 2.
  • This internal volume is arranged to contain a minimum air volume, in slight overpressure volume, which is greater than or equal to the one inhaled by an average man in one single suction phase.
  • this limit volume can be indicatively fixed to 1,0 dm 3 (litres), preferably 1,5 dm 3 , so as to guarantee to an operator a sufficient breathable air amount.
  • an electrostatic filter 10 or electro-filter can be interposed, or a purification system allowing the separation of the flow of atmospheric air sucked by possible polluting particles, which can be both solid and liquid.
  • the electrostatic filter can be implemented with a crown effect passage chamber, with a series of suitable electrodes powered by pulses by means of the control unit
  • the electrostatic filter 10 works through a potential difference induced between emission and collection electrodes, arranged suitably on a section of the discharge line, causing the above-mentioned separation of the contaminant particles which should have overcome the filter 3.
  • the sanitizing chamber 9 comprises light emitters in the UV, particularly UV-C ( ⁇ 254 nm), field or a germicidal ultraviolet radiation modifying DNA or RNA of microorganisms and then prevents them from reproducing or being harmful.
  • said emitters comprise a plurality of electrically-powered LEDs, which are switched-on by a command coming from the control unit 5, particularly when the sanitizing chamber 9 receives fresh air.
  • the sanitizing chamber 9 is connected to a breathing duct 11 of flexible type, which is connected to a breathing mask 12, of the type which is applied to the face of an operator by means of suitable fasteners, so as to cover mouth and nose.
  • the mask 12 could include even one or more exhalation valves 13, in case comprising a filter, to allow the operator the exhalation phase.
  • the flexible duct 11 could include a check valve, arranged at the outlet of the sanitizing chamber 9, to prevent the breathed air to go back from the flexible duct 11 to the sanitizing chamber 9.
  • Pressure sensors could be in case provided, connected to the control unit 5, adjusting the actuation of the suction fan 4, of the electro-static filter 10, of the UV emitters of germicidal light in the sanitizing chamber 9 and in the UV tube 14, and of possible inlet valves, particularly electro-valves actuated by a command of the control unit 5, adjusting the air path. Moreover, such sensors could detect the inhalation and exhalation phases of the operator's breathing.
  • the combination of the inlet valves and of the check valve allows the control unit that the whole air which is entered through the flexible duct 11 to the breathing mask 13 has been contained in the sanitizing chamber 9 for a sufficient period of time to allow an adequate sanitization thereof.
  • the system could be connected to a web server which stores and monitors the status thereof and a communication system could be integrated in conference between operator in exposed area and the tutor which could supervise and guide the operator remotely.
  • the flexible duct could include, on a section thereof, a UV tube 14, or a duct section containing inside thereof an emission of germicidal light in the UV field V, for example implemented by means of additional UV LEDs arranged in sequence along the section 14 (figure 4), similar to those already provided for the sanitizing chamber 9.
  • the sanitizing system 1 could comprise shoulder straps or other belts to arrange the box-like casing 8 and the suction device 2 at the operator's back, then in an area separated from the front activity field of the operator.
  • a power supply of the electric motor, of the electro-static filter 10, of the emitters of the germicidal light in the sanitizing chamber 9 and in the UV tube UV 14, of the control unit 5 and of possible actuators of valves or the like is provided, implemented preferably by means of a rechargeable battery, for example of the type with Lithium ions, which could be recharged at a separate charging station, and connected to the sanitizing system 1 when in use.
  • the system could be fed by the power supply by using the suitable feeder.
  • box-like casing 8 It could be received in the box-like casing 8 or it could be connected to the operator, for example to his/her belt, suitable electric connections being provided.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)
  • Self-Closing Valves And Venting Or Aerating Valves (AREA)
  • Storage Of Fruits Or Vegetables (AREA)

Abstract

A sanitizing system (1) for ventilated breathing allows the effective disinfection of an air filtered volume higher than or equal to the one breathed by the operator, before it is directed to a breathing mask, and it comprises: a suction device (2), comprising a filter (3) and a section for entering atmospheric air, feeding a sanitizing chamber (9); and a breathing mask (12), apt to be applied to an operator's face, and a flexible duct (11) connecting said breathing mask (12) to said sanitizing chamber (9), wherein said sanitizing chamber (9) comprises a higher air internal volume than the air volume which can be sucked by man during one single sucking phase, and wherein said sanitizing chamber (9) inside said internal volume, and at least one section (14) of said flexible duct, comprise light emitters in the UV-C field with germicidal effect.

Description

Sanitizing system for ventilated breathing
Description
The present invention relates to a sanitizing system for ventilated breathing, of the type which can be used as breathing aid of operators in environments the atmosphere thereof can contain microbiological agents, spores, molds and toxins which could cause infections or poisoning.
A sanitizing system of this type can be helpful in hospitals, emergency room and clinics, particularly in wards intended for the treatment of highly infective diseases, and still more particularly for the infections which are transmitted through the airways.
Moreover, the same problem can appear in environments in which people carrying such infections stand, for example their homes, or community environments, wherein the operators intervene for helping and treating these people .
Still, the need for having breathing systems with a disinfecting aid is felt by the operators assigned to clean the environments which require frequent sanitizing interventions, since they usually are crowded or however frequented by potentially infected people, such as transportation means (buses, trains, airplanes), waiting rooms, cinemas and theatres, shopping centres and so on. In these situations, the operators, both medical personnel and cleaning and/or sanitizing staff, are potentially exposed to infective charges above average, which could cause their own infection, thus propagating contagious diseases, and incrementing the epidemic factors which hinder control of infective diseases.
In order to work in these environments, filtering masks are usually used, which exploit different types of filters classified based upon their filtering capability, expressed in micrometres, that is the minimum size of the particles which are filtered. The more effective filtering masks can stop particles having sizes up to 0,6 pm, but they lose this effectiveness after a certain usage time, and however many pathogen agents have smaller sizes, therefore the protection may not be 100% guaranteed.
Both US patent applications No. 2018/0104517 A1 and No. 2007/1063588 A1 describe air purifiers connected to a suction mask.
The technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide a sanitizing system for ventilated breathing allowing to obviate the drawback mentioned with reference to the known art, that is by modifying the approach used by the filtering masks which do not break up the entering particles . Such problem is solved by a sanitizing system as specified above and as defined by the enclosed claim 1.
It generally comprises:
• a suction device, comprising a filter at a section for entering atmospheric air; · a possible electrostatic filter with a crown-effect chamber;
• a sanitizing chamber, comprising a higher air internal volume than the volume generally sucked during one single sucking phase in man;
• a breathing mask, apt to be applied to an operator's face, and a flexible duct connecting said sanitizing chamber to the breathing mask; and
• light emitters in the UV-C field, arranged in the internal volume of the sanitizing chamber and in the connection flexible duct.
The main advantage of the sanitizing system according to the present invention lies in the fact of allowing the disinfection of a filtered air volume higher than or equal to the one breathed by the operator, before it is directed to the breathing mask.
In this way, not only air is filtered, by any pathogen agent is broken up, by annulling its pathogenicity.
Moreover, it is possible to implement this system in portable version.
The present invention will be described hereinafter according to a preferred embodiment thereof, provided by way of example and not with limitative purposes with reference to the enclosed drawings wherein:
* figure 1 shows a perspective view of a sanitizing system for ventilated breathing, worn by an operator;
* figure 2 shows a perspective view of the breathing mask of the sanitizing system of figure 1;
* figure 3 shows a perspective view of the sanitizing system of figure 1, without operator; and
* figure 4 shows a functional scheme of the sanitizing system of figure 1.
With reference to the figures, a sanitizing system for ventilated breathing is designated as a whole with 1.
It comprises a suction device 2, implementing a section for inletting air taken from the atmosphere surrounding the operator, comprising a filter 3, of replaceable type, and a suction fan 4, of centrifugal type, actuated by an electric motor controlled by a control unit 5, in case provided with a display 6 and with an input interface for the switching-on and for adjusting the sucking power. The interface could include even a warning device for signalling possible operation anomalies.
The control unit 5 can be connected to a remote-control R, with which it communicates through an electromagnetic signal, for example by means of a Bluetooth protocol, which can be implemented even by an app installed in a personnel electronic device such as a smartphone.
The suction device 2 comprises a discharge line 7 connecting it to a stiff box-like casing 8. To this purpose, the casing 8 receives inside thereof a sanitizing chamber 9 which determines an internal volume receiving the air sent by the suction device 2.
This internal volume is arranged to contain a minimum air volume, in slight overpressure volume, which is greater than or equal to the one inhaled by an average man in one single suction phase.
Since the lung volumes vary from person to person, this limit volume can be indicatively fixed to 1,0 dm3 (litres), preferably 1,5 dm3, so as to guarantee to an operator a sufficient breathable air amount.
Between the discharge line 7 and the sanitizing chamber 9, in a preferred version of the present invention, an electrostatic filter 10 or electro-filter can be interposed, or a purification system allowing the separation of the flow of atmospheric air sucked by possible polluting particles, which can be both solid and liquid.
The electrostatic filter can be implemented with a crown effect passage chamber, with a series of suitable electrodes powered by pulses by means of the control unit
5.
The electrostatic filter 10 works through a potential difference induced between emission and collection electrodes, arranged suitably on a section of the discharge line, causing the above-mentioned separation of the contaminant particles which should have overcome the filter 3.
The sanitizing chamber 9, in turn, comprises light emitters in the UV, particularly UV-C (~ 254 nm), field or a germicidal ultraviolet radiation modifying DNA or RNA of microorganisms and then prevents them from reproducing or being harmful. Preferably, said emitters comprise a plurality of electrically-powered LEDs, which are switched-on by a command coming from the control unit 5, particularly when the sanitizing chamber 9 receives fresh air.
The sanitizing chamber 9 is connected to a breathing duct 11 of flexible type, which is connected to a breathing mask 12, of the type which is applied to the face of an operator by means of suitable fasteners, so as to cover mouth and nose. The mask 12 could include even one or more exhalation valves 13, in case comprising a filter, to allow the operator the exhalation phase.
To this purpose, the flexible duct 11 could include a check valve, arranged at the outlet of the sanitizing chamber 9, to prevent the breathed air to go back from the flexible duct 11 to the sanitizing chamber 9.
Pressure sensors could be in case provided, connected to the control unit 5, adjusting the actuation of the suction fan 4, of the electro-static filter 10, of the UV emitters of germicidal light in the sanitizing chamber 9 and in the UV tube 14, and of possible inlet valves, particularly electro-valves actuated by a command of the control unit 5, adjusting the air path. Moreover, such sensors could detect the inhalation and exhalation phases of the operator's breathing.
The combination of the inlet valves and of the check valve allows the control unit that the whole air which is entered through the flexible duct 11 to the breathing mask 13 has been contained in the sanitizing chamber 9 for a sufficient period of time to allow an adequate sanitization thereof.
The system could be connected to a web server which stores and monitors the status thereof and a communication system could be integrated in conference between operator in exposed area and the tutor which could supervise and guide the operator remotely.
Moreover, the flexible duct could include, on a section thereof, a UV tube 14, or a duct section containing inside thereof an emission of germicidal light in the UV field V, for example implemented by means of additional UV LEDs arranged in sequence along the section 14 (figure 4), similar to those already provided for the sanitizing chamber 9.
The sanitizing system 1 could comprise shoulder straps or other belts to arrange the box-like casing 8 and the suction device 2 at the operator's back, then in an area separated from the front activity field of the operator.
Moreover, a power supply of the electric motor, of the electro-static filter 10, of the emitters of the germicidal light in the sanitizing chamber 9 and in the UV tube UV 14, of the control unit 5 and of possible actuators of valves or the like is provided, implemented preferably by means of a rechargeable battery, for example of the type with Lithium ions, which could be recharged at a separate charging station, and connected to the sanitizing system 1 when in use. By using the system as assisted ventilation system in fixed location, the system could be fed by the power supply by using the suitable feeder.
It could be received in the box-like casing 8 or it could be connected to the operator, for example to his/her belt, suitable electric connections being provided.
To the above-described sanitizing system for ventilated breathing a person skilled in the art, with the purpose of satisfying additional and contingent needs, could introduce several modifications and variants, all however comprised within the protective scope of the present invention, as defined by the enclosed claims.

Claims

1. A sanitizing system (1) for ventilated breathing, comprising:
• a suction device (2), comprising a filter (3) at a section for entering atmospheric air, feeding a sanitizing chamber (9); and
• a breathing mask (12), apt to be applied to an operator's face, and a flexible duct (11) connecting said breathing mask (12) to said sanitizing chamber (9), wherein said sanitizing chamber (9) comprises a higher air internal volume than the air volume which can be sucked by a human during one single sucking phase, and wherein said sanitizing chamber (9) inside said internal volume, and at least one section (14) of at least said flexible duct, comprise light emitters in the UV-C field with germicidal effect.
2. The sanitizing system according to claim 1, wherein the suction device (2) comprises a suction fan (4) actuated by an electric motor.
3. The sanitizing system according to claim 1, wherein the suction device (2) and the sanitizing chamber (9) are connected by means of a discharge line (7) which comprises an electrostatic filter (10).
4. The sanitizing system according to claim 1, wherein the volume of the sanitizing chamber (9) is greater than or equal to 1,0 dm3, preferably 1,5 dm3.
5. The sanitizing system according to claim 1, wherein said light emitters in the UV field comprise UV LEDs.
6. The sanitizing system according to claim 1, wherein the flexible duct (11) comprises a check valve at the connection with said sanitizing chamber (9).
7. The sanitizing system according to claim 6, wherein the sanitizing chamber (9) comprises at least an inlet valve actuated by a command of a control unit (5), which regulate the air path, and pressure sensors apt to detect the inhalation and exhalation phases of the operator's breathing.
8. The sanitizing system according to claim 1, comprising shoulder straps or other belts for arranging a box-like casing (8) including said sanitizing chamber (9) and the suction device (2) at the operator's back.
9. The sanitizing system according to claim 7, comprising a power supply with a rechargeable battery, and wherein said control unit (5) is provided with a display (6) and with an input interface.
PCT/IB2021/053507 2020-04-29 2021-04-28 Sanitizing system for ventilated breathing WO2021220179A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102020000009427A IT202000009427A1 (en) 2020-04-29 2020-04-29 SANITATION SYSTEM FOR VENTILATED BREATHING
IT102020000009427 2020-04-29

Publications (1)

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WO2021220179A1 true WO2021220179A1 (en) 2021-11-04

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PCT/IB2021/053507 WO2021220179A1 (en) 2020-04-29 2021-04-28 Sanitizing system for ventilated breathing

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WO (1) WO2021220179A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20230010836A1 (en) * 2021-07-08 2023-01-12 William Jennings Wearable Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Assembly

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070163588A1 (en) * 2005-11-08 2007-07-19 Jack Hebrank Respirators for Delivering Clean Air to an Individual User
US20180104517A1 (en) * 2016-10-18 2018-04-19 Carmen Schuller Air purifier apparatus with flexible filter modules

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070163588A1 (en) * 2005-11-08 2007-07-19 Jack Hebrank Respirators for Delivering Clean Air to an Individual User
US20180104517A1 (en) * 2016-10-18 2018-04-19 Carmen Schuller Air purifier apparatus with flexible filter modules

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20230010836A1 (en) * 2021-07-08 2023-01-12 William Jennings Wearable Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IT202000009427A1 (en) 2021-10-29

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