WO2021222331A1 - Masque facial à lumière ultraviolette (uv) pour la protection contre les infections - Google Patents

Masque facial à lumière ultraviolette (uv) pour la protection contre les infections Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021222331A1
WO2021222331A1 PCT/US2021/029504 US2021029504W WO2021222331A1 WO 2021222331 A1 WO2021222331 A1 WO 2021222331A1 US 2021029504 W US2021029504 W US 2021029504W WO 2021222331 A1 WO2021222331 A1 WO 2021222331A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mask
light
chamber
flow rate
face mask
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2021/029504
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Mark Rolfe JOHNSON
Scott Miles
Robert L. Bishop
Original Assignee
Uvertek, Inc.
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 Uvertek, Inc. filed Critical Uvertek, Inc.
Publication of WO2021222331A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021222331A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B23/00—Filters for breathing-protection purposes
    • A62B23/02—Filters for breathing-protection purposes for respirators
    • 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
    • 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
    • A62B18/02—Masks
    • 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
    • A62B18/08—Component parts for gas-masks or gas-helmets, e.g. windows, straps, speech transmitters, signal-devices
    • 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
    • A62B18/08—Component parts for gas-masks or gas-helmets, e.g. windows, straps, speech transmitters, signal-devices
    • A62B18/084—Means for fastening gas-masks to heads or helmets

Definitions

  • Airborne droplets containing pathogens e.g., viruses, bacteria, fungi, molds, protozoa, or the like
  • pathogens e.g., viruses, bacteria, fungi, molds, protozoa, or the like
  • Fabric face masks are reusable (washable) but provide lower levels of protection.
  • Medical-grade (e.g., surgical, N95) face masks provide higher levels of protection.
  • existing face mask solutions provide only "passive" protection (by blocking or filtering pathogens).
  • Existing face mask solutions are uncomfortable (and many times painful) and can make it difficult to breathe or be understood.
  • Existing face mask solutions cover facial expressions, fog glasses, and do not work well with beards, etc. Individuals must choose between comfort and protection but with either choice, they must also put up with the anti-social and environmental fallout these face mask solutions create.
  • Figure 1 is a Front view of head, mask chamber, lower-front level UV chamber, according to at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 2 is an exploded front view of mask chamber, lower-front level UV chamber, and side-arm attachments, according to at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 3 is an exploded side view of mask chamber, lower-front level UV chamber, and side-arm attachments, according to at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 4 is an exploded front view of mask chamber, UV chamber incorporated into side-arm attachments, according to at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 5 is an exploded side view of mask chamber, UV chamber incorporated into side-arm attachments, according to at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 6 illustrate examples of various percent duty cycle waveforms, according to at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 7 illustrate an example of pressure versus airflow graph, according to at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of UV light treatment apparatus, according to at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 9 is a section view of example of labyrinth UV chamber geometry, according to at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 10 is a section view example of "spiral tube” geometry UV chamber, according to at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 11 is an end view if example of opposing scroll UV chamber, according to at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 12 is an oblique view of example geometry of UV chamber, according to at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 13 is a rear view of example side-arm attachments on head, according to at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 14 is a side view of example side-arm attachments on head with mask, according to at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 15 is a top view of unattached example of strap attachment magnetic clasp, according to at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 16 is a top view of attached example of strap attachment magnetic clasp, according to at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 17 is an oblique view of battery and/or electronics enclosure incorporated onto strap attachment magnetic clasp, according to at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 18 is a side view of head with hinged side-arm mask attachment, according to at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 19 is a front view of head with hinged side-arm mask attachment, according to at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 20 is a top view of hinged side-arm attachment with padding, according to at least one embodiment.
  • existing face mask solutions provide only passive protection (by blocking or filtering pathogens), are uncomfortable (and many times painful), don't fit well, make it difficult to breathe or be understood, cover facial expressions, fog glasses, do not work well with facial hair (mostly beards), are not eco-friendly (biohazard material that ends up in landfills and oceans), are not cost effective (recurring costs of new disposable masks and/or filters), are not hygienic nor sustainable.
  • This disclosure relates to UV light face masks for infection protection and describes a face mask that can be used in times of viral, bacterial, fungal, or prion community exposure, such as in a pandemic, act of terrorism, or generally whenever there is a concern for acquiring or transmitting an infectious disease in aerosolized or droplet form, or otherwise suspended or contained in air.
  • the mask uses ultraviolet light, preferably in the UV-C spectrum, to inactivate, denature, attenuate, kill, neutralize, or otherwise modify the infectious and/or illness provoking characteristics of the infectious agent of concern. This may beneficially induce immunity against the infectious organisms by allowing largely intact but neutralized fragments of the organism to be introduced safely to the mask wearer, provoking an immune response from the mask wearer.
  • This non-specific immunogenic mask may find utility with a variety of viral illnesses, including novel organisms that may not yet be identified or be in existence.
  • This clear face mask does not necessarily filter particulates, but rather, allows air to flow freely while protecting the mask wearer via a chamber that irradiates pathogens using UV light as described herein.
  • the UV light face mask may include a mask chamber, a UV light chamber through which a gas (e.g., air that may be breathed in or out) flows in or out of the mask chamber, a UV light source, and circuity to control the UV light source to emit UV light within the UV light chamber in order to irradiate pathogens within the gas.
  • a gas e.g., air that may be breathed in or out
  • the UV chamber can allow for passage of the irradiated pathogens as described herein.
  • the circuitry can include a controller which can adjust an intensity of the UV light source based on measured parameters.
  • the circuitry may include a flow meter (e.g., solid-state flow meter) coupled to the controller to measure a respiratory flow rate of the user, and the intensity of the UV light may be adjusted based on the respiratory flow rate in order to effectively irradiate and/or kill pathogens within the gas.
  • the measured parameters can include one or more of a gas flow rate, a minute flow volume, a respiratory rate, a pressure within the mask chamber, a temperature of the gas, or the like, as well as other parameters that may be derived from any measured parameter.
  • the UV light face mask may also include a transmitter to transmit measured parameter data to a user device, a remote database (e.g., at a hospital, physician office, or the like), etc.
  • UV light could also be used to treat non-living substances in the air.
  • chemical substances can have their structure damaged or modified to render them less harmful to the user, such as in photo-catalytic oxidation or other light-based processes.
  • photo-catalytic oxidation may be used to destroy nerve agents or other toxic substances. This could be used to create, for example, an electronic "gas-mask.”
  • One or more, or all of these may be referred to as "contaminants" herein.
  • the amount of UV light to which an organism is exposed may be sufficient to kill the organism outright or render it unable to replicate.
  • the power of the light may be configured, determined, and/or adjusted to optimize the ability for the wearer to be exposed to enough attenuated or dead virus, bacteria, fungus or other organism to mount a protective immune response while minimizing the load of infectious virus in order to minimize the illness that may be obtained from this organism.
  • This optical method of treating the air flowing through the mask may have a distinct advantage over filtration systems because a physical filter (such as mesh, filtration fabric, etc.) need not be used.
  • the flow restriction imposed by the mask on the user's breathing is minimized since it does not have to flow through filter elements, but rather through open passages.
  • the power or light intensity may be intentionally altered during the respiratory cycle to match corresponding respiratory flow rates.
  • higher flow rates may need higher power to accomplish the same viral, bacterial, fungal, or other kill or other effect response as compared to lower flow rates.
  • the power supplied to UV light source may be increased or decreased using a linear or non-linear algorithm that matches the UV dose to the target organism kill, inactivation, photo-catalytic or other dose needed.
  • the mask may be configured to only treat inhaled air or exhaled air in order to minimize heat generation, energy usage and/or to maximize battery life as the specific needs may warrant. For example, a surgeon may only desire or need to treat his or her exhaled air, whereas others may only desire to protect themselves by treating inhaled air.
  • Figure 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a mask (10) on the head of a user.
  • the mask may include a membrane (12) formed to cover the face of the user.
  • the membrane (12) may be surrounded by a peripheral seal (14) which rests against the face of a user.
  • the membrane (12) may optionally be opaque, translucent, or clear. It may be equipped with an ultraviolet (UV) light treatment chamber (18) which may reside in one embodiment at the bottom-front of the mask as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.
  • UV ultraviolet
  • the mask may be attached to the head by means of straps or by side arms (16) (similar to eyeglasses) as shown in Figures 2 and 3. In these figures, the side arms (16) are shown as detached from the mask for clarity. These side arms may course under or over the ear.
  • the UV face mask may include a secure head clamp to secure at least a portion of the UV face mask to a face of a user.
  • the secure head clamp as described herein, can be used for any type of face mask.
  • the UV face mask may include a strap.
  • the strap may include a hinge such that the UV face mask may follow the movement of the face of the user (e.g., a mandible) via the hinge. Alternatively, the hinge may align the course of the mandible.
  • the hinge can be moveable or fixed. Such a configuration may allow the face mask to be fitted comfortably to the face of the user while still maintaining a substantially airtight seal between the UV face mask and the face of the user, especially during movements of the face or mandible of the user.
  • the mask chamber of the UV face mask can include a frame (e.g., semi-rigid frame) so that gas flowing in or out of the mask must also substantially flow through the UV light chamber. As such, pathogens within the air or gas flowing in or out of the UV face mask may be irradiated by the UV light.
  • a frame e.g., semi-rigid frame
  • Figures 13 and 14 show another embodiment of side arms (131) which employ at least one substantially vertical or non-horizontal member (133) to assist in holding the mask (10) against the face.
  • an air flow path may be integrated into one or more side arms (19) which hold the mask on the head of the user as suggested by Figures 4, 5, 13, and 14.
  • the side arm at least one UV chambers are shown detached from the mask for clarity.
  • Such a sidearm attachment may include at least one internal air flow passage.
  • the at least one air flow passage may be equipped with a UV light source to treat pathogens or contaminants in the air moving therethrough.
  • the air may flow bi-directionally through one or both side arms as the user inhales and exhales.
  • the air may flow into the mask through one the side arm UV chamber in order to treat inhaled air, and may flow out through the other side-arm.
  • the other outflow side arm air flow chamber may optionally include a UV emitter to treat exhaled breath of the user.
  • the facial mask component may incorporate an elastic membrane in its outer shell to transmit voice across the mask, aside from just transmitting along the airflow passage structures.
  • This membrane may be shaped such that it has regions that resonate with or transmit low frequency sounds and has regions that resonate with or transmit higher frequency sounds. For example, this may be accomplished with a teardrop shape or an eye shape, thereby providing broader zones for low frequency and narrower zones for high frequency.
  • This frequency range capture could also be accomplished with variable thickness membrane.
  • the membrane could taper centrally and be thicker peripherally. Alternatively, this frequency resonance can be accomplished using varying tension in the membrane. Tighter corresponding to higher frequencies and lower tension corresponding to lower frequencies.
  • Another means of enhancing certain frequencies may, for example, incorporate tuned lengths in sound transmission (tubular) elements, similar to an "organ pipe" effect. Longer lengths may correspond to lower frequencies and shorter lengths may correspond to higher frequencies. Voice clarity may thus be improved.
  • the mask may be constructed from clear materials to allow visibility of the face and mouth. This may minimize social distancing that can occur with opaque masks. It may also allow hearing impaired persons or others to observe the mouth to lip read, or simply to observe facial emotions, thus enhancing communication with the user.
  • the overall face contoured portion of the mask, especially above the bridge of the nose may be made from thermally or otherwise formable material to allow accommodation to various anatomy of the nose and other areas of the mask. Once formed to the desired shape, the material may retain the conformed shape to maximize user comfort. It may also be of utility to decrease the mask's air volume and hence dead space to improve certain respiratory parameters, such as C02 retention.
  • FIG. 8 A schematic view of one embodiment of a UV treatment chamber is shown in Figure 8.
  • Air may flow into the chamber assembly through an entrance as indicated by dotted air flow arrows (80), through a labyrinth (83), past at least one UV reflective surface (84), and through the UV reflective treatment chamber (82).
  • a UV source (88) may be disposed on a circuit board (86) in such a way as to direct its UV energy into the treatment portion (82) of the system. It will be noted that the descriptions herein may suggest a specific air flow direction for clarity, however the flow may be bidirectional depending on whether the user is inhaling or exhaling.
  • the UV treatment assembly allow free flow of air therethrough while preventing the escape of UV light to the surroundings.
  • the UV treatment systems may assume various configurations.
  • air may flow into (or out of) vents (95) past a circuit board (96) through a labyrinth (93) and into the treatment chamber (90).
  • the process is reversed as the air flows out of the other part of the assembly.
  • the air flowing through the system may be utilized to provide cooling for the circuit board or the UV emitter to prevent overheating.
  • FIG 10 shows a sectioned view of another possible embodiment of a UV treatment assembly which incorporates one or more air flow tubes (103 and 106) which wrap around a central UV treatment chamber (100). Air flows through a tube entrance (105), through the tube (106) and enters the UV treatment chamber (100) via a connection at (102). Upon exiting the treatment chamber (100) at (107) it spirals around the flow tube (103) to an exit (not shown). Flow may be bidirectional.
  • Figures 4 and 5 suggest a UV treatment chamber assembly which is contained within the side arms of the mask attachment tubes (19).
  • air may flow into the rear end of the side arm tube (19) through a vent or labyrinth, then through the hollow sidearm (19) wherein a UV light source may be disposed. Air may then flow through a labyrinth or other light blocking structure into the mask (10).
  • the interior of the side arm flow tube may be fabricated from or coated with a UV reflective material to enhance internal reflections, thus amplifying the intensity of the UV light within the treatment volume.
  • a UV treatment system may be implemented by means of opposing scroll shaped or substantially spiral elements (115 and 118). These will be preferentially oriented to spiral in opposite directions to facilitate unrestricted flow of air as it transitions from an entrance scroll, through a treatment volume (110), and thence to an exit scroll.
  • supplemental 02 may be bled into the mask cavity to support the oxygen requirement of the user, and this flow may be regulated, such as by incorporating data obtained from the mask's integrated flow meter.
  • This 02 may be delivered via a conduit that may consist of a tube or other hollow structure and may travel along or within the side arms, if present, or be presented to the mask by any other adequately secure structure. It may communicate with the interior of the mask via a connection port which may be placed across any boundary of the mask, such as a side wall or via the UV light treatment chamber. It is assumed that a secondary exit port may be needed, which could be via the actual UV light treatment chamber instead.
  • the volume of the mask may be beneficially used as an oxygen economizer that functions to deliver a higher concentration of supplemental 02 at the beginning phase of inhalation (allowing it to be inhaled more deeply into the lungs) vs the baseline 02 flow that ordinarily supplements 02 delivery throughout the respiratory cycle, including later in inhalation and, wastefully, throughout exhalation.
  • current oxygen economizer devices on the market may be mechanical in design, may incorporate a small collapsible reservoir to provide a small bolus of concentrated 02 at the beginning of inhalation, and generally require continuous 02 flow, including during exhalation, for them to function. This may be wasteful of concentrated 02.
  • pulsed oxygen conserving devices currently exist on the market that are designed to deliver oxygen continuously during inhalation, but not during exhalation.
  • those currently available do not continuously vary their flow rate based upon the instantaneous optimal needs of the actual respiratory cycle, nor do they pair with existing oxygen economizers to further enhance the 02 delivery at the beginning phase of inhalation.
  • the UV Light Face Mask is designed to treat essentially all inhaled and exhaled air with UV Light in order to limit the personal and community exposure to live organisms, including viruses. This may be accomplished in the same treatment conduit or in separate treatment conduits. Alternatively, the mask may be configured to only treat inhaled air or exhaled air in order to minimize heat generation, energy usage and/or to maximize battery life as the specific needs may warrant. For example, a surgeon may only desire or need to treat his or her exhaled air, whereas others may only desire to protect themselves by treating inhaled air.
  • the mask may include a semi-rigid or flexible component that will facilitate forming a seal to the face of the user such that air will be compelled to flow through the UV treatment chamber attached to the mask rather than leaking around the edges of the mask.
  • the UV light face mask may include a chamber through which the air can flow in or out, a sensor, a UV light source, and a microcontroller.
  • the sensory may be operatively coupled to the chamber, and may be configured to measure a flow rate of the air flowing in and/or out of the chamber.
  • the UV light source may generate UV light to irradiate pathogens in the air that is flowing in and/or out of the chamber.
  • the microcontroller may be operatively coupled to the sensor in order to determine an instantaneous respiratory flow pattern.
  • the flow pattern can be a respiratory cycle, a minute respiratory flow rate, or the like.
  • the microcontroller may determine that the first minute respiratory flow rate meets a specified criterion (e.g., is too low or too high, contains above or below a threshold amount of a measurable attribute, etc.).
  • the microcontroller may further send the first minute respiratory flow rate to a second device (e.g., a user device, a mobile phone, tablet, or computer, or a remote server, such as a hospital or a physician clinic) when the first minute respiratory rate meets the specified criterion.
  • the microcontroller can determine a minute respiratory volume based on the first respiratory flow rate.
  • the microcontroller can generate and send an alert, such as at least one of a visual alert or an auditory alert.
  • the alert can be transmitted to a remote system.
  • the UV light face mask or the microcontroller of the UV light face mask may include a memory device to store the respiratory flow pattern and the minute respiratory volumes.
  • the memory device can store historical respiratory flow rates of the user, which can allow for instantaneous measured parameters to be compared to baseline parameters for the individual user. Further, by recording historical data, the specified criteria may be determined on a user-by-user basis.
  • the microcontroller may determine respiratory flow rates for the user and adjust an intensity of the UV light in the UV treatment chamber based on the measured respiratory flow rates.
  • the measured respiratory flow rates or other measured or calculated parameters can be used to determine a metabolic rate of the user.
  • a table of data can be stored and includes proper UV intensity for various pathogens (e.g., time versus intensity).
  • the UV light face mask may also include an infrared sensor that can measure a hemoglobin oxygen saturation level of the user.
  • An important component in this design is an optional flow meter that is used to monitor air flow rate through the mask.
  • measuring the flow rate may optionally be used with an algorithm, formula, or a flow rate calibration look-up table to increase UV power during times of more rapid respiratory flow rates and decrease UV power when respirations slow; thus saving battery life.
  • This same flow meter can be used to monitor variable respiratory rate and minute respiratory volume. These measurements can be compared to previous similar rates for the wearer, thereby being able to register any changes in these important physiologic parameters.
  • the mask may be used as an oxygen delivery system.
  • a face mask (which may or may not include a UV light chamber), can include a mask chamber, a sensor to perform a measurement of one or more physiological parameters, and an interface to couple to an oxygen delivery system. Because there is a sensory, a quantity of oxygen can be delivered to the mask chamber based on the measurement of the physiological parameters. This can have the advantage over other oxygen delivery systems in that the quantity of oxygen that is delivered may be regulated (e.g., increased or decreased) based on the measurement of the physiological parameters.
  • the senor can sense at least a respiratory flow rate and can determine at least one of a body temperature, a heart rate, a respiratory rate, a minute respiratory volume, a minute carbon dioxide production, a minute oxygen consumption, end-tidal C02 level or the like.
  • the mask can still include a UV chamber and a UV light source to irradiated pathogens in the delivered oxygen as well as oxygen that enters or leaves the mask chamber.
  • UV dose needed to inactivate or kill various pathogens or otherwise de toxify contaminants.
  • UV dose may be quantified for example in units of microWatts per square centimeter (pWs/cm 2 ). Values ranging 3,000 to 50,000 pWs/cm 2 and higher are commonly needed to achieve 90 to 99.9% reduction in viable viruses, bacteria or other pathogens. Doses required to achieve the inactivation or killing of pathogens or deactivation of contaminants have been studied and are established in the many research papers which have been written on the subject.
  • the power delivered to the UV light source may be varied as needed depending on the flow rate of air passing through the UV treatment chamber.
  • the instantaneous respiratory volumetric flow rate will range from zero up to even hundreds of liters per minute depending on the activity of the user. At low flow rates, the air will pass more slowly through the UV treatment chamber. As air flow increases, the air will pass through the UV treatment chamber more rapidly. In order to get the target UV dose, the intensity must increase when the time decreases. Conversely, as the flow rate slows, the time spent within the UV treatment chamber increases, thus allowing to UV intensity to be decreased while still achieving the target dose. As the flow rate approaches zero, the UV power may approach zero.
  • the intensity of the UV light source may be adjusted based on parameters that are measured, such as the flow rate, the time that the air spends in the UV treatment chambers, a breathing profile, temperature of the air within the UV treatment chamber, or the like.
  • the UV face mask can include a sensor to measure a respiratory flow rate from which a controller or microcontroller can determine a breathing flow rate, and adjust the intensity of the UV light based on the respiratory flow rate and the breathing profile.
  • the breathing profile may be representative of a user's metabolic rate, which can be used to derive other attributes, such as a general health of the user, whether or not the user has been infected with a pathogen, etc.
  • the respiratory flow rate may be a minute respiratory flow rate.
  • the respiratory flow rate may be quantified by other means, such as a gross flow rate, a respiratory flow rate compared to a baseline respiratory flow rate, or the like.
  • These pulses may vary from 0% ON time (no pulses) up to 100% ON time or any percentage between.
  • Figure 6 shows an example of the pulse width changing from 25%, 50%, and 75% ON time.
  • Zero % ON time would be represented by an absence of any drive to the UV light source.
  • 100% ON time would occur when the UV light source is continuously driven at a pre-determined maximal value.
  • the intensity of the UV light source may be driven at a maximal value.
  • the average light intensity over time is varied by modulating the width of the pulse to get a desired percentage of ON time.
  • One embodiment of the flow meter consists at least one pressure sensor placed inside or in communication with the air flow passages of the UV chamber or mask chamber in order to measure the air pressure created as the user inhales or exhales.
  • This pressure can be correlated to a volumetric flow rate by a calibration procedure specific to the geometry of the UV treatment chamber and mask. Pressure created will be positive or negative depending on whether the user is inhaling or exhaling.
  • volumetric flow rate through a flow channel or other restriction such as an orifice or fitting can be calculated using various equations depending on the geometry of the flow device.
  • equation for pressure change through a simple orifice may be found by:
  • K and N are calibration constants that may be ascertained by performing a curve fit to flow curve data gathered using when performing a flow calibration on the device, and P is the output from a device measuring pressure changes in the air flow elements in the system. Higher order equations may be employed to give more accuracy.
  • the air flow paths through the device of the present embodiments may be a complex combination of flow path features and elements.
  • a calibration or characterization procedure may be performed in which air may be caused to flow through the device at a known flow rate from an external source. This may be repeated for a multiplicity of known flow rates.
  • the resulting pressure created within the mask or UV chamber at each known flow rate can be measured at one or more convenient locations in the device.
  • a pressure-versus-flow curve may be created and stored in the memory of a microcontroller.
  • a mathematical formula or other algorithm may be created and used to determine flow rate based on pressure changes in the air flow passages.
  • the pressure changes created by the inhaled or exhaled breath flowing through the device may be measured and converted to a volumetric flow rate by means of the calibrated flow curve data, formula, or algorithm stored in memory.
  • Figure 7 shows an illustrative flow curve example.
  • a flow meter may be realized by utilizing a "constant temperature hot wire" flow meter approach wherein an electrically conductive wire or film is positioned in or adjacent to the flow path and heated by electrical current to achieve a specific temperature in the wire. Air flowing past this heated wire will cool the wire in a repeatable way. Higher air velocity over the wire will cause more cooling to occur, thus necessitating increased electrical current to maintain the temperature of the wire at the target value. Lower air velocity will require less electrical current to maintain the target temperature of the wire.
  • the electrical current needed to maintain the temperature of the wire may be monitored by a microcontroller or other electronic device. This electrical current may be calibrated against known air flow rates and stored in a microcontroller.
  • a "constant current hot wire" type air flow meter may be realized by providing a constant current to a conductive wire or film in or adjacent to the flow path.
  • the wire may have a resistance which varies with the temperature of the wire.
  • the electrical current will heat the wire to a temperature dependent on the flow of air passing over the wire. Increased flow over the wire will cool the wire to a lower temperature. Lower flow rates will cool less, thus resulting in a higher wire temperature.
  • the resistance and temperature of the wire may be monitored during use.
  • the temperature of the wire may be correlated to a known flow rate and stored in microcontroller memory. When in use, this flow-versus-wire-temperature calibration table may be compared to the wire temperature at any instant to derive a flow rate at that time.
  • the volumetric flow rate through the device may be measured and calculated many times per second if desired using commonly available microcontrollers. This high speed capability allows the continuous and substantially instantaneous measurement of flow at any time.
  • a key benefit of knowing the instantaneous flow rate is that various parameters of the device, its surroundings, as well as the user of the device may be monitored or inferred.
  • the instantaneous respiratory flow rate varies from zero liters per minute to many liters per minute as the user inhales and exhales. This flow range is significantly affected by the activity of the user.
  • Athletic or other strenuous effort will produce high flow rates compared to more sedentary or resting activities.
  • Instantaneous inhaled and exhaled peak flow rates may range from zero up to as high as hundreds of liters per minute.
  • volumetric flow rate is to characterize physiological parameters of the user.
  • the flow measurement may be used to determine whether the user is actually wearing the device.
  • the mask can also incorporate one or more C02 sensors, especially on exhalation, to determine the C02 flow and minute volume. Similar 02 sensors on inhalation and/or exhalation can also be able to measure 02 consumption, which would provide another physiologic indicator for metabolic rate. Sensors, such as infrared, can be incorporated to measure hemoglobin 02 saturation and heart rate.
  • C02 attenuates or absorbs infrared (IR) energy
  • C02 may optionally be measured by measuring how much infrared light is attenuated while passing through the air stream between an IR emitter and detector suitably positioned in the mask or UV treatment chamber.
  • each additional physiologic parameter that can be measured can increase the accuracy of metabolic rate estimates and therefore increase the accuracy of screening for infections and other conditions that would be helpful to screen and surveil.
  • the physiologic monitoring provided by this mask can be integrated with other physiologic monitoring as can be provided by smart phones and smart watches, such as body movement, that can be able to help determine whether the mask wearer is at rest or is moving, therefore experiencing other conditions that can impact metabolic rate.
  • infections There is a need to surveil and screen persons who may be at increased risk for transmitting and spreading infections.
  • a portion of these infections may be transmitted by respiratory paths, such as with droplets or aerosol, and other infections may be non- respiratory in nature.
  • infections will generally change the metabolic demands on the body, which produces more C02, and is reflected in changes of physiologic parameters such as body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, minute respiratory volume, minute C02 production, and minute 02 consumption.
  • Respiratory infections may also affect hemoglobin 02 saturation. Monitoring these parameters could have important ramifications for individual and community health. Some of these parameters, such as spot temperature readings, instantaneous heart and respiratory rates, and hemoglobin 02 saturation are straightforward to measure. Others are more elusive to measure in ordinary conditions, but may be possible by the UV Light Face Mask which could measure any of the following physiologic parameters.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can incorporate and use various sensors and/or associated electronics in the mask to measure, infer or calculate physiological parameters of the mask wearer (e.g., inhaled and/or exhaled air temperature, body temperature, heart rate, respiratory flow rate, respiratory rate, minute respiratory volume, minute volume C02, minute volume 02, blood hemoglobin 02 saturation (Sa02), oxygen consumption, V02 max, C02 concentration, end tidal C02, basal metabolic rate, etc.).
  • physiological parameters of the mask wearer e.g., inhaled and/or exhaled air temperature, body temperature, heart rate, respiratory flow rate, respiratory rate, minute respiratory volume, minute volume C02, minute volume 02, blood hemoglobin 02 saturation (Sa02), oxygen consumption, V02 max, C02 concentration, end tidal C02, basal metabolic rate, etc.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can measure inhaled and/or exhaled air temperature in a mask using a thermistor, thermocouple, diode leakage current, or other means.
  • a thermistor thermocouple
  • diode leakage current or other means.
  • the resistance or voltage drop of a thermistor exposed to the airstream could be measured based on the characteristics of the thermistor.
  • the voltage generated by a thermocouple i.e., the Seebeck effect
  • Diode leakage current could be measured using an operational amplifier (op-amp) circuit to detect the current.
  • op-amp operational amplifier
  • a "hot wire anemometer” could be used by passing current through a wire causing it to heat up and then be cooled by passing air; thus affecting its electrical resistance. Any of these signals or parameters could be analyzed by a processing device (e.g., microprocessor or other circuit) to determine the temperature of the air.
  • the mask system may optionally provide feedback or indications to the user and others such as (without limitation) low battery warnings, excessive air flow beyond the ability of the UV system to provide effective treatment of contaminants or organisms, an indication that the system is on and operational, and others. It may also give indications or various alarms or warnings of conditions such as high flow rates of short duration possibly indicative of coughing, notification of symptoms or indicators of possible infection or disease, high body temperature, low oxygen saturation in the blood, abnormal heartbeat or breathing patterns, and others.
  • feedback or indications to the user and others such as (without limitation) low battery warnings, excessive air flow beyond the ability of the UV system to provide effective treatment of contaminants or organisms, an indication that the system is on and operational, and others. It may also give indications or various alarms or warnings of conditions such as high flow rates of short duration possibly indicative of coughing, notification of symptoms or indicators of possible infection or disease, high body temperature, low oxygen saturation in the blood, abnormal heartbeat or breathing patterns, and others.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can determine the body temperature of the mask wearer (e.g., fever, normal, hypothermic) by measuring the temperature of the exhaled air in a mask using a temperature sensor and associated electronics as described above.
  • a processing device can execute an algorithm to receive the measured data and process the measured data to obtain results based on the body temperature.
  • the algorithm can increase the accuracy of the result based on other measurements or physiological parameters. To improve accuracy, this algorithm can employ compensation factors based on inhaled air temperature, thermal time constant of the measuring device, ambient (barometric) air pressure, or the like.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can determine the body temperature of the mask wearer using an infrared sensor to detect energy coming from the skin.
  • the sensor could generate a voltage or current based on the incoming infrared energy that could be analyzed by the algorithm executed by a processing device or other circuit.
  • this algorithm can employ compensation factors based on inhaled air temperature, heat from nearby electronics, external temperature, or the like.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can measure airflow rate in a mask using a flow meter and associated electronics (digital or analog) and an algorithm.
  • a pressure sensor could measure the pressure drop of air flowing through the mask. This pressure drop could be calibrated and analyzed by a processing device or other circuit to provide the corresponding flow rate.
  • accuracy of flow rate, 02, and/or C02 measurements can be improved by including the actual absolute (barometric) pressure surrounding the user. Absolute or barometric air pressure can be measured when the airflow rate through the mask is approximately zero. In this situation, the pressure drop due to flow through the mask passages is zero, thus allowing measurement of the surrounding ambient air pressure.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can calculate the respiratory rate of the mask wearer based on airflow patterns thru the mask as determined above by analyzing air flow rate changes over time to detect patterns that correspond to breathing.
  • a processing device or other circuit and software algorithm could be used to analyze slope and direction of airflow through the mask to determine the respiratory rate. The reliability could be enhanced by considering factors such as airflow, air pressure, and/or air temperature simultaneously.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can detect coughing or sneezing of the mask wearer by monitoring the air pressure, flow rate, and/or temperature of air in a mask by detecting sudden increases in air flow, air temperature, and/or air pressure.
  • the detection reliability could be enhanced by considering these factors simultaneously.
  • a processing device or other circuit and software algorithm could be used to implement this detection means.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can measure the minute respiratory volume of the mask wearer using a microprocessor or other circuit and software algorithm, integrating the respiratory flow and/or volume over time.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can measure the minute volume C02 of the mask wearer using the respiratory flow rate, volume, and/or C02 concentration over time.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can measure minute volume 02 of the mask wearer using the respiratory flow rate, volume, and/or 02 concentration over time.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can determine whether the mask wearer can be ill using one or more parameters measured or inferred to determine the probability. For example, increased (or possibly decreased) minute respiratory volume, increased C02 minute volume, increased 02 minute volume, decreased Sa02, changes in heart rate, body temperature, increased cough, flushed skin, and/or elevated skin temperature may suggest illness. This information can be used to warn the mask wearer and/or the mask wearer's employer or other organization monitoring the health of the mask wearer. It may also be transmitted to a central data processor to pool user data and refine similar indicators for populations and individuals within the population using standardly available big data processing techniques.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can measure the energy (in calories) expended by the mask wearer to heat the air being breathed by measuring the temperature of the exhaled air and subtracting the temperature of the inhaled air and multiplying the difference by the volume of the air and the specific heat of air.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can monitor Sa02 of the mask wearer using a dual optical wavelength absorption by the skin or an optical reflection from the skin.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can measure the heart rate of the mask wearer by monitoring the absorption of light as the cardiac pulse expands blood vessels during systole (contraction) and then allows the vessel to contract during diastole (relaxation).
  • Light can be directed into the skin and the amount of light absorbed or scattered by the skin or tissue can be monitored using an electronic optical detector.
  • An electronic sensor optically monitoring Sa02 can also be used to measure this varying light absorption, or it can be accomplished using an independent sensor.
  • An algorithm which calculates slope and levels of the signal and other changes in this detected pattern can be used to calculate pulse rate.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can measure the heart rate of the mask wearer using infrared emission from the skin. Blood flow through body tissues changes the temperature of such tissues. This temperature change can be monitored by detecting the infrared energy emitted by the blood and/or skin using an electronic detector. [0090] In at least one embodiment, the UV Light Face Mask can monitor 02, Sa02,
  • the UV Light Face Mask can measure C02 concentration in exhaled air, including end-tidal C02, of the mask wearer using infra-red absorption possibly coupled with respiratory flow rate or other methods.
  • C02 absorbs infrared energy.
  • An infrared emitter can direct energy toward an infrared detector.
  • C02 in the optical path between the emitter and detector will absorb a portion of that infrared energy. This absorption can be measured and used to calculate the amount of C02 present in the intervening air.
  • End tidal C02 is the concentration of C02 detected at the end of a breath.
  • the end of a breath can be detected using airflow direction and rate through the mask.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can calculate basal metabolic rate of the mask wearer by using the minute volume of C02 produced by the body or other means, which can be closely estimated by using the minute ventilation.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can measure the mask wearer's oxygen consumption or V02 using 02 level of the inhaled and exhaled breath as well as respiratory flow volume.
  • the units for V02 are milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute (mL/kg/min).
  • Sa02 percentage of hemoglobin 02 binding sites occupied by 02 levels could be monitored from a two-sided approach where the light shines through the nose from one side and is detected on the other.
  • light can be directed at the side of the nose or into a nostril. Light transmitted through the skin into or out of the nostril can be monitored and used to calculate Sa02 or other parameters.
  • a 1- sided approach can be used wherein light shines at skin and the reflected light is detected and evaluated.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can have various mechanisms to hold the mask onto the head of the user.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can have a semi-rigid frame that softly clamps the mask onto the head of the user, thereby providing support without the need for excessive elastic pressure of the mask against the face of the user.
  • the frame can have contact points on the upper aspect of the nose (near 501), under the maxillary prominence (check bone, now shown) and on the back of the head or neck (507), such as just underneath the mastoid processes or anywhere else in the vicinity where secure contact can be achieved.
  • the hinged component (509) essentially follows the movement of the mandible, which is a fixed-length structure and can match the semi-rigid frame design very securely.
  • the frame can be made of acetate, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, titanium, aluminum, NiTinol or other material that gives sufficient rigidity for effective use, but has sufficient elasticity to provide a comfortable soft pressure for a more secure mount.
  • connection of this frame to the mask proper may ideally be near the level of the mouth, rather than up by the nose, and will minimize rotation about a horizontal axis at this connection site, thereby not allowing the mask to flex away from the face, minimizing any vertical travel of the posterior aspect of frame where it contacts the back of the head and/or neck.
  • Figures 18, 19, and 20 show a prototype of the upper portion of the frame.
  • the mandibular portions (509) are shown, but are understood to be optional components.
  • the mask (518) may be integrated into this attachment structure.
  • This frame may also serve to mount batteries, electronics, and/or conduits for air or oxygen to be delivered to the face mask proper.
  • this head clamp design may also be used for variations of this face mask that do not use UV light and may not require a UV reactor tube, such as may be used for 02 delivery to the user or for otherwise ordinary masks that use a filter for air purification and the like.
  • the mask may alternatively be secured to the head , as shown in Figures 13 and 14, with side-arms (131) as are found in eyeglasses. These side-arms may optionally course over or under the ears (or both), and they may provide a storage location for batteries and electronics. They may also optionally incorporate the air UV treatment tube or conduit.
  • the mask side arms may incorporate regions of flex to improve fit and/or comfort. For example, the area that curves about the ear may serve as a compression spring to maintain a force against the nose and another force against the back of the head.
  • the side arms may be designed to mount to the back of the head in planar alignment with the mount on the face such that the side arms exert a beneficial tension on the mask component of this apparatus. If the mount is too low (e.g., on the back of the neck), or too high (e.g., near the top of the head), the facial component may be encouraged to slide up or down the face, and the apparatus as a whole may be encouraged to rotate off the user, which this design is intended to avoid.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can be designed such that it clamps to the wearer with side arms (described previously) having posterior contact points, applying pressure variously to the back of the head, the mastoid processes, or the neck, including the upper part of the neck just underneath the mastoid processes.
  • the connection of the facial component of the mask and the side arms can be sufficiently secure such that the facial component does not rotate substantially on a horizontal access about the sidearm connections, thereby achieving a more secure mount to the user's head.
  • UV reactor chamber tube can be positioned horizontally anterior to the chin, in addition to the possible placement just below the chin.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can include a treatment chamber or battery chamber below the mouth and side-arm retention mechanisms. Side arms can alternatively connect at the lower end of the mask at the chin rather than at the sides near the nose as shown. It should be noted that the substantially vertical elements (133) on the rear of the head are optional.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can include a strap attached to the mask. The strap can conveniently hold the mask onto the head of the user. The strap can be wrapped around the head and attached to itself and/or the mask by means of a magnetic latch or other type of fastener.
  • a means of attaching the mask to the head is disclosed in Figures 15, 16, and 17 in which two straps (601 and 602) are attached to opposing sides of the mask holding structure. At least one magnet (610) is disposed on the surface of or in the interior of at least one of the straps. A magnet (611) or magnetically attracted material is disposed on or inside the opposing strap (602) in such a way that, when the straps are placed in proximity to each other, the magnet (610) will attract the other magnet or magnetic material to pull the straps together.
  • One or more protuberances (620) are disposed along at least one of the straps (601) which engage with recesses (624) in the opposite strap (602) to prevent slipping under tension.
  • the protuberances (620) of one strap engage with the recesses (624) in the opposite strap.
  • the engagement of the protuberances and recesses resists movement parallel to the surfaces of the straps or along the length of the straps, thus preventing disengagement.
  • the straps In order to disengage the straps, the straps must be pulled apart from each other in a perpendicular direction to separate the protuberances from the recesses.
  • the protuberances (620) and recesses (624) may be linear, circular, or any other shape that will suitably engage each other in use.
  • a removal tab (630) may be included to facilitate manipulation by the thumb or fingers to detach the straps.
  • the strap can include a first portion in which magnetic elements are disposed and a second portion in which magnetic elements are disposed along the first portion and the second portion to be fastened together magnetically.
  • At least one enclosure (640) may be located on at least one of the straps.
  • This enclosure may contain batteries (650) or electronics or both.
  • a battery or electronics enclosure can be remote from the UV Light Face Mask.
  • the enclosure can be integrated within the strap, such as at a point of fastening or in another location.
  • one or more batteries can be mounted at the back of the strap (601) where it would not directly weigh on the mask for support.
  • the battery or electronics can be integrated in a same housing as the UV Light Face Mask.
  • the battery can be integrated within the UV chamber, within the frame, or the like.
  • the battery can also be located in the front on the strap near the UV chamber.
  • the battery or electronics or both can also be contained in a remote enclosure connected by a cord.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can include an indicator to notify the user and/or others that the mask is operational by means of a visual (e.g. LED) or audible (e.g. audible alarm or speaker) means.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can include an indicator to notify the user when the flow rate is too high to allow adequate treatment of the air passing through the mask and/or that the battery is nearing depletion so as to make them aware that the mask will no longer offer a protective benefit.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can measure or collect data and can be evaluated on a processing device within the UV Light Face Mask.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can measure or collect data and transmit raw data to an external device, such as a smartphone, a personal computer, for processing. In some cases, the UV Light Face Mask does some processing and transmits the processed data to the external device for additional processing. In some cases, data can be measured, collected and/or evaluated by the mask and transmitted to an external monitor for the purpose of compliance monitoring. The compliance monitoring can indicate whether the mask is being used, what is the percentage of time, or the like.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can implement the method above.
  • the UV Light Face Mask inactivates or kills pathogens (using UV light) and allows the user (or others nearby) to breathe these pathogens in the air passing through the mask, thus prompting an immune response in the user and/or in others nearby).
  • the UV Light Face Mask can incorporate an internal microphone and an external speaker to play the user's voice in a clear manner that is un- muffled by the mask.
  • the external speaker can be located directly on the mask or the voice signal can be transmitted via a personal area network (PAN) radio (e.g., Bluetooth® radio) to another device, such as a remote speaker.
  • PAN personal area network
  • the UV Light Face Mask can transmit voice signals to external devices for translation into other languages including braille, captioning video streams, etc. Potential uses of voice signals could be to provide children with beginning reading feedback or muting students' voices allowing teachers to selectively listen to one student at a time during choral responses.
  • the data collected and/or calculated by the mask can be transmitted to a remote monitor via wireless interface or a wired interface.
  • the mask may be designed to deliver a variable range of power and/or UV light intensity or frequencies.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can include a means of measuring air flow rate through the mask and modulating the intensity of the UV light based on that air flow rate in order to maximize battery life while ensuring effective treatment of the pathogens in the airstream.
  • the UV dose needed to kill or inactivate a pathogen can be achieved using a lower UV intensity for a longer time, or a higher UV intensity for a shorter time. At higher flow rates, the air travels more quickly through the UV treatment chamber while at lower flow rates, the air takes longer to travel through the treatment chamber.
  • the UV intensity can be changed in a manner inversely proportional to the air's residence time in the treatment chamber.
  • the UV intensity could be increased.
  • the UV intensity can by decreased and still accomplish the desired inactivation or killing of pathogens in the air stream.
  • This intensity versus time relationship can be linear or non-linear depending on the UV dose needed to appropriately treat the pathogens. Possible relationships include:
  • UV Intensity k * flow rate, where "k" is a constant of proportionality
  • UV Intensity k * (flow rate) n , where "n" is an exponent related to the susceptibility of the pathogens to UV light
  • the UV Light Face Mask can control the UV intensity using a pulse width modulation (PWM) method, wherein the electrical current is supplied to the UV emitter by a series of electrical current pulses.
  • PWM pulse width modulation
  • the width of these pulses is varied according to the UV intensity desired. Narrower pulses will provide a lower UV emitter duty cycle or "ON" time. Wider pulses will provide a higher UV emitter duty cycle. Duty cycle can vary from 0% "ON" time to 100% “ON” time corresponding to 0 to 100% UV intensity. This is illustrated by the pulse stream Figure 6.
  • the data collected from one or more UV Light Face Mask can be stored and processed as big data for medical research, customizations, refining algorithms, or the like.
  • the various physiologic data mentioned in the text herein can be uploaded to a central database where it can be processed by big data techniques, algorithms, and technologies, such as Hadoop, to further refine the knowledge base of how values for these parameters can be combined to refine calculations of basal metabolic rate, probabilities of infection, mask efficacy for various targets of viral kill rates, efficacy of oxygenation, efficacy of respiration, etc.
  • this cumulative data can serve other scientific purposes in the study of human physiology related to infectious disease, exercise physiology, cardiopulmonary disease, psychology, and other conditions in which continuous monitoring of single or multiple physiologic parameters over time would be beneficial. This would benefit the individual mask wearer and benefit the larger community of mask wearers with shared data.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can perform physiological and/or clinical computations on electronics integrated locally with the mask.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can perform physiological and/or clinical computations on an external device.
  • the external device can run an application that receives data from the UV Light Face Mask.
  • Physiological data including breathing patterns and airflow rates can be used for a variety of social -emotional, health or disability indicators including but not limited to assessment of speech-language disorders, depression/anxiety, pain responses, apnea, or other sleep disorders, asthma or other respiratory disorders, etc.
  • big data analysis of physiological data could be used to identify regions with higher rates of depression/anxiety, respiratory disorders, apnea or sleep disorders, and other physiological conditions for research purposes.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can include a GPS circuitry (or other location sensors) to track a location of the UV Light Face Mask.
  • the location data can be combined with physiologic data to enhance "big data" analysis and other uses.
  • the location data can be used for proximity sensing to indicate and warn that a user has come in close proximity to someone who can be infected. This can be used as an alternate to contact tracing. This would be especially important if the user had the mask with them, but were not using the mask when it should have been in use.
  • the location data can also be used to allow parents or guardians using smartphones to track younger children who cannot have cell phones or older people unable to use a phone (via a "find my phone”-like function), including allowing "messages” sent via a wireless interface (e.g., Wi Fi® or Bluetooth® technologies) to be voiced through the mask to provide directions, commands, or support to a child or elderly relative or other person with disabilities.
  • a wireless interface e.g., Wi Fi® or Bluetooth® technologies
  • the UV Light Face Mask can monitor the intensity of the UV to verify that the electronic system is functioning properly. If the UV intensity should vary in unexpected ways, the user or others could be notified by the UV Light Face Mask.
  • UV intensity could diminish due to component aging or electronic failure. In this event, the UV emitter could be turned off so as to prevent UV exposure to the user or others.
  • the UV Light Face Mask would also notify the user if the system were not functioning properly so other measures could be taken.
  • the chamber could be broken or damaged in such a way as to allow the UV light to escape to the beyond the chamber thus potentially endangering the user or others.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can detect this condition by using a pressure sensor(s) to sense that the pressure drop due to flow through the system has changed significantly, possibly indicating a break or other flow anomaly. The UV emission could then be turned off and/or the user or others could be notified visually or audibly by the UV Light Face Mask.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can detect a break or damage to the system using an accelerometer (also referred to as a G-sensor) that would detect that the device has been dropped or otherwise impacted.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can be designed such that it clamps to the wearer with side arms (described previously) having posterior contact points, applying pressure variously to the back of the head, the mastoid processes, or the neck, including the upper part of the neck just underneath the mastoid processes.
  • the connection of the facial component of the mask and the side arms can be sufficiently secure such that the facial component does not rotate substantially on a horizontal access about the sidearm connections, thereby achieving a more secure mount to the user's head.
  • UV reactor chamber tube can be positioned horizontally anterior to the chin, in addition to the possible placement just below the chin.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can include a treatment chamber or battery chamber below the mouth and side-arm retention mechanisms. Side arms can alternatively connect at the lower end of the mask at the chin rather than at the sides near the nose as shown. It should be noted that the substantially vertical elements (133) on the rear of the head are optional.
  • the UV Light Face Mask has a clear mask with no filter and UV-C protection.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can be used for immunity building.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can use PWM intensity versus airflow as a further optimization of the UV-C protection described herein.
  • the head clamp frame design of the UV Light Face Mask can provide an advantage is usability. In contrast, filter masks fit around the ears or have straps that go around the head. The embodiments described herein can provide even greater usability with the head clamp frame design illustrated and described herein.
  • the mask, or other parts of the marks such as the side-arms of the mask may also be used to house the batteries, the UV treatment chamber, and/or other elements of the mask.
  • the side-arms may house the batteries and the chin strap (or other mask structure) may house the UV light treatment tube. Batteries and other elements may also be housed in the sidearms, at the rear of the mask, at the back of the head or many other locations.
  • An additional UV treatment chamber similar to what is integrated with the face mask as described herein may be placed in line with the oxygen tubing attached to an oxygen source, such as an oxygen concentrator, thereby directly treating supplemental concentrated oxygen with UV light in a similar fashion to that described above and integrated more directly with the face mask.
  • the UV treatment chamber may be in line with the tubing supplying oxygen from the concentrator. It may be optionally located near the oxygen concentrator where it may also be able to share power from the oxygen concentrator to serve the power needs of its own UV light sources and related electronics. It may also be designed to be integral to the oxygen concentrator unit itself.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can be used in times of viral, bacterial, fungal, or prion community exposure or generally whenever there is a concern for acquiring or transmitting an infectious disease in aerosolized or droplet form, or otherwise suspended or contained in air.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can use ultraviolet light (preferably in the UV-C spectrum) to inactivate pathogens; could also treat non-living airborne substances.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can find utility with a variety of viral illnesses, including novel organisms that cannot yet be identified or be in existence.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can utilize activated charcoal, molecular sieves, or other adsorbents or reactants.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can also be incorporated to react with gases or other airborne agents.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can provide greater air flows through open passages, making it easier to breathe than with filtration systems e.g., mesh, fabric, etc.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can be worn on the face and covers the mouth, nose, or both.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can be made of plastic such as (without limitation) silicones, urethanes, and/or other occlusive or semi occlusive material (e.g., solid or porous polymer, closed or open cell foam, felt, mesh, or many other options).
  • the UV Light Face Mask can have one or more ports for air to enter/exit. Air that passes through this port (inhaled or exhaled) can also pass through at least one tube, pipe, conduit, or other hollow structure where it is treated with UV light, (preferably in the UV-C range).
  • the UV light source can be 1 or more light sources, ideally LEDs but other light sources can be considered. UV light disrupts the molecular structure, protein, RNA, and/or DNA, etc. of the pathogen rendering it less infectious and/or dangerous.
  • An amount of light or power of light can be sufficient to kill the pathogen or can be adjusted to stimulate a protective immune response while minimizing viral load.
  • An amount of light or power of light can be altered during respiratory cycle to match respiratory flow rates, minimizing heat/power and maximize battery life.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can treat inhaled and/or exhaled air through one or more UV chambers based on a configuration or mode.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can incorporate an integrated power source, such as from a battery (rechargeable or not) utilizing whatever battery chemistry (for example, Lithium-metal, lithium-ion, NiMH, NiCad, Zinc-air, among others).
  • the UV Light Face Mask can access an external power source (for example, carried on a user's belt, attached to a wall mount, powered by an electrical outlet, among others).
  • the battery can power one or more LEDs, sensors, lights, sound emitters, circuit board, etc.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can deliver a variable range of power and/or UV light intensity.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can use pulse with modulation technology to conserve energy.
  • the mask may be designed to deliver a variable range of power and/or UV light intensity or frequencies. It may also be designed to use pulse with modulation technology to conserve energy and deliver an optimal amount of UV light.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can attach to a larger external air reservoir to allow longer UV light exposure, if necessary.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can also incorporate an optional filter (N95, HEP A, etc.) to provide mechanical filtration, such as from dusts, odors, or other organisms.
  • an optional filter N95, HEP A, etc.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can include air passages s that can be fabricated from or coated internally and/or externally with material to reflect or otherwise contain the light within the tube.
  • the air passage tubes can be made from or coated with material that absorbs UV light (which can be curved or have clocked grids) in order to prevent UV light from escaping from the treatment chamber.
  • UV reflective materials such as solid, sintered, or expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polyvinylidene fluoride or polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), aluminum and others may be used as well as transmissive (such as Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) and absorptive materials.
  • the UV reflective material may also include one or more end caps on the treatment chamber, which may be shaped such that a substantial portion of the UV light is reflected into the chamber. This may be accomplished with a parabolic shape, a dome shape, a faceted shape, a disc shape, a screw shape, or any other shape that reflects light back into the chamber.
  • the tube or conduit may have two or more air communication ports and the ports may allow air to pass back and forth from the inside of the mask cavity to the external environment.
  • there could be a communication port at each end of the tube such that the air may benefit from UV treatment along the length of the tube.
  • a similar third port may be placed near the center of the length of the tube.
  • the center port may be in fluid communication with the cavity of the mask and the other ports may be in fluid communication with the environment or vice versa.
  • Other embodiments may involve multiple other such ports. These ports may each be designed to reflect light back into the treatment tube or conduit.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can incorporate flow sensors to confirm mask usage.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can incorporate a thermometer to assess/report the wearer's temperature.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can display an indicator of active function (mask is operating), display or sound an alert indicating low battery level and the need to replace/recharge the battery, or any combination thereof.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can incorporate a diffuser at or near the air access port to broaden exhalation airflow contour.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can generate and send one or more alerts based on the respiratory flow rate meeting a specified criterion (e.g., if it is too high, too low, or the like). The alert many be a visual alert, an auditory alert, another type of sensory alert, or a combination of the like.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can be affixed to the face by straps around the head or ears, with a perimeter adhesive, or with side arms that are similar to side arms in eyeglasses.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can include a strap that optionally courses under the ears and can provide a storage location for batteries and electronics.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can include stretch features or other flexibility regions to accommodate facial or jaw movements.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can incorporate an elastic membrane in its outer shell to transmit voice across the mask, aside from just transmitting along the tubular structures. In at least one embodiment, the dimensions and shape of this membrane may be configured to enhance certain frequencies corresponding to the predominant frequencies found in the human voice.
  • the natural oscillation or vibration frequency of the membrane or portions thereof may thus serve to amplify or maximize the volume of the user's voice.
  • a smaller or less flexible membrane or portion thereof will preferentially resonate with higher frequencies, while a larger less rigid membrane or portion thereof may preferentially resonate with lower frequencies.
  • the UV Light Face Mask can be adorned with stylistic designs, logos, paints, sticker, or the like.
  • the terms “over,” “under,” “between,” “disposed on,” and “on” as used herein refer to a relative position of one material layer or component with respect to other layers or components.
  • one layer disposed on, over, or under another layer may be directly in contact with the other layer or have one or more intervening layers.
  • one layer disposed between two layers may be directly in contact with the two layers or may have one or more intervening layers.
  • one feature disposed between two features may be in direct contact with the adjacent features or may have one or more intervening layers.
  • example or “exemplary” are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “example 1 or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, the use of the words “example” or “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)

Abstract

La présente divulgation concerne des masques faciaux à lumière UV pour la protection contre les infections et décrit des caractéristiques et des améliorations supplémentaires du masque facial à lumière UV pour la protection contre les infections. Le masque facial à lumière UV peut être utilisé en cas d'exposition communautaire à des virus, bactéries, champignons ou prions, par exemple en cas de pandémie, d'acte terroriste, ou plus généralement dès qu'il y a un risque d'acquisition ou de transmission d'une maladie infectieuse sous forme d'aérosol ou de gouttelettes, ou sous toute autre forme en suspension ou contenue dans l'air. Le masque utilise la lumière ultraviolette, de préférence dans le spectre UV-C, pour inactiver, dénaturer, atténuer, tuer ou modifier de toute autre manière les caractéristiques infectieuses et/ou pathologiques de l'agent infectieux d'intérêt. Ce masque facial transparent ne filtre pas les particules, mais permet plutôt à l'air de s'écouler librement tout en protégeant le porteur du masque par l'intermédiaire d'une chambre qui irradie des agents pathogènes en utilisant la lumière UV de la manière décrite ici.
PCT/US2021/029504 2020-04-27 2021-04-27 Masque facial à lumière ultraviolette (uv) pour la protection contre les infections WO2021222331A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202063016153P 2020-04-27 2020-04-27
US63/016,153 2020-04-27
US202063034758P 2020-06-04 2020-06-04
US63/034,758 2020-06-04
US202063117987P 2020-11-24 2020-11-24
US63/117,987 2020-11-24

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WO2021222331A1 true WO2021222331A1 (fr) 2021-11-04

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3196458A (en) * 1963-08-14 1965-07-27 Larry F Keith Protective mask
US5165395A (en) * 1992-02-14 1992-11-24 Ricci Mark R Ultra-violet germicidal mask system
US20120279503A1 (en) * 2011-05-03 2012-11-08 Ling Zhou Breathing Apparatus With Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diode
US20160001108A1 (en) * 2014-07-03 2016-01-07 Ling Zhou Breathing apparatus with ultraviolet light emitting diode
US20190117820A1 (en) * 2017-10-23 2019-04-25 Tuan Quoc Dam Personal Air Treatment System and Method

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3196458A (en) * 1963-08-14 1965-07-27 Larry F Keith Protective mask
US5165395A (en) * 1992-02-14 1992-11-24 Ricci Mark R Ultra-violet germicidal mask system
US20120279503A1 (en) * 2011-05-03 2012-11-08 Ling Zhou Breathing Apparatus With Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diode
US20160001108A1 (en) * 2014-07-03 2016-01-07 Ling Zhou Breathing apparatus with ultraviolet light emitting diode
US20190117820A1 (en) * 2017-10-23 2019-04-25 Tuan Quoc Dam Personal Air Treatment System and Method

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