CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/122,901, titled “Systems and Methods for Protective Shielding,” filed December 8, 2020, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The air in an environment may include aerosols corresponding various solid particles, liquid droplets, or gaseous materials. One aerosol of concern may be harmful respiratory particles containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The aerosol may be emitted from one occupant of the environment toward another occupant. Without any barriers or other mitigation measures, any harmful particles in the air may reach the other occupant.

SUMMARY

100031 At least one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for suppressing transfer of aerosols. The apparatus may include a first panel. The first panel may form a first partition between a first volume and a second volume. The first panel may suppress transfer of aerosols emitted by an occupant of the first volume to the second volume. The first panel may have a first port capable of carrying sound from the first volume to the second volume. The apparatus may include a second panel. The second panel may have a first edge coupled with a first edge of the first panel at an angle. The second panel may form a second partition between the first volume and a third volume. The second panel may suppress the transfer of the aerosols emitted/produced by the occupant of the first volume, to the third volume. The second panel may have a second port capable of carrying sound from the first volume to the third volume. The apparatus may include a first side flap coupled with a second edge of the first panel. The apparatus may include a second side flap coupled with a second edge of the second panel. The first side flap, the second side flap, the first panel and the second panel may form an enclosure partially surrounding the first volume. The apparatus may include at least one filtration device. The at least one filtration device may have at least one intake. The at least one intake may be coupled with the first volume to evacuate the aerosols from the first volume. The at least one intake may be coupled with at least one of the second volume or the third volume to evacuate aerosols from the at least one of the second volume or the third volume.

[0004] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a first flexible side flap coupled with the second edge of the first edge. The first flexible side flap may extend the first partition from the first panel. The first flexible side flap may further suppress the transfer of the aerosols emitted by the occupant of the first volume to the second volume. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a second flexible side flap coupled with the second edge of the second panel. The second flexible side flap may extend the second partition from the second panel. The second flexible side flap may further suppress the transfer of the aerosols emitted by the occupant of the first volume to the third volume.

[0005] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a sectional panel coupled with a third edge of the first panel and a corresponding third edge of the second panel. The sectional panel may form the enclosure partially surrounding the first volume. The sectional panel may have a port coupled with the at least one intake. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a tangent flap coupled with at least one side of the at least one filtration device. The tangent flap may form an inlet volume within the first volume to direct the aerosols emitted by the occupant from the first volume into the at least one intake of the at least one filtration device. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include an exhaust flap coupled with at least one side of the at least one filtration device. The exhaust flap may form an outlet volume to direct the air from an exhaust of the at least one filtration device away from at least one of the first volume, the second volume, or the third volume.

[0006] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a third panel. The third panel may have a first edge coupled with the first edge of the first panel at a second angle. The third panel may form a third partition between the second volume and the third volume. The third panel may suppress transfer of aerosols emitted by a second occupant of the second volume to the third volume. The third panel may have a third port capable of carrying sound from the second volume to the third volume. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a first fastener to secure the first panel with a primary surface of a table along a third edge of the first panel. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a second fastener to secure the second panel with the primary surface of the movable object along the third edge of the first panel.

[0007] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a first membrane disposed over a first aperture defined in the first panel for the first port. The first membrane may be capable of carrying the sound from the first volume to the second volume. The first membrane may suppress the transfer of aerosols from the first volume to the second volume. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a second membrane disposed over a second aperture defined in the second panel for the second port. The second membrane may be capable of carrying the sound from the first volume to the third volume. The second membrane may suppress the transfer of aerosols from the first volume to the third volume. In some embodiments, the at least one filtration device may have a plurality of intakes including a second intake and a third intake. The second intake may be coupled with the second volume to evacuate the aerosols from the second volume. The third intake may be coupled with the third volume to evacuate the aerosols from the third volume. In some embodiments, the at least one filtration device may have an exhaust to direct filtered air away from the first volume at a flow velocity configured to prevent unfiltered air in the first volume from bypassing the at least one filtration device.

[0008] At least one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of assembling an apparatus for suppressing transfer of aerosols. The method may include providing a first panel forming a first partition between a first volume and a second volume. The first panel may suppress transfer of aerosols emitted by an occupant of the first volume to the second volume. The first panel may have a first port capable of carrying sound from the first volume to the second volume. The method may include coupling a first edge of a second panel with a first edge of the first panel at an angle. The second panel may form a second partition between the first volume and a third volume. The second panel may suppress transfer of the aerosols emitted by the occupant of the first volume to the third volume. The second panel may have a second port capable of carrying sound from the first volume to the third volume. The method may include coupling a first side flap with a second edge of the first panel. The method may include coupling a second side flap with a second edge of the second panel. The first side flap, the second side flap, the first panel and the second pane may form an enclosure partially surrounding the first volume. The method may include providing at least one filtration device. The at least one filtration device may have at least one intake coupled with the first volume to evacuate the aerosols from the first volume. The at least one filtration device may be coupled with at least one of the second volume or the third volume to evacuate aerosols from the at least one of the second volume or the third volume.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method may include coupling a first flexible side flap with the second edge of the first edge. The first flexible side flap may extend the first partition from the first panel. The first flexible side flap may further suppress the transfer of the aerosols emitted by the occupant of the first volume to the second volume. In some embodiments, the method may include coupling a second flexible side flap coupled with the second edge of the second panel. The second flexible side flap may extend the second partition from the second panel. The second flexible side flap may suppress the transfer of the aerosols emitted by the occupant of the first volume to the third volume.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method may include coupling a sectional panel with a third edge of the first panel and a corresponding third edge of the second panel. The section panel may form the enclosure partially surrounding the first volume. The sectional panel may have a port coupled with the at least one intake. In some embodiments, the method may include coupling a tangent flap with at least one side of the at least one filtration device. The tangent flap may form an inlet volume within the first volume to direct the aerosols emitted by the occupant from the first volume into the at least one intake of the at least one filtration device. In some embodiments, the method may include coupling an exhaust flap with at least one side of the at least one filtration device. The exhaust flap may form an outlet volume to direct the air from an exhaust of the at least one filtration device away from at least one of the first volume, the second volume, or the third volume. [0011] In some embodiments, the method may include coupling a first edge of a third panel with the first edge of the first panel at a second angle. The third panel may form a third partition between the second volume and the third volume. The third panel may suppress transfer of aerosols emitted by a second occupant of the second volume to the third volume. The third panel may have a third port capable of carrying sound from the second volume to the third volume. In some embodiments, the method may include providing a first fastener to secure the first panel with a primary surface of a table along a third edge of the first panel. In some embodiments, the method may include providing a second fastener to secure the second panel with the primary surface of the table object along the third edge of the first panel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method may include disposing a first membrane over a first aperture defined in the first panel for the first por. The first membrane may be capable of carrying the sound from the first volume to the second volume. The first membrane may suppress the transfer of aerosols from the first volume to the second volume. In some embodiments, the method may include disposing a second membrane over a second aperture defined in the second panel for the second port. The second membrane may be capable of carrying the sound from the first volume to the third volume. The second membrane may suppress the transfer of aerosols from the first volume to the third volume.

[ 001 1 In some embodiments, the at least one filtration device may have a plurality of intakes including a second intake and a third intake. The second intake may be coupled with the second volume to evacuate the aerosols from the second volume. The third intake may be coupled with the third volume to evacuate the aerosols from the third volume. In some embodiments, the at least one filtration device has an exhaust to direct filtered air away from the first volume, at a flow velocity configured to prevent unfiltered air in the first volume from bypassing the at least one filtration device.

[0014| At least one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for suppressing transfer of aerosols. The apparatus may include a panel forming a partition between a first volume and a second volume. The panel may suppress transfer of aerosols emitted by an occupant of the first volume to the second volume. The first panel may have a first port capable of carrying sound from the first volume to the second volume. The apparatus may include a first side flap coupled with a first edge of the panel. The apparatus may include a second side flap coupled with a second edge of the panel. The first side flap, the second side flap, and the panel may form an enclosure partially surrounding the first volume. The apparatus may include at least one filtration device. The at least one filtration device may have at least one intake coupled with the first volume and the second volume to evacuate the aerosols from the first volume and the second volume.

[0015] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a first flexible side flap coupled with the first edge of the panel. The first flexible side flap may extend the partition from the panel. The first flexible side flap may further suppress the transfer of the aerosols emitted by the occupant of the first volume to the second volume. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a second flexible side flap coupled with the second edge of the panel. The second flexible side flap may extend the partition from the panel. The second flexible side flap may further suppress the transfer of the aerosols emitted by the occupant of the first volume to the third volume.

[0016] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a sectional panel coupled with a third edge of the first panel to form the enclosure partially surrounding the first volume. The sectional panel may have a port coupled with the at least one intake. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a tangent flap coupled with at least one side of the at least one filtration device. The tangent flap may form an inlet volume within the first volume to direct the aerosols emitted by the occupant from the first volume into the at least one intake of the at least one filtration device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. [0018] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of a device for suppressing aerosol transfer in close proximity settings.

[0019] FIG. 2A depicts a schematic of the large indoor space baseline measurement setup. Aerosol number concentrations were measured at 16 equally spaced points on a circle with a radius of 6 ft (1.8 m) around the particle generator.

[0020] FIG. 2B depicts a schematic of the particle counter location for device effectiveness measurement setup.

[0021 ] FIG. 2C depicts a position-dependent aerosol number concentration in the large space environment. The curve 1 and curve 2 are independent measurements taken in room 1. The curve 3 was taken in room 2. The dotted line (A = (7.2 ± 0.3) x 10 ³ particles/L) is the mean value averaged over the 16 point angular grid and averaged between the two rooms. The shaded region indicates the 1 -sigma error bar on the angular averaged value.

The large peak seen in both rooms corresponds to the downwind direction of the room air flow provided by the building HVAC system. The room background (3.9 x 10 ³ particles/L) is measured 20 ft (6 m) away from the AG and subtracted.

[0022] FIG. 3 A depicts a schematic of the small indoor space measurement setup.

One auxiliary HEPA filter is placed in the corner of the room to simulate building HVAC.

[0023] FIG. 3B depicts an exponential model fit of the measured particle concentration with only the auxiliary HEPA filter running. This setup determines the baseline when the shield is not implemented. The estimated equilibrium is (4.82 ± 0.04) x 10 ⁴ particles/L.

[0024] FIG. 3C depicts an exponential model fit of the measured particle concentration when turning on the HEPA filter on the device. The equilibrium particle concentration is around (5.8 ± 0.2) x 10 ³ particles/L.

[0025] FIG. 4 depicts a schematic of the home-built calibration box. [0026] FIG. 5 depicts an isometric view of a body region of an apparatus for suppressing transfer of aerosols in an environment, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 6 depicts an isometric view of a mounting region an apparatus for suppressing transfer of aerosols in an environment, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 7A depicts an isometric view of an apparatus for suppressing transfer of aerosols in an environment, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 7B depicts a close-up isometric view of a side region of an apparatus for suppressing transfer of aerosols in an environment, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0030] FIG 7C depicts an overhead view of an apparatus for suppressing transfer of aerosols in an environment, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0031] FIG. 8 A depicts an isometric view of an apparatus for suppressing transfer of aerosols in an environment, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 8B depicts a close-up isometric view of a top region of an apparatus for suppressing transfer of aerosols in an environment, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and

[0033] FIG. 9 depicts a flow diagram of a method of assembling an apparatus for suppressing transfer of aerosols in an environment, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and embodiments of, apparatuses for suppressing transfer of aerosols in an environment. It should be appreciated that various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the disclosed concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0035] Section A describes a design for a device to suppress aerosol transfer in close proximity settings and evaluation of effectiveness of the device; and

[0036] Section B describes apparatuses for suppressing transfer of aerosols and fabricating said apparatuses.

A. Design for Device to Suppress Aerosol Transfer in Close Proximity Settings and Evaluation of Effectiveness of the Device

(0037] Presented herein is a device that suppresses transfer of aerosol between nearby seating areas through the use of optically transparent, sound transmitting barriers and HEPA fan filter unit (FFU). A potential application of this device is to lower the risk of respiratory disease transmission in face-to-face, maskless meetings between individuals in a university setting. The overall aerosol transmission is evaluated between users of the device. This is done for two different physical settings: a large space, such as a library, and a small space, such as an enclosed study room. It is found that the device can provide lower aerosol transmission compared to the typical transmission between two individuals wearing surgical face masks separated by six feet. Other applications may include restaurants, customer service counters, and other settings.

1. Introduction

(0038] The SARS-CoV-2 virus can transmit in the form of small respirable particles with <10 pm aerodynamic size diameter. Particles of these sizes can remain suspended in air for a long period of time, which poses both a short range and long range transmission risk. In contrast, significantly larger particles settle more readily under gravity and can also be blocked by solid barriers. Talking is a particularly notable and important activity in a university setting where verbal communication during instruction, especially small group conversations with peers, is a key component of learning. Talking is of particular concern for transmission of respiratory diseases as the output of viral particles from an infected person can be an order of magnitude or greater as compared to only breathing. The size spectrum of aerosols emitted during talking is in the 1-10 pm range.

[0039] In a university setting, close contact face-to-face meetings between two or more people is desired in many contexts, including group studying, teaching sessions and office hours. Some CO VID-19 risk mitigation guidelines indicate that many of these activities are to be either online or carried out with people wearing face masks and maintaining a 6 ft (1.8 m) separation at all times, the so-called “6 foot masked" criterion. COVID-19 restrictions greatly degrade their educational and personal development. These restrictions also have various negative psychological effects on university students. The aim of the device described here is to achieve at least the same level of aerosol suppression between individuals as the “6 foot masked" criterion, while allowing clear visual and aural communication, without masks.

2. Materials and Methods

[0040] The construction of the device is described briefly here. Three pieces of 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) thick laser-cut acrylic panels are mounted together by 120 degree brackets and metal fasteners to form the shield main body. The main body is bolted down to a round wood table with 90 degree plastic anchors. Large slotted holes are cut on the shield panels and covered by 2 mil (0.05 mm) thick PET film as sound ports. These sound ports allow natural voice transmission through the panel while keeping the barrier function of panels. The PET films are very strong and can resist moderate impacts as well as daily cleaning without tearing.

(0041 ] The shield panels function to directly block large particles and droplets when users sneeze or cough. Small aerosol particles with relatively long suspension times, in contrast, have the potential to follow air flow lines around panels and into the room, eventually reaching another user of the device. A commercially available HEPA FFU is installed on top of the shield to provide a net air flow from edge of table to the top center. Aerosols generated by a user are pulled up and into the HEPA FFU, efficiently filtered by the filter unit and then the filtered air is exhausted back to the room.

[0042] Choice of the HEPA FFU is a consideration for an effective shield design. The unit may provide a high enough air flow rate to create a face velocity flow at the user position that dominates the local air movement. This is in order to effectively draw aerosols into the HEPA FFU. Additionally, the exhaust port of the unit can direct air away from the sitting area at low velocity. This ensures the exhaust flow does not create a low-pressure region where unfiltered air flow from a user can bypass the filtration unit. It is observed this phenomenon both in CFD simulation and experimental tests during development. Finally, to enhance the user experience, the unit can be adequately quiet.

[0043] It is hard to find a commercially available unit that meets all criteria. In the test device, a Honeywell HPA300 air filter is chosen. The Honeywell unit, mounted on top of the shield, requires a 90 degree air deflector on the exhaust vent to redirect the air flow vertically. This HEPA FFU provides 300 CFM (510 m ³ /h) of air flow on the “Turbo” setting and 220 CFM (374 m ³ /h) of air flow on the “Allergen” setting. At the location of a user’s head, a noise level of 58 dBA for the “Allergen” setting and 63 dBA for the “Turbo” setting were measured. Acceptable sound level is subjective. Some test users found “Turbo” acceptable, while others greatly preferred “Allergen”. All of the aerosol mitigation evaluations below are carried out with filters on the “Allergen” setting.

[0044] The device is designed with visual barriers (“flaps”) on the outside perimeter of the table to encourage users to stay within the effective area. These flaps extend outside the table from each acrylic panel and are made from off-white color nylon (see FIG. 1). The flaps are installed to block the user’s view when users might lean back from the table, which might reduce the shield effectiveness due to lower face velocity away from the table. Additional “tangent flaps” are installed to redirect the breathing flow along the edge of the table back into HEPA filter inlet area. This also reduces the effective opening area, increasing the face velocity. There are also “roofs” made of clear acrylic on top of each section which further reduce the leakage of aerosol into the room. [0045] The reference device described here is designed for a three-person setup, but it is possible to extend this to a larger group of people where larger table space and additional filtration units are available.

3. Results

3.1 Aerosol Production, Measurement, and Calibrations

|0046| The measurement approach is to generate small particles with an aerosol generator (AG) and determine at various locations the number density of small particles (aerosol number concentration) using a particle counter. A TSI 8026 AG was used to simulate aerosol emission from a user in a seating position at the table. A small duct with a fan attached is connected to the AG to eject the aerosol laden air with a flow rate of 5 CFM (8.5 m ³ /h) at velocity 2 m/s, so as to approximate a person’s air flow during talking. TSI AeroTrak 9303 particle counters are used to measure the aerosol number concentration. The particle counter used in here has multiple channels for various particle size and only data from the “0.3 pm channel” is used hereto selectively investigate the particle size of interest. The “0.3 pm channel” of this particle counter counts particle size from 0.3 pm up to 25 pm. There is also a “5 pm channel” which counts from 5 pm to 25 pm. This “5 pm channel” reads <0.1% of the reading from “0.3 pm channel” in all of the measurement results. This indicates that >99.9% of the particles registered by the “0.3 pm channel” are within 0.3 pm to 5 pm range.

[0047] The aim is to compare the device performance to the common COVID-19 risk mitigation guideline for face to face interactions, the “6 foot masked" criterion. To do this, particle number concentration on a circle with a radius of 6 ft (1.8 m) with the AG in the center of the circle are experimentally measured and then a mask correction factor is applied. This is described in detail in Section 3.2.1. As the experimental measurements rely on stable production of aerosols, the AG is calibrated and no more than 10% variation is found over a timescale of 20 min, longer than the time to complete a set of measurements. This is described in Section 6. [0048] The effectiveness of the device is measured in two rooms with distinctly different local indoor environments: a “large space” and a “small space”. The large space is characterized by high ceilings and a HVAC system that moves air with a low velocity and steady large scale circulation in the room. The dominant effect of air circulation in the large space is transport of aerosols away from a local source by the air currents and then exhausted or filtered, without filling the volume with a nearly uniform concentration of aerosols. Aerosol concentrations around a 6 ft (1.8 m) radius from a local emission source are quantified, which provides the reference level to which the shield device is compared (see Section 3.2).

[0049] The small space is a room with minimal HVAC air flow (e.g., typical building code value of 10 CFM (17 m ³ /h) per person), low ceiling height and floor area such that the table and shields sit on the order of 6 ft (1.8 m) away from the walls on all sides. In this situation local air currents, lacking a defining global flow direction, spread the aerosols in the room without significant removal of suspended aerosols on a timescale relevant to the use of such rooms in a university setting. The result is that the room fills with aerosols, producing a nearly uniform full-room scale “background”. The steady-state background level in the room is used as the comparison for the shield performance in this environment (see Section 3.3).

3.2 Large Space

10050] The typical large space considered here, and where tests were performed, is a university library main reading room. Other examples of large indoor spaces include dining halls and public gathering areas typically with areas greater than 2000 sq ft (186 m ² ) and ceiling heights greater than 12 ft (3.7 m).

3.2.1 “6 Foot Masked” Measurements

[0051 ] The aim is to compare the aerosol received by a user of the device to the amount that would, on average, be received by two people wearing face masks and maintaining a 6 ft (1.8 m) separation. The attenuation of aerosol between source and receiver due to mask wearing is given by a number designated as the “mask factor = AT”. A value of Al = 4.4 is used, which is an average of values. The amount of aerosol exchanged between people with 6 ft (1.8 m) of separation is dependent on the air flow conditions. The case considered here is for large indoor spaces that have a large volume and typical airflows due to modern HVAC systems. The transmission of aerosol from one person to another depends on the specific direction of airflow and its relation to the position of the people. For example, if one person is directly downstream from the other person, then the transmission of aerosol is significantly higher. It is sought to find the spatially averaged value, A, of the aerosol number concentration.

[0052] Measurements of aerosol number concentration are taken on a 16 point angular grid arranged in a circle of radius 6 ft (1.8 m) around the AG in the main room of an academic library. In this test, the AG produces a constant supply of aerosols carried forward at 2 m/s. The measured values of aerosol number concentration are averaged over this grid to produce the “6 foot masked" comparison value C = A/M. The 16 point grid is sampled twice over the course of approximately 15 min, sufficiently long to allow the aerosols to travel with the room airflow. The data show a strong dependence of aerosol number concentration on the room air flow direction for this large indoor space. The background value is 3.9 103 particles/L, measured 20 ft (6 m) away from the AG. An average concentration ofA = (7.2 0.3) 10 ³ particles/L above background, around the 6 ft (1.8 m) radius circle is measured. This value is an average of measurements made in two different locations that satisfy the “large space” criteria and should be representative of other large rooms with modern HVAC systems.

3.2.2 Device Effectiveness

[0053] The device is then tested in the large room environment (see FIG. 2A). The aerosol number concentration, S , is measured by two particle counters, each one in a separate user location (location 2 and 3 in FIG. 2B), with the AG approximately positioned to simulate the mouth of a person seated at the table in the user location 1. The background values are determined by measuring particle number concentration at a distance of 15-20 ft (4.6-6 m) from the device. The measured aerosol number concentration is found to be S < 4 10 ² particles/L above background in user location 2 and 3. The aerosol number concentration in the user location 1, where AG is placed, is about 6 10 ⁵ particles/L above background. There is no significant difference between the measurements in two rooms. Although the latter value does not come into the determination of the performance of the device, it gives a sense of the very high suppression (>1000) of particle number concentration between three user locations of the device. The measurements of the aerosol number concentration (S) are used in combination with C to define the improvement factor, 1= C/S = A/(SM), which is the figure of merit used to quantify the effectiveness of the device. The target of the device performance is I > 1, indicating that the device outperforms the “6 foot masked" benchmark. From the measurements in the large space environment, the improvement factor is determined to be I = 4.1 ± 0.2 (see also FIG. 2C).

3.3 Small Space

10054] The typical small space considered here, and where tests were performed, is an enclosed group study room. Another common example of small spaces is offices, typically with areas of less than 500 sq ft (46 m ² ) and ceiling heights above 10 ft (3 m) but less than 15 ft (4.6 m).

[0055] In the case of small spaces, the goal of achieving an improvement factor I > 1 remains the same as with large spaces. A functional difference is that in the small space case, the room acts as an enclosed system. For comparison, in the large space, the effect of aerosol generation on the ambient particle number concentration is small. In particular, in the small space, the “6 foot masked" situation is characterized by the particle number concentration throughout the room because the small room acts as an effective mixing box. With this distinction in mind, the procedure used for this measurement, and calculation of improvement factor, is the same as for the large space.

10056] The small space has an area of 160 sq ft (15 m ² ) and is measured to have low (<50 CFM (85 m ³ /h)) fresh or highly filtered air ventilation. In order to mimic the condition given by a common COVID-19 mitigation guideline for the minimum flow rate per person of fresh air or highly filtered air (MERV 13 or better) provided by the HVAC system, the baseline aerosol removal is simulated by turning on an auxiliary HEPA FFU (simply referred to as “room HEPA”) with 300 CFM (510 m ³ /h) flow rate placed at the corners of the room, approximately 2 feet from the wall. This is well above the typical modem building code requirements for indoor spaces (about 10 CFM (17 m ³ /h) per person). Thus, the final determination of A is conservative, as is the measured improvement factor, I. The device is placed at the center of the room with the AG output positioned at the edge of the table at the other user locations (see FIGs. 3 A-C). The particle counter sampling intake is placed at the edge of the table in the other two sectors. The particle concentration versus time is measured after the AG is turned on. The data collected is fitted to an exponential model f(t) = B y _w hich gives a determination of the equilibrium particle concentration V. The measured equilibrium aerosol number concentration in this baseline setup is A _e = (4.82 ± 0.04) x io ⁴ particles/L (A _e = V extracted from the exponential model).

100571 The HEPA FFU (which is mounted to the top of the device) is then turned on. The data fitted by the exponential model shows an equilibrium aerosol number concentration of Se = (5.8 ± 0.2) 10 ³ particles/L. The improvement factor is / _e = Ce/Se = A _e /(SeM) =1.89 ± 0.07. This also indicates that the device captures 88% of the aerosols generated by the users.

3.4 Noise

[0058] The noise sound level at user locations of the device is measured with the device HEPA filter running on the “Allergen” setting. The sound level meter is positioned at head height at the three locations. Sound level is the mean value measured using the A frequency -weighting. The result is summarized in Table 1.

]0059| Table 1. Noise sound level measurement at different user positions. The positions are labeled in FIG. 3.

4. Discussion

[0060] For a small space with typical building HVAC system, it is clear that a simple passive shield (without HEPA FFU installed) is not enough to achieve aerosol transmission suppression comparable to “6 foot masked" guideline. A passive shield can stop most large droplets but not aerosols. Once aerosol contaminated air mixed with room air, a HEPA FFU with much larger air flow is required to clean it up and keep equilibrium aerosol number concentration low. The device presented herein solves this problem by adding an HEPA FFU close to the users which actively drags the air in and filters the aerosols before it mixes with room air.

|0061[ For a large space, the HEPA FFU on the device can achieve enough face velocity to dominate the air flow over the room HVAC, suppressing the leakage of aerosol into room air. The air flow generated by the device HEPA FFU also lowers the sensitivity of orientation and arrangement of the devices in the room. A passive shield could be effective for suppressing one direction aerosol transmission if positioned correctly, but it would be less effective suppressing the transmission in the other direction and cannot prevent aerosol dispersing into clean room air.

5. Conclusions

[0062] In conclusion, presented herein is a device design that allows for natural face to face interactions between multiple maskless users while effectively mitigating the risk of transfer of aerosols. The aerosol transmission attenuation of the device is evaluated in two environments, typical of a university setting. Measurements of aerosol transmission between users of the device are compared to a reference setup simulating two individuals separated by 6 ft and wearing surgical face masks. The result shows an improvement factor of 4.1 ± 0.2 for the “large space” and 1.89 ± 0.07 for the “small space”. This provides a promising way of recovering some normal activities in a university setting while maintaining low risk of aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory diseases.

6. Calibration Protocol

10063] A home-built calibration box (FIG. 4) is used to calibrate the absolute particle number produced by the AG. The box has two D = 6 inch (15.24 cm) diameter ports cut on opposing sides. One port as an air exhaust connected to an electric fan through a duct which pulls air from the box. The other port serves as an air intake, directly from the room. Mounted in the entrance to the exhaust port, a sampling tube with one end connected to the particle counter samples the aerosol number concentration produced by the particle generator. The particle counter is factory calibrated with a F _c = 0.1 CFM = 0.17 m ³ /h input air flow rate. The air face velocity vb at the box intake port is measured using an anemometer and derive the total air flow Fb generated by the electric fan Fb = vb (TTD ² /4). Assume aerosol particles are well mixed and diluted inside the calibration box, the sampling tube collects FdFb of the total particle generated. The calibration box works as an aerosol number concentration attenuator with an attenuation factor^// = Fb/Fc.

[0064] Using the home-built calibration box under “operational conditions”, an intake port air velocity Vbox = 1.75 m/s is measured, indicating a net air flow rate around F/, = 67.5 CFM = 115 m ³ /h through the box. Attenuation of aerosol number concentration provided by the calibration box is then Att = Fz>/F _c = 675. During the calibration process for the small space test, the particle counter records an aerosol number concentration around p _c = 2.25 x 10 ⁵ particles/L, converted to particle count rate of R _c = pc x Fc = 1.06 x io ⁴ particles/s. The particle generating rate of the generator can be then calculated as Rg = Att x Rc = 7.17 x io ⁶ particles/s. In the small space with Fr = 300 CFM = 510 m ³ /h of fresh air exchange rate, the equilibrium aerosol number concentration is estimated to be pr = Rg/E = 5.05 x 10 ⁴ particles/L with this calibration result, which is in good agreement with the direct measurement result (4.82 ± 0.04) x 10 ⁴ particles/L.

B. Apparatuses for Suppressing Transfer of Aerosols, and Fabricating Said Apparatuses [0065] Referring now to FIG. 5, depicted is an isometric view of a body region 505 of an apparatus 500 for suppressing transfer of aerosols in an environment. The apparatus 500 may be an instance of the device for suppressing transfer of aerosols as discussed in Section A. The apparatus 500 may be installed, arranged, or otherwise situated in any environment, such an indoor setting (e.g., conference room, library, office, restaurant, or lobby) or an outdoor setting (e.g., park, terrace, picnic area, open stadium, or sidewalk). The environment may have any number of occupants or users of the apparatus 500.

[0066] The apparatus 500 may include at least one body region 505. The body region 505 may generally correspond to a core, middle, or central volume of the apparatus 500. In the body region 505, the apparatus 500 may include one or more panels 510A-N (hereinafter generally referred to as panel 510). The apparatus 500 may include any number of panels 510, ranging from one to a multitude. For example, as depicted, the apparatus 500 may include three panels 510, a first panel 510A, a second panel 510B, and a third panel 510C. In some embodiments, the body region 505 of the apparatus 500 may include at least one primary surface 515 defined by at least one movable object 520. Each panel 510 may have a width (or thickness) ranging between 0.5 mm to 5 cm, a height ranging between 30 cm to 600 cm, and a length ranging between 30 cm to 600 cm.

[0067] The panel 510 may also comprise any solid material of a set opacity or a combination of materials with varying opacities. In some embodiments, the panel 510 may be comprised of a transparent material (e.g., an acrylate polymer, a polycrystalline material, and glass). In some embodiments, the panel 510 may be comprised of a translucent material (e.g., tinted glass or colored plastic). The transparent or translucent material may enable, allow, or otherwise permit an occupant of the environment (or a user of the apparatus 500) to view through the panel 510. In some embodiments, the panel 510 may be comprised of an opaque material (e.g., cardboard, a ceramic, or wood). The opaque material may block or restrict the occupant from viewing through the panel 510.

[0068] The primary surface 515 may correspond to a side, terrain, or plane against which to install, arrange, or otherwise position the one or more panel 510 of the apparatus 500. In some embodiment, the primary surface 515 may be generally beneath the body region 505 of the apparatus 500 (e.g., as depicted). For example, the primary surface 515 may be a floor, ground, or, one surface of the movable object 520. The movable object 520 may be comprised of any material against which to install, arrange, or otherwise situate the one or more panel 510 of the apparatus 500 on the primary surface 515. In some embodiments, the movable object 520 may be a piece of furniture, such as a table, an office desk, a concierge desk, a console, or a table, among others. The primary surface 515 may correspond to at least one side (e.g., a top side) of the movable object 520. The occupant may be situated generally adjacent to the primary surface 515 of the movable object 520. For example, if the movable object 520 is a table, the occupant may be seated by the primary surface 515, with the upper portion (e.g., head and chest) of the occupant above the primary surface 515. In some embodiments, the primary surface 515 may be generally above the body region 505 of the apparatus 500. For example, the primary surface 515 may be a ceiling of a room, against which to attach, suspend, or otherwise arrange the one or more panels 510 of the apparatus 500.

[0069] Each panel 510 may define, outline, or otherwise form at least one partition between two or more volumes 525A-N (hereinafter generally referred to as volumes 525). Each volume 525 may correspond to a three-dimensional space, of which at least one side may be defined by one of the panels 510. An occupant of the environment in which the apparatus 500 is arranged may be positioned, disposed, or otherwise located in one of the volumes 525. The panels 510, individually or jointly, may form any number of volumes 525. For example, as depicted, the first panel 510A may form the partition between a first volume 525A and a second volume 525B. The second panel 510B may form the partition between the first volume 525A and a third volume 525C. The third panel 510C may form the partition between the second volume 25B and the third volume 525C.

[0070] A connection or coupling among the two or more panels 510 may further define the partitions between the two or more volumes 525. At least one panel 510 (e.g., the first panel 510A) may have at least one inner side edge 530A-N (hereinafter generally referred to as inner side edge 530) coupled with the inner side edge 530 of another panel 510 (e.g., the second panel 510B). The inner side edge 530 may correspond to a generally vertical side, boundary, or portion of the panel 510, and may be generally position toward an inner part of the body region 505 (e.g., as depicted). For example, as depicted, an inner side edge 530A of the first panel 510A may be coupled with an inner side edge 530B of the second panel 530B at the angle 535. In addition, the inner side edge 530A of the first panel 510A and the inner side edge 530B of the second panel 510B may each be coupled with an inner side edge 530B of the third panel 510C. The coupling between the inner side edge 530 of one panel 510 with the inner side edge 530 of another panel 510 may be at an angle 535. The angle 535 may be acute (e.g., ranging between 0 to 90 degrees), obtuse (e.g., ranging between 90 and 180 degrees), right (e.g., 90 degrees), or reflex (e.g., ranging between 180 to 365 degrees), among others.

[0071] The connection between two more of the panels 510 along the respective inner side edges 530 may include any form of mechanical coupling, such as fastening, attaching, joining, melding, tying, and adhering, among others. In some embodiments, at least one panel 510 may be connected to another panel 510 via one or more hinges 540 A-N (hereinafter generally referred to as hinges 540). The apparatus 500 may include the one or more hinges 540 to mechanically couple one panel 510 (e.g., the first panel 510A) with another panel 510 (e.g., the second panel 510B). Each hinge 540 may include a mechanical bearing to connect one panel 510 to another panel 510 (e.g., along the inner side edge 530). The hinge 540 may also an angle of rotation between the two panels 510 to define or form the angle 535. For example, using the hinge 540, the two panels 510 may be positioned to alter, change, or otherwise set the angel 535 between the two panels 510. Each hinge 540 may have a width (or thickness) ranging between 0.5 mm to 5 cm, a height ranging between 1 cm to 15 cm, and a length ranging between 1 cm to 15 cm. The dimensions of the hinge 540 may be dependent on the dimensions of the panel 510. For example, the length of the hinge 540 may be no longer than the inner side edge 530 of the panel 510.

[0072 | In forming the partition, the panel 510 may control, regulate, or otherwise suppress the transfer of aerosols from one volume 525 to another volume 525. The aerosols may include solid particles, liquid droplets, or gaseous materials suspended in or carried through the air of the environment in which the apparatus 500 is situated. At least some of the aerosols may be emitted by the occupant in one of the volumes 525, and may include respiratory droplet, such as saliva, mucus, pathogens, or other matter. Each panel 510 may be any solid material capable of preventing, blocking, or otherwise suppressing transfer of the aerosols from one volume 525 to the other volume 525, and vice-versa. For example, as depicted, the partition formed by the first panel 510A may suppress transfer of aerosols emitted by the occupant in the first volume 525 A to the second volume 525B. The partition formed by the second panel 51 OB may prevent the transfer of aerosols emitted by the occupant in the first volume 525A to the third volume 525C. The partition formed by the third panel 510C may prevent the transfer of aerosols emitted by the occupant in the second volume 525B to the third volume 525C.

10073] The one or more panels 510 may be carried, maintained, or otherwise supported by the primary surface 515. In some embodiments, each panel 510 may have a corresponding base edge 545 A-N (hereinafter generally referred to as a base edge 545) coupled with the primary surface 515. The base edge 545 may correspond to generally transverse or horizon rim, boundary, or portion of the panel 510 spanning across the primary surface 515. In some embodiments, the base edge 545 may correspond to a bottom edge of each panel 510 (e.g., as depicted). Along the respective base edge 545, each panel 510 may be sustained, carried, or otherwise supported by the primary surface 515. For instance, as depicted, the base edge 545 A of the first panel 510A, the base edge 545B of the second panel 510B, and the base edge 545C of the third panel 510C may each rest on the primary surface 515. In some embodiments, the base edge 545 may correspond to another edge (e.g., a top edge) of each panel 510. Along the respective base edge 545, each panel 510 may be hung or suspended from the primary surface 515 (e.g., a ceiling of a room).

[0074] In some embodiments, the connection between the panels 510 and the primary surface 515 may include any form of mechanical coupling, such as fastening, attaching, joining, melding, tying, and adhering, among others. In some embodiments, the panels 510 may be connected with the primary surface 515 via one or more fasteners 550A-N (hereinafter generally referred to as fasteners 550). In some embodiments, the apparatus 500 may include one or more fasteners 550 to mechanically couple the panels 510 to the primary surface 515. The fastener 550 may include any mechanical bracket (e.g., as depicted) to fix, restrict, or otherwise limit the panel 510 to a set position on the primary surface 515. For example, a first fastener 550A may secure the first panel 510A to the primary surface 515 along the base edge 545A of the panel 510A. A second fastener 550B may secure the second panel 510B to the primary surface 515 along the base edge 545B of the second panel 510B. A third fastener 550C may secure the third panel 510C to the primary surface 515 of the third panel 510C.

[0075| At least one panel 510 may define or have at least one port 555A-N (hereinafter generally referred to as a port 555). The port 555 may correspond to a portion or a section in the panel 510, through which sound can be passed, conveyed, or carried from one volume 525 (e.g., the first volume 525A) to another volume 525 (e.g., the second volume 525B), and vice-versa. In some embodiments, the panel 510 may define a hole or an aperture of any shape (e.g., elliptical as depicted) in the partition between one volume 525 and another volume 525. The sound may be emitted by the occupant located in one of the volumes 525 (e.g., the first volume 525A). For instance, the first panel 510A may have a first port 555A capable of carrying sound between the first volume 525 A and the second volume 525B. The second panel 510B may have a second port 555B capable of carrying sound between the first volume 525A and the third volume 525C. The third panel 510C may have a third port 555C capable of carrying sound between the second volume 525B and the third volume 525C.

Each port 555 may have a width (or thickness) ranging between 0.5 mm to 5 cm, a height ranging between 1 cm to 30 cm, and a length ranging between 1 cm to 50 cm. For example, the port 555 may be 30 cm wide, 15 cm in height, and have rounded corners with 7.5 cm radius.

[0076[ In addition, each port 555 in the panel 510 may also control, regulate, or otherwise suppress the transfer of aerosol from one volume 525 to another volume 525. In some embodiments, each port 555 may be fitted, equipped, or otherwise provided with at least one membrane. In some embodiments, the apparatus 500 may include the membrane disposed over the aperture defining the port 555 in the respective panel 510. For example, the apparatus 500 may include a membrane disposed over the aperture defined in the first panel 510A for the first port 555A and a separate member disposed over the aperture defined in the second panel 510B for the second port 555B. The membrane may be comprised of any material, such as mesh, film, cloth, gauze, and paper, among others. The member may be capable of conveying, passing, or otherwise carrying the sound between one volume 525 and another volume 525 through the port 555. The member may also be capable of preventing, blocking, or otherwise suppressing the transfer of aerosol between the volume 525 and another volume 525. For example, the membrane disposed over the aperture defining the first port 555A in the first panel 510A may permit carrying of sound between the first volume 525 A and the second volume 525B. Furthermore, the same membrane may block transmission of aerosols from the occupant in the first volume 525A to the second volume 525B, and vice-versa.

100771 Referring now to FIG. 6, depicted is an isometric view of a mounting region 600 of the apparatus 500 for suppressing transfer of aerosols. As discussed previously, the apparatus 500 may include any number of panels 510, and the depicted example here includes four panels 510, the first panel 510A, the second panel 510B, the third panel 510C, and the fourth panel 510D. The first panel 510A, the second panel 510B, the third panel 510C, and the fourth panel 510D may define four volumes 525, the first volume 525A, the second volume 525B, the third volume 525C, and a fourth volume 525D.

[0078] The apparatus 500 may include at least one mounting region 600. In the mounting region 600, the apparatus 500 may include at least one filtration device 605. The mounting region 600 may correspond to any portion of the apparatus 500 in which the filtration device 605 is situated, arranged, or otherwise disposed. The mounting region 600 may generally correspond to an extrema or outer portion of the apparatus 500 (e.g., indicated in dotted lines as depicted). In some embodiments, the mounting region 600 of the apparatus 500 may be on the portion of the apparatus 500 opposite of or away from the primary surface 515. In the depicted example, the mounting region 600 may be toward the top portion of the apparatus 500. In some embodiments, the mounting region 600 of the apparatus 500 may be defined relative to or within the primary surface 515. For instance, the mountain region 600 may be defined by an apparatus within the primary surface 515 of the movable object 520. The apparatus 500 may have any number of filtration devices 605, independent of the number of panels 510 or the volumes 525 in the apparatus 500. For example, as depicted, the apparatus 500 may have a single filtration device 605 for all four volumes 525A-D. The apparatus 500 may also a single filtration device 605 for each volume 525, numbering four filtration devices 605.

[0079] The filtration device 605 may include one or more intakes 610. The intake 610 may extract, remove, or otherwise evacuate air include the aerosols from the volumes 525 defined by the panels 510. The intake 610 may correspond to an opening in the filtration device 605. The opening for the intake 610 may be along one or more sides of the filtration device 605, such as along a lateral side, a base (e.g., underneath as depicted), or a top side. The intake 610 may utilize a pressure differential between the volume 525 and the interior of the filtration device 605 to draw air from the volumes 525. The pressure differential may be formed using a hydraulic component (e.g., a fan or pump) or an air ionizer (e.g., a fanless ionizer) or a fan-based ionizer) within the filtration device 605. For example, the intake 610 of the filtration device 605 may draw up air exhaled by the occupant situated below in the volume 525A. The intake 610 may have a flow velocity ranging between 2.5 cm/s to 7 cm/s at the face of the intake 610. Once drawn in, the intake 610 may direct the air including the aerosols to one or more other components within the filtration device 605.

[0080[ The filtration device 605 may have any number of intakes 610, independent of the number of panels 510 or the volumes 525 in the apparatus 500. In some embodiments, at least one intake 610 of the filtration device 605 may be connected or coupled with one or more volumes 525 to evacuate the aerosols from the one or more volumes 525. For example, the filtration device 605 may have one intake 610 fluidly coupled (e.g., facing) with the first volume 525A and the second volume 525B to evacuate aerosols from the first volume 525A and the second volume 525B. the filtration device 605 may have another intake 610 fluidly coupled with the first volume 525A and the third volume 525C to evacuate the aerosols from the first volume 525A and the third volume 525C. In some embodiments, the intakes 610 used in the apparatus 500 may be disparately situated or divided among multiple filtration devices 605. For example, an inlet end of the intake 610 may be placed within the volume 525 and may be coupled to the body of the filtration device 605 via a fluid channel (e.g., a duct). The filtration device 605 may be placed away from the apparatus 500.

[0081] In some embodiments, the filtration device 605 may have a single intake 610 for the volumes 525 formed by the panels 510. For instance, one intake 610 may be facing into the first volume 525A, the second volume 525B, the third volume 525C, and the fourth volume 525D to be fluidly coupled with the air in the four volumes 525A-D. With the coupling, the intake 610 may withdraw the aerosols from the four volumes 525 A-D concurrently. In some embodiments, each intake 610 may be coupled (e.g., fluidly coupled) with a corresponding volume 525 to evacuate the aerosols from the volume 525. For example, the apparatus 500 may have a single volume 510 (e.g., the first panel 510A) forming two volumes 525A (e.g., the first volume 525A and the second volume 525B). The filtration device 605 may have one intake 610 fluidly coupled with the first volume 525 A to withdraw the aerosols from the first volume 525A. The filtration device 605 may have another intake 610 fluidly coupled with a second volume 525B to evacuate the aerosols from the second volume 525B.

[0082] Furthermore, the filtration device 605 may include one or more exhaust 615. The exhaust 615 may discharge, route, or otherwise direct air filtered within the filtration device 605 and drawn from one or more of the volumes 525. The exhaust 615 may correspond to an opening in the filtration device 605 used to expel the filter air out from the filtration device 605 and back into the environment. The opening for the exhaust 615 may be along one or more sides of the filtration device 605, such as along a lateral side (e.g., as depicted), a base, or a top side. The exhaust 615 may be fluidly coupled (e.g., using channels or conduits) with the one or more intakes 610. Upon drawing air from the volumes 525 via the intakes 610, the filtration device 605 may use a filter to block, catch, or otherwise capture the aerosols from the air. The filter within the filtration device 605 may be, for example, an efficiency particulate air (HEP A), a semi-HEPA filter, or an ultra-low penetration air (ULPA) filter, among others. As the air passes through from the intake 610 toward the outtake 615, the aerosols may be caught by the filter. [0083] The exhaust 615 may route or expel the filtered air from the filtration device 605. The exhaust 615 may route at least a part of the filtered air away from the volumes 525 defined by the panels 510. The exhaust 615 may route at least a part of the filtered air back into the volumes 525 defined by the panels 510. In some embodiments, the exhaust 615 may be fluidly coupled with a volume of air in the environment outside the volumes 525 formed by the panels 510. For example, the exhaust 615 may be located on top of the filtration device 615 to push air away from the apparatus 500 and into the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, the exhaust 615 may direct the filtered air at a flow velocity to prevent unfiltered air (e.g., including the aerosols) in the volumes 525 from bypassing the filtration device 605. For instance, the exhaust 615 may push out the filtered air at a velocity ranging between 2 m/s to 5 m/s.

[0084] The filtration device 605 may have any number of exhausts 615, independent of the number of panels 510 or the volumes 525 in the apparatus 500. The number of exhausts 615 may also be independent of the number of intakes 610 on the filtration device 605. In some embodiments, the filtration device 605 may have a single exhaust 615 for one or more of the volumes 525 fluidly coupled with one or more intakes 610. For example, as depicted, the filtration device 605 may have a single exhaust 615 for the four volumes 525 A- D. In some embodiments, the filtration device 605 may have an exhaust 615 for each volume 525 fluidly coupled with a corresponding intake 610.

[0085] Within the mounting region 600, the filtration device 605 may be situated, disposed, or otherwise arranged on the one or more panels 510. Each panel 510 may have a support edge 625 A-N (hereinafter generally referred to as a support edge 625). The support edge 625 may correspond to a horizontal or a transverse side, boundary, or portion of the panel 510, and may be generally position toward the mounting region 600 (e.g., along the top depicted). On each panel 510, the support edge 625 may be connected or coupled with a side of the filtration device 605. In some embodiments, the connection between two more of the panels 510 along the respective support edges 625 may include any form of mechanical coupling, such as fastening, attaching, joining, melding, tying, and adhering, among others. In some embodiments, the support edges 625 defined by the panels 510 may hold, sustain, or otherwise support the filtration device 605 within the mounting region 600.

[0086] In some embodiments, the support edges 625 of the one or more panels 510 may define at least one indent 630. The indent 630 may correspond to a contoured or depressed portion of the panel 510 to secure the filtration device 605 within the mounting region 600. For example, as depicted, the indent 630 may correspond to a round bowl-like portion along a comer of the panel 510. The indent 630 may define or have a depth ranging between 3 cm to 20 cm. The filtration device 605 may be situated, arranged, or disposed at least partially with the indent 630 of each support edge 625 of the one or more panels 510. While the example here depicts an indent, the support edges 625 may include different shapes and contours that can be used to secure the filtration device 605 in the apparatus 500.

(0087] Referring now to FIG. 7A, depicted is an isometric view of the apparatus 500 for suppressing transfer of aerosols in an environment. The apparatus 500 may also include at least one side region 700. The side region 700 generally may correspond to a flank, marginal, or periphery portion of the apparatus 500. For example, as depicted, the side region 700 of the apparatus 500 may correspond to a portion of the apparatus 500 spanning outside the primary surface 515. In the apparatus 500, each panel 510 may define or include an outer side edge 705A-N (hereinafter generally referred outer side edge 705). The outer side edge 705 may correspond to a generally vertical side, boundary, or portion of the panel 510, and may be generally position toward an outer part of the body region 505 opposite of the inner side edge 530 (e.g., as depicted). The outer side edge 705 may form or correspond to a boundary (e.g., a starting perimeter) for the side region 700.

[0088] Along at least one of the outer edges 705 of one panel 510, the apparatus 500 may include at least one enclosure flap 710A-N (hereinafter generally referred to as an enclosure flap 710) in the side engine 700. The enclosure flap 710 (sometimes herein referred to as a side flap) may also comprise any solid material of a set opacity or a combination of materials with varying opacities, similar to or different from the panel 510. The enclosure flap 710 may be connected or coupled with the outside side edge 705 of the panel 510. The coupling between the enclosure flap 710 and the panel 510 may be at an angle (e.g., approximate right angle as depicted). The connection between the enclosure flap 710 and the corresponding outer side edge 705 of the panel 510 may include any form of mechanical coupling, such as fastening, attaching, joining, melding, tying, and adhering, among others. In some embodiments, the enclosure flap 710 may be supported by the corresponding outer side edge 705 of the panel 510. For instance, the enclosure flap 710 may be fitted onto the panel 510 along the outer side edge 705.

|0089| Connected with the panel 510, one or more enclosure flaps 710 may define or form an enclosure at least partially walling, encompassing, or surrounding at least one of the volumes 525. For example, as depicted, the enclosure flap 710A coupled with the first panel 510A, the first panel 510A, the second panel 510B, and the enclosure flap 710B coupled with the second panel 510B may form an enclosure partially surrounding the first volume 525 A. The enclosure formed by the enclosure flap 710 may be partially around the volume 525 to permit an occupant to use the portion of the primary surface 515 defining the corresponding volume 525. For instance, the enclosure flap 710A coupled with the first panel 510A the enclosure flap 710B coupled with the second panel 510B may form a partial enclosure about the first volume 525 A to permit the occupant to use the corresponding portion on the primary surface 515. The partial enclosure formed by the enclosure flaps 710 may also further control, regulate, or otherwise suppress transfer of aerosols from one volume 525 to another volume 525. In addition, the enclosure flap 710 may cross, traverse, or otherwise span multiple volumes 525 defined by the partition formed by the corresponding panel 510. For instance, as depicted, the enclosure flap 710B coupled with the second panel 510B may span both the first volume 525A and the third volume 525C formed by the partition corresponding to the second panel 510B.

[0090] In addition, the apparatus 500 may include at least one at least one extension flap 715A-N (hereinafter generally referred to as extension flap 715) in the side region 700. The extension flap 715 may also comprise any solid material of a set opacity or a combination of materials with varying opacities, similar to or different from the panel 510. For example, the extension flap 715 (sometimes herein referred to as a flexible extension flap) may be formed using a flexible material such as acrylic sheet, and may be opaque to visibly demarcate the volumes 525 along the primary surface 515 to the occupants of the environment.

[0091] The extension flap 715 may be connected or coupled with one of the panel 510 along the outer side edge 705. In some embodiments, the extension flap 715 may be connected or coupled with the enclosure flap 710, in addition to the outer side edge 705 of the respective side panel 510. The coupling between the extension flap 715 may extend from the outer side edge 705 of the panel 510 at an angle (e.g., approximate straight angle as depicted). The connection between the extension flap 715 and the corresponding outer side edge 705 of the panel 510 may include any form of mechanical coupling, such as fastening, attaching, joining, melding, tying, and adhering, among others. In some embodiments, the extension flap 715 may be supported by the corresponding outer side edge 705 of the panel 510 or the enclosure flap 710, or a combination of both. For instance, the extension flap 715 may be fitted onto the panel 510 along the outer side edge 705. The enclosure flap 710 may have a divot that is fitted around the extension flap 715 to secure the enclosure flap 710 along the outer side edge 705 of the panel 510. Connected with the panel 510, the extension flap 715 may further control, regulate, or otherwise suppress transfer of aerosols from one volume 525 to another volume 525.

[0092] Referring now to FIG. 7B, depicted is a close-up isometric view of the side region 700 of the apparatus 500 for suppressing transfer of aerosols focusing on the first panel 510A. The apparatus 500 may include the enclosure flap 710 and the extension flap 715 coupled with the first panel 510A along the outer side edge 705. In some embodiments, the enclosure flap 710 or the extension flap 715, or both, may span or extend beyond (e.g., beneath as depicted) the primary surface 515 of the movable object 520. The enclosure flap 710 or the extension flap 715 may extend beyond the primary surface by a depth 725. The depth 725 may correspond to a length between the edge of the primary surface 515 and an end of the enclosure flap 710 or the extension flap 715, and may range between8 cm to 28 cm. By having the depth 725, the enclosure flap 710 or the extension flap 715, or both, may visibly demarcate the volumes 525 to the occupant. [0093] Referring now to FIG 7C, depicted is an overhead view of the apparatus 500 for suppressing transfer of aerosols in an environment. As depicted, each panel 510 of the apparatus 500 may have an edge length 730A-N (hereinafter generally referred to as an edge length 730). The edge length 730 may correspond to a dimension or length (e.g., of the support edge 625) between the filtration device 605 and the outer side edge 705 on the respective panel 510. Depending on the placement, the edge lengths 730 may differ for the panel 510. For example, the edge length 730A may range between 15 cm to 150 cm and the edge lengths 730B and 730C may range between 25 cm to 200 cm. In addition, each enclosure flap 710 may have a flap width 735A-N (hereinafter generally referred to as a flap width 735). The flap width 735 may correspond to a dimension or length of the enclosure flap 710 from the outer side edge 705 of the panel 510. The flap width 735 may range between 8 cm to 30 cm.

[0094] Referring now to FIG. 8A, depicted is an isometric view of the apparatus 500 for suppressing transfer of aerosols in an environment. In the apparatus 500, the movable object 520 may define or have at least one support surface 800. The support surface 800 may correspond to a side of the movable subject 520 opposite of the primary surface 515. The movable object 520 may have one or more supports 805 A-N (hereinafter generally referred to as supports 805). The supports 805 may be connected or coupled with the support surface 800 of the movable subject 520. The supports 805 may include structural elements to separate the primary surface 515 of the movable surface 520 off a ground or base of the environment. For example, the supports 805 may correspond as a leg or a foot of a furniture. The supports 805 may also include, a trestle, a truss, a beam, a girder, or a cantilever, among others.

[0095] Within the mounting region 600, the apparatus 500 may include one or more sectional panels 810A-N (hereinafter generally referred to as sectional panel 810). The sectional panel 810 may also comprise any solid material of a set opacity or a combination of materials with varying opacities, similar to or different from the panel 510. The section panel 810 may cross, traverse, or otherwise span between two or more panels 810 across at least one of the volumes 525. In some embodiments, the sectional panel 810 may span across two or more enclosure flaps 710 or extension flaps 715. For example, as depicted, the section panel 810A may span between the first panel 510A, the second panel 51 OB, and the attached enclosure flaps 710A and 71 OB across the first volume 525 A. The section panel 810 may span across the volume 525 defined by at least one of the panel 810 parallel or substantially parallel (e.g., within 10% of a straight angle) with the primary surface 515.

[0096] Spanning across the volume 525, the sectional panel 810 may be connected to or coupled with the corresponding sides of the panels 510 across the volume 525. In some embodiments, the section panel 810 may be connected to or coupled with the enclosure flaps 710 or the extension flaps 715 on the panels 510. The connection with the section panel 810 may include any form of mechanical coupling, such as fastening, attaching, joining, melding, tying, and adhering, among others. In some embodiments, the sectional panel 810 may be coupled with the support edge 625 of one panel 810 and the support edge 625 of another adjacent panel 810. Connected with the panels 510, the sectional panel 810 may define or form an enclosure at least partially walling, encompassing, or surrounding at least one of the volumes 525. The enclosure formed by the sectional panel 810 may be partially around the volume 525 along one side (e.g., a bottom side as depicted) of the mounting region 600 of the apparatus 500. The enclosure defined by the section panel 810 may be substantially parallel (e.g., within 10%) as the enclosure formed by the primary surface 515.

[0097] The sectional panel 810 may further control, regulate, or otherwise suppress transfer of aerosols from the volume 525 spanned by the sectional panel 810. The enclosure to the volume 525 formed by the section panel 810 may facilitate the suppression of the transfer of aerosols from the volume 525 into another volume 525 or the environment surrounding the apparatus 500. In addition, the sectional panel 810 may funnel, direct, or route the air including the aerosols in the volume 525 toward the filtration device 605. For instance the section panel 810A spanning across the first volume 525 A may route the air containing aerosols emitted by the occupant from the first volume 525 A into the intake 610 of the filtration device 605. [0098] The apparatus 500 may also include one or more lateral flaps 815A-N (hereinafter generally referred to as lateral flaps 815). The lateral flap 815 may also comprise any solid material of a set opacity or a combination of materials with varying opacities, similar to or different from the panel 510. The lateral flap 815 may span across at least one of the volumes 525. In some embodiments, the lateral flap 815 may span between two of the panels 510. For example, one lateral flap 815 may span between the first panel 510A and the second panel 510B across the first volume 525 A. In some embodiments, the lateral flap 815 may span between two or more enclosure flaps 710 or extension flaps 715. For example, as depicted, the lateral flap 815A may span between the attached enclosure flaps 710A and 710B across the first volume 525 A. The lateral flap 815 may span across the volume 525 defined by at least one of the panel 810 orthogonal or substantially orthogonal (e.g., within 10% of an orthogonal angle) with the primary surface 515.

[0099] Spanning across the volume 525, the lateral flap 815 may be connected to or coupled with the corresponding sides of the panels 510 across the volume 525. In some embodiments, the lateral flap 815 may be connected to or coupled with the enclosure flaps 710 or the extension flaps 715 on the panels 510. In some embodiments, the lateral flap 815 may be connected to or coupled with the sectional panel 810 between two of more of the panels 510. The connection with the lateral flap 815 may include any form of mechanical coupling, such as fastening, attaching, joining, melding, tying, and adhering, among others. For example, as depicted, each end (e.g., a left end and a right end) of the lateral flap 815A may be coupled with an interior side of a corresponding enclosure flap 710A or 710B. One edge (e.g., a top edge) of the lateral 815A may be coupled with a corresponding edge of the sectional panel 810A.

[0100] Connected with the panels 510, the enclosure flaps 710, the extension flap 715, or the sectional panel 810, or any combination thereof, the lateral flap 815 may define or form an enclosure at least partially walling, encompassing, or surrounding at least one of the volumes 525. The enclosure formed by the lateral flap 815 may be partially around the volume 525 along one side (e.g., a bottom side as depicted) of the mounting region 600 of the apparatus 500. The enclosure defined by the lateral flap 815 may be substantially orthogonal (e.g., within 10%) as the enclosure formed by the primary surface 515. For example, as depicted, the lateral flap 815A may form a downward enclosure for the first volume 525 A defined by the first panel 510A, the second panel 51 OB, the primary surface 515, the enclosure flaps 710A and 71 OB, and sectional panel 810A.

The lateral flap 815 may further control, regulate, or otherwise suppress transfer of aerosols from the volume 525 spanned by the lateral flap 815. The enclosure to the volume 525 formed by the lateral flap 815 may facilitate the suppression of the transfer of aerosols from the volume 525 into another volume 525 or the environment surrounding the apparatus 500. In addition, the lateral flap 815 may funnel, direct, or route the air including the aerosols in the volume 525 toward the filtration device 605. For instance the lateral flap 815A spanning across the first volume 525 A may route the air containing aerosols emitted by the occupant from the first volume 525 A into the intake 610 of the filtration device 605.

10102] The apparatus 500 may include at least one tangent flap 820 (sometimes herein referred to as a deflector flap or deflector). The tangent flap 820 may be connected or coupled with at least one side of the filtration device 605. The tangent flap 820 may also comprise any solid material of a set opacity or a combination of materials with varying opacities, similar to or different from the panel 510. The connection with the tangent flap 820 may include any form of mechanical coupling, such as fastening, attaching, joining, melding, tying, and adhering, among others. For example, as depicted, one side of the tangent flap 820 may be coupled with a corresponding side on the filtration device 605, while another side of the tangent flap 820 may be coupled with an opposite side of the filtration device 605. In some embodiments, the tangent flap 820 may be arranged, situated, or otherwise positioned about the exhaust 615 of the filtration device 605. For example, the tangent flap 820 may have a shape or form (e.g., as depicted) to define a region generally in front of the exhaust 615 corresponding to the inlet volume connected with the volume 525.

[0103] Coupled with the filtration device 605, the tangent flap 820 may define or form one or more volumes. One volume may be to route, channel, or direct at least a portion of filtered air from the filtration device 605 away from the volumes 525 and into the environment in one direction (e.g., upward). The volume may generally correspond to a region on the filtration device 605 opposite of the intake 610. For example, the tangent flap 820 may have at least one member to direct some of the filtered air upwards into the environment. Another volume may be to route, channel, or direct at least a portion of filtered air from the filtration device 605 and into the environment into another direction (e.g., transverse). The volume may be defined at least in part by the section panel 810, and may generally correspond to a region along the same side as the exhaust 615. For instance, the tangent flap 820 may have at least one member to direct some of the filtered air above the occupant along the top side of the section panel 810. Another volume may route, channel, or direct aerosols from at least one of volume 525 into the intake 610 of the filtration device 605. The inlet volume may be generally correspond to a region connecting the volume 525 with the exhaust 615 of the filtration device 605.

|0104| The exhaust velocity of the exhaust 615 may permit the air exhaled or emitted by the occupant to be drawn into the intake 610. The exhaust 615 may push out the filtered air at a velocity ranging between 2 m/s to 5 m/s thereby creating a low-pressure region in front of the exhaust 615. To further prevent the formation of this low-pressure region above the occupants, the tangent flap 820 may re-route at least a portion of the filtered air away in a different direction (e.g., upward). Furthermore, the sectional panel 810 and the lateral flap 815 may also define at least one side of the volume about the tangent flap 820 to reduce or avoid the filtered air from pushing away the air exhaled by the occupant.

[0105] Referring now to FIG. 8B, depicted is a close-up isometric view of a top region of the apparatus 500 for suppressing transfer of aerosols in an environment. As depicted, at least one of the sectional panels 810 of the apparatus 500 may define or have at least one port 825. The port 825 may correspond to an aperture or opening of any shape (e.g., circular or elliptical) through the sectional panel 810 to fluidly couple the volume 525 with the intake 610 of the filtration device 605. The port 825 may be located on an area on the sectional panel 810 generally adjacent to the intake 610. For example, if one of the intakes 610 is located along the bottom of the filtration device 605, the port 825 may be position in an area of the sectional panel 810 generally below the intake 610. [0106] In some embodiments, the apparatus 500 may also include at least one exhaust flap 830. The exhaust flap 830 may be connected or coupled with at least one side of the filtration device 605. The exhaust flap 830 may also comprise any solid material of a set opacity or a combination of materials with varying opacities, similar to or different from the panel 510. The connection with the exhaust flap 830 may include any form of mechanical coupling, such as fastening, attaching, joining, melding, tying, and adhering, among others. For example, as depicted, one side of the exhaust flap 830 may be coupled with a corresponding side on the filtration device 605, while another side of the exhaust flap 830 may be coupled with an opposite side of the filtration device 605. In some embodiments, the exhaust flap 830 may be arranged, situated, or otherwise positioned about the exhaust 615 of the filtration device 605.

|0107| Coupled with the filtration device 605, the exhaust flap 830 may define or form an outlet volume. The outlet volume may route, channel, or direct filtered air from the exhaust 830 of the filtration device 605 away from one or more of the volume 525 defined by the panels 510. The outlet volume may be generally correspond to a region connecting the volume 525 with the exhaust 615 of the filtration device 605. For example, the exhaust flap 830 may have a shape or form (e.g., as depicted) to define a region generally in front of the exhaust 615 corresponding to the outlet volume connected with the volume 525.

[0108] Referring now to FIG. 9, depicted is a flow diagram of a method 900 of assembling an apparatus for suppressing transfer of aerosols in an environment. The method 900 may include providing a first panel 510A (905). The first panel 510A may form a partition between a first volume 525 A and a second volume 525B. The first panel 510A may control, regulate, or suppress transfer of aerosols between the first volume 525A and the second volume 525B via the partition. The first panel 510A may have at least one port 555A to carry sound between the first volume 525 A and the second volume 525B.

[0109] The method 900 may include coupling a second panel 510B to the first panel 510A (910). The second panel 510B may form a partition between the first volume 525A and a third volume 525C. The second panel 510B may control, regulate, or suppress transfer of aerosols between the first volume 525A and the third volume 525C via the partition. The second panel 510B may have at least one port 555B to carry sound between the first volume 525A and the third volume 525C. The second panel 510B may have at least one inner side edge 530B coupled with at least one inner side edge 530A of the first panel 510A at an angle 535.

[ono] The method 900 may include coupling flaps (e.g., enclosure flaps 710, extension flaps 715, sectional panels 810, and lateral flap 815) to the first panel 510A or the second panel 510B (915). The enclosure flap 710 may be coupled with at least one outer side edge 705 of the panel 510 or the extension flap 715. The extension flap 715 may be coupled with the outer side edge 705 of the panel 510 or the enclosure flap 710. The sectional panel 810 and the lateral flap 815 each may span across at least one of the volumes 525, and may be coupled with two or more of the panels 510 (e.g., the first panel 510A and the second panel 510B). The flaps may form an enclosure at least partially around the volume 525.

|OU1| The method 900 may include providing a filtration device 605 (920). The filtration device 605 may have at least one intake 610 and at least one exhaust 615. The filtration device 605 may be supported by one or more of the panels 510 via corresponding supporting edges 625. The intake 610 of the filtration device 605 may be fluidly coupled with one or more of the volumes 525 to evacuate the aerosols emitted by the occupants in the volume 525. The exhaust 615 of the filtration device 605 may expel filtered air away from the volumes 525 defined by the panels 510.

[0112] Any references to implementations or elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular can include implementations including a plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any implementation or element or act herein can include implementations including only a single element. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or plural configurations. References to any act or element being based on any information, act or element may include implementations where the act or element is based at least in part on any information, act, or element. (0113] Any implementation disclosed herein may be combined with any other embodiment, and references to “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “an alternate embodiment,” “various embodiments,” “one embodiment” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation may be included in at least one implementation. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Any implementation may be combined with any other implementation, inclusively or exclusively, in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

[0114] References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Elements other than ‘A’ and ‘B’ can also be included.

[0115] The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the characteristics thereof. The foregoing implementations are illustrative rather than limiting of the described systems and methods.

101161 Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.

[0117] The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the characteristics thereof. The foregoing implementations are illustrative rather than limiting of the described systems and methods. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.