SURFACES

DESCRIPTION This invention consists in the usage of a device and in the specific methodology for the sanitization of the air and the surfaces from any virus and/or bacteria - including coronavirus SARS-Cov-2 - present in a closed environment.

In particular, it is about a device and about a methodology of sterilization, that uses ultraviolet light (UV) working with one or two wavelengths that, only for the purpose of clarity, are labeled as “air-sanitizing” and “ozone generating”.

“Air-sanitizing” wavelength is emitted within a range inside UV-C band between 240 and 280 nanometers (as an example but not as a limitation 265 nm), that is able to break up and/or to modify the DNA or RNA of microorganisms such as, for example, coronaviruses present in the air, preventing them to be dangerous and/or to replicate.

“Ozone-generating” wavelength is emitted within a range inside UV-C band between 150 and 240 nanometers and it can generate ozone, which, after depositing over the surfaces present in the environment, plays the role of sanitizing and disinfectant agent.

Methodology and device used according to present invention identify a sanitization system called “Dual Effect Light Ultraviolet Action” (i.e., D.E.L.U.C.A.). According to a possible form of implementation of the invention, the device of sanitization, called “Dual Radiation Hygienizer” (i.e., DRH), is composed by an active system of forced air circulation, according to which, by means of the air canalization inside a shielded circuit, air radiation is performed by two types of wavelength from ultraviolet light previously specified as “air- sanitizing” and “ozone-generating”, that are activated alternatively. The device according to the invention intervenes in the prevention from the contagious risk and diffusion of Coronavirus or Covid-19 (called also “SARS-CoV-2”, according to reference of the “International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses”) or of other pathogenic agents transmissible by similar manners in public or private locations open to community and inside work environments (e.g., hospitals, factories, construction sites, companies, offices and sales places) and, in practical, where it is more difficult to limit the opportunities of human contact and where it is possible that the contagious by means of pathogen elements transmissible by physical contact or by respiratory tracks happens.

SARS-CoV-2 virus has two preferential ways of contagious:

1 . The air, that can transmit the virus and be accidentally introduced inside the air tracks through the respiration;

2. The surfaces, over which the virus can persist and, by means of consecutive propagation by contact, arrive to air tracks.

The consequences of these two ways of propagation are (respectively) that:

1. Closed places represents favored environments for virus transmission. For that reason, first countermeasure is to limit the accesses to public places (restaurants, airports, offices, etc.), with heavy consequences on the economic system. Moreover, sanitization technologies of the air today present in the market, based on radiation by ultraviolet light, proved themselves to be few effective, because operating by light emission at wavelength not suitable for pathogenic agents in circulation and generating also components, such as nitrogen monoxide or high concentration of ozone, both toxic for human being.

2. Surfaces can be regularly washed by soap or alcohol solutions. Cleaning action, however, must be repeated frequently, with huge waste of work that may not allow the sanitization for extended surfaces; moreover, that action is not feasible over all surfaces, as for example the clothes. The usage of ozone, for its part, is a good method to sanitize surfaces, but, as previously said, the ozone is toxic in concentration higher than 0.06 ppm (ppm = part per million) with an exposure of 8 hours per day and 5 days per week or higher that 0.30 ppm for a maximal exposure of 15 minutes, according to how reported in literature.

On the other hand, the devices for air sanitization with technical characteristics present in the preamble of claim 1 are known, for instance, from JPH10155887A and US2005/163648.

The goal of this invention is therefore to realize a device for sanitization of air and surfaces, that makes accessible and safe, with respect to a danger of contagion, any closed environment, by sanitization of the air and of the surfaces in an optimal manner and without generation of toxic component. This and other goals are reached by a device for sanitization of air and surfaces, according to claim 1 attached; other technical characteristics are present in following claims.

In a suitable manner, the device and the methodology according to the invention, differently from other methods of sterilization that use lamps or generic sources of ultraviolet light of type UV-A or UV-B or in the visible, allow the destruction of DNA and RNA of virus and bacteria in the air, and also a higher sanitization capability, that is spread out inside the closed environment of reference and not only over the surface radiated by UV light sources.

Moreover, it is possible to confine the radiation inside the device, that is therefore proven not to be dangerous, because not acting on people.

In a still suitable manner, the device according to the invention allows to generate ozone and sanitize the surfaces of a closed environment (ideal action without people) automatically.

Regarding the low-pressure mercury lamps, the invention allows also:

- to increase the sanitizing effectiveness, acting directly on disintegration of DNA/RNA of virus;

- to act through LED or LASER sources, that do not downgrade their effectiveness if cooled by air flow; - to secure the air inside a forced path with a flow controlled by ventilation internal system that allows the permanence of the air inside the channel for the time needed for the destruction of microorganisms.

In a still suitable way, differently from ozone generators of known type, the invention allows:

- to put ozone into the air and, therefore, to allow the ozone to intervene with its sanitizing capability in the upper part of a closed environment;

- to limit the emission of bad smell;

- to avoid to generate nitrogen monoxide that, in order to be eliminated, must be evacuated by aeration of environments, with the danger to expose again the environment to contagion danger.

In particular, the proposed methodology according to the invention is ideal for construction of aeration devices finalized to sanitize any closed environment, such as, malls, trains, planes, offices, hospitals, operating rooms, hotel rooms, environment downstream of existing aeration plants and anyway any closed environments attained even just temporarily by people, where it is necessary to sanitize the air or the surfaces.

Additional scopes and advantages of present invention will be more evident in the following description, related to examples of exemplifying and preferred but not limiting implementations of the device and the methodology for the sanitization of air and surfaces, object of the invention, and in annexed drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows a schematic view in section of a first embodiment of a device for the sanitization of air and surfaces, according to present invention;

- Figure 2 and Figure 3 show respectively two schematic views of the sanitization device with respect to Figure 1 , according to two others alternative forms of embodiment, according to present invention;

- Figure 4 shows a schematic view of an additional form of embodiment of a device for the sanitization of air and surfaces, according to the invention.

With particular reference to Figure 1 , the device for the sanitization od air and surfaces, according to present invention, includes a first series of ultraviolet light sources A; in suitable manner, these sources are LED or LASER, which generate ultraviolet light with range, within UV-C bandwidth, narrow and close to a wavelength included in the range between 240 nm and 280 nm and, preferably, but not as a limitation, equal to 265 nm. The above-mentioned sources A are called “air- sanitizing” because they are suitable to sanitize the air in the rooms.

A second series of sources B of ultraviolet light can be added to the first series of sources A; the sources B are suitably LED or LASER or EXCIMER lamps or low pressure mercury lamps, which generate an ultraviolet light with spectrum, within UV-C range, narrow and close to a wavelength within the range between 150 nm and 240 nm and, preferably, but not as a limitation equal to 185 nm or 172 nm. Above-mentioned sources B are called “ozone-generating” because they are suitable to sanitize surfaces by means of the ozone. The device includes also a driving channel G, suitable shaped as a wavy line and delimited by walls C, which drives the air flow in the inlet F1 to circulates inside the labyrinth (circulating flow F2) and therefore to exit from the device at the outlet (exiting flow F3); circulating flow F2 is forced to circulate inside the channel G in order to flow at least in two opposite directions.

Channel G discloses walls realized by material which is transparent to UV- C rays for the wavelength in the above-mentioned ranges and which is resistant against the oxidating action of the ozone and of the free radicals generated by the interaction of the UV-C light with the oxygen (as an example, but not as a limitation, such material is chosen between synthetic quartz and glass).

Walls of channel G guarantee the insulation of the circulating air flow F2 from above-mentioned ultraviolet light sources A and/or B, to prevent the above-mentioned oxidation action. The path of the circulating air flow F2 inside the channel G is optimized with respect to the travel time of the air in front of ultraviolet light sources A and/or B and with respect to energy radiated form sources A and/or B. Moreover, channel G has the mission to drive the circulating air flow F2 parallelly to ultraviolet light rays emitted by sources A and/or B in the line where they are present and it guarantees a remixing to the air, to avoid that may exist a fine dust element with a side always overshadowed with respect to ultraviolet light emitted by sources A and/or B.

In a suitable manner, the device includes also an external protection D, capable to reflect the ultraviolet radiation inside the channel G, to concentrate the action of the radiation on the circulating air flow F2 inside the channel G. The protection D avoids in this manner any possible leakage of ultraviolet light rays outside the device, protecting people and things from the harmful action of ultraviolet rays; moreover, it allows to the device to be always protected from direct contact with air flow F2 circulating inside the channel G, to prevent the above-mentioned oxidating action Protection D avoids also a corrosive action of the ozone and of the radicals generated by the ultraviolet light action; for this purpose, external protection D is suitable provided ^" by a surface treatment able to resist against the action of the ozone and of the radicals (in this case, the external protection D acts ad driver of the air flow F2 circulating inside the channel G). Protection D discloses also in a suitable manner a layer of absorbing material E, able to absorb the emitted ultraviolet radiation, to avoid that this radiation is reflected and that it damages emitting sources A and/or B or that it is spread outside the device, generating damages to people or things. The device also includes an active ventilation system F, able to govern the speed of the inlet air flow F1 , to optimize the radiation of the circulating air flow F2 when the device is working with the first set of “air-sanitizing” sources A activated. As an example, but not as a limitation, it is guaranteed in this way a radiation energy higher than 8 mW s/cm ² .

In this case, active ventilation system F can function in continuous mode, to guarantee the time necessary to the creation of the ozone when the device operates also with the second set of “ozone-generating” sources B activated. Ventilation system F works in a suitable manner in ON/OFF” mode; according to this mode, ventilation system F in OFF mode stops the circulating air flow F2 to give the time for the formation of the ozone and, later, it switches on to release in the closed environment the ozone and to introduce inside the device new air and to generates ozone again.

In a suitable manner, active ventilation system F is placed at inlet flow F1 to avoid being damaged by the ozone generated by the device itself.

Similarly, a mechanism of switching on and off is used to switch on alternatively ultraviolet light sources A air-sanitizing and ultraviolet light sources B ozone-generating.

As already described, it is also possible a working mode with a single sanitization of the air without the generation of the ozone, in presence of people, as shown in attached figure 2, where it is shown a prototype called “Prototype Only Air Flygienization” or P.O.A.H., a working mode with a single sanitization of the surfaces by means of generation of ozone, in absence of people, as shown in attached figure 3, where is it shown a prototype called “Prototype Only Surface Flygienization” or P.O.S.FI., and a working mode combining two ultraviolet sources A and B.

With particular reference to figure 4 in the attachment, which shows an embodiment of implementation variant of a sanitization device according to present invention, the drive channel G of the air flow in the inlet F1 and the external protection D of the device of which in figure 1 are combined in the creation of a focus junction, which shows an external protection partially composed, in some of its parts, by a material reflecting with respect to above mentioned UV-C wavelengths and, in particular, as an example and as preferred case but not as a limitation, by aluminum, and by a material transparent with respect to above mentioned UV-C wavelengths and, in particular, as an example and as preferred case but not as a limitation, by synthetic quartz or glass. In particular, channel G, which drives the air flow in the entrance F1 (circulating air flow F2), is composed by external walls straight FI for a while and curved J and M for a while and, in particular, with parabolic shape, and by corresponding internal walls which are straight L for a while and further straight K for a while and joined by a part which is U-shaped bended and/or only curved K1.

External walls, realized as straight walls H for a while and as curved walls J for a while, as well as, a stroke of wall M corresponding to a vertex V of the parabola, and as straight internal walls L are realized by a material reflecting with respect to above mentioned UV-C wavelength, while internal straight walls joined to curved parts K and only curved K1 parts are manufactured by a material transparent with respect to above mentioned UV-C wavelength and, in particular, as an example but not as a limitation, in synthetic quartz or glass.

As mentioned, near the joint, necessary to divert the circulating air flow F2, the external walls J and M have a parabolic curvature, in order to focus the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the ultraviolet sources A and/or B on the focal point F4 of the parabola.

Furthermore, the channel G has, in correspondence with the straight walls H, a section L1 of shorter length than the section L2 of the channel G measured at the focal point F4 of the parabola (between the curved wall K1 present on the vertex V of the parabola U-curved connection of the internal wall K); this allows to convey and concentrate the passage of the circulating air flow F2 on the focal point F4 of the parabola.

It is thus obtained that the section of the air flow F2 taken at the focal point F4 is greater than the section of the air flow F2 taken in the points preceding and following the joint and this determines a slowing down of the air flow F2 and an optimization of the irradiation of sources A and/or B.

Finally, the material that is between the reflecting outer wall M and the inner wall K1 and closest to the vertex V of the parabola and the material enclosed by the other inner walls K is a transparent material and does not interact with UV-C radiation in the wavelengths mentioned above and such material is, by way of example and preferred, but not limiting, nitrogen or vacuum.

In practice, the sanitizing device according to the present invention allows to obtain advantageously, in a single device, the realization of two effects, such as the sanitization of the air without the production of ozone, when the air-sanitizing ultraviolet light sources A are active, and sanitization of the surfaces of a closed environment, through the production of ozone, when the ozone-producing B ultraviolet light sources are active; moreover, the production of ozone is optimal if at the same time the air-sanitizing ultraviolet light sources A are switched off.

When the only air-sanitizing ultraviolet light sources A are active, the device is advantageously used to sanitize the air in a closed environment in the presence of people without the production of toxic elements.

When the ozone-producing ultraviolet light sources B are active, the device is used to sanitize the surfaces of an enclosed environment in the absence of people through the production of ozone, but without the production of other toxic elements. Furthermore, when the ozone-producing ultraviolet light sources B are active, sanitation by ozone production takes place without the intervention of operators, while when the air-sanitizing ultraviolet light sources A are active, air sanitation is optimized, since the radiation with a wavelength in the range between 240 and 280 nm (and, by way of example and without limitation, 265 nm) is focused on a wavelength more harmful to the DNA/RNA molecules of viruses and/or bacteria; when the air-sanitizing ultraviolet light sources A are active, a reduction in the concentration of pre existing ozone is possible, contributing to the lowering of the toxicity level of the air. When the air-sanitizing ultraviolet light sources A are active, through the forced ventilation system F, it is also possible to sanitize the entire volume of air in a closed environment, since each air element is guaranteed the sufficient irradiation for sanitizing against viruses and / or bacteria; even when both types of ultraviolet light sources are active, interaction with nitrogen is impossible and therefore the creation of (toxic) nitrogen monoxide is impossible. Energy performance is optimized if UV-C light is generated by LED sources; in addition, if the UV-C light is generated by LED sources, they do not undergo performance degradation for cooling due to proximity to the air flow.

When the ozone-producing ultraviolet light sources B are active and at the same time the air-sanitizing ultraviolet light sources A are off, the production of ozone is optimized for the absence of radiation that disrupts ozone and therefore of phenomena antagonist with ozone production.

Finally, the external protection D allows the use of UV-C rays safely, even in the presence of people or other sensitive elements or bodies inside the closed environment.

Regarding the industrial applications, the device object of the present invention is particularly useful during the stop and restart cycles of airplanes; in fact, after the normal cleaning performed by ground personnel, the air inside the vehicle is sanitized again (sanitization which can also take place during flight hours), in the absence of people, and/or, in addition, to treat surfaces with ozone. When the doors are opened, an additional pressure air recycling device is provided at the top of the doors, capable of generating "air blades" capable of preventing air from entering from the outside. The air in these jets is that sanitized in the aircraft with the (optional) addition of a minimum percentage of ozone. In this case, during taxiing, the air is freed from the traces of ozone present in the same recirculation system, also removing any unpleasant odors.

Furthermore, the device can be used advantageously before, during and after a surgical operation in the operating rooms. The device, in fact, sanitizes the air present in the operating room before, during and after a surgery and before and/or after the surgery, in the absence of staff, all the air inside the operating room is sanitized and in the absence of people, even the surfaces can be sanitized using ozone. At the end of this phase, on the lintels of each entrance door it is possible to put into action a pressure air recycling device capable of generating "air blades" capable of not letting other air enter from the outside. The air in these jets is that sanitized in the operating room with the (optional) addition of a minimum percentage of ozone. During the operation, the air continues to be sanitized through the device and, at the same time, freed from the residual traces of ozone present in the same recirculation system, also removing any unpleasant odors. After the operation, it is possible to perform a new complete sanitization cycle in the absence of personnel.

Finally, the device can be advantageously used in shopping centers, malls, supermarkets and similar. In fact, the aforementioned device, equipped with “air-wrap” columns, which sucks the surrounding air and conveys it towards the ultraviolet light source, allows to immediately activate in a phase of sanitizing the air potentially contaminated by pathogens which suddenly appeared, for example as a result of a sneeze from a passer-by. The presence of several devices, placed at a short distance from each other, allows the continuous sanitation of the air immediately present in a passage area. In the absence of staff, all the air inside the mall and/or commercial activity is sanitized again and, through the use of the device, the surfaces are also sanitized through the use of ozone. At the entrance of the mentioned shopping centers, supermarkets and similar, on the architraves of each entrance door it is possible to put into action a pressure air recycling device capable of generating “air blades” capable of avoiding air enter from the outside. The air in these jets is the same sanitized inside with the (optional) addition of a minimum percentage of ozone.

From the description given, the characteristics of the device and the procedure for the sanitation of air and surfaces, which are the subject of the present invention, are clear, as are the relative advantages.

Finally, it is clear that numerous other variations may be made to the device in question without departing in any case from the scope of protection of the inventive idea as protected in the attached claims.