CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/044,166, filed June 25, 2020, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates to vehicle systems for passenger comfort, and more particularly, air handling systems on a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Airplanes use partially recycled air within the passenger cabin in order to reduce fuel consumption needed for pressurizing outside air during flight to provide cabin air. The recycled air can transport many types of contaminates including bacteria and viruses between passengers. There is a tremendous need for innovation that will provide a healthier travel environment within airplane cabins.

SUMMARY

[0004] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to providing locally sterilized airflows to individual passenger seats. The sterilized airflows can be adapted to create sterilized air regions surrounding passengers heads while seated, which would thereby protect the passengers from contaminates exhaled by other passengers. By locally sterilizing the cabin air provided to passengers, greater recycling of cabin air can occur which decreases the mass flow rate outside air is pressurized for cabin use and decreases fuel consumption during flight.

[0005] In some embodiments, a seat air sterilization assembly includes a sterilization chamber within a passenger seat of a vehicle. The sterilization chamber includes a sterilization device configured to sterilize air flowing through the sterilization chamber from an input opening to an output opening. A fan forces air into the input opening or pulls air out of the output opening of the sterilization chamber to create the air flow through the sterilization chamber. An output air duct is connected between the output opening of the sterilization chamber and a passenger directed nozzle which is configured to direct sterilized air from the sterilization chamber towards a passenger.

[0006] Some further embodiments are directed to deflecting air traveling past a forward seated passenger away from the rear seat passenger, such when passenger seats are arranged in columns and rows. In one embodiment, the seat air sterilization assembly includes a deflectional airflow unit within the passenger seat of the vehicle, which includes at least one blade nozzle that directs air, coming from an area in front of the passenger seat, away from the passenger seated facing the back surface of the passenger seat. The at least one blade nozzle may be located near edges of the passenger seat and produce a narrow airflow of air that deflects the air, coming from the area in front of the passenger seat, upward and along an inside area of the vehicle.

[0007] Some other embodiments are directed to a seat video display unit that includes a seat air sterilization assembly. The seat air sterilization assembly includes a sterilization chamber within a passenger seat of a vehicle, a fan, and output air duct. The sterilization chamber has an input opening and an output opening. The sterilization chamber includes a sterilization device configured to sterilize air flowing through the sterilization chamber from the input opening to the output opening. The fan is configured to push air into the input opening or pull air out of the output opening of the sterilization chamber. The output air duct connected between the output opening of the sterilization chamber and a passenger directed nozzle configured to direct sterilized air from the sterilization chamber towards a passenger.

[0008] Other seat air sterilization assemblies, seat video display units, systems, and corresponding methods according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon review of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional seat air sterilization assemblies, seat video display units, systems, and corresponding methods be included within this description, be within the scope of the present inventive subject matter, and be protected by the accompanying claims. Moreover, it is intended that all embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented separately or combined in any way and/or combination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in a constitute a part of this application, illustrate certain non-limiting embodiments of inventive concepts. In the drawings:

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a back view of a passenger seat with a seat air sterilization assembly configured according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2A illustrates a back view of a passenger seat with deflectional airflow unit configured according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2B illustrates a back view of a passenger seat with another deflectional airflow unit configured according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of a seat video display unit and seat air sterilization assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates a partially disassembled view of a back of a passenger seat showing components of a seat air sterilization assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of a passenger seat with an embodiment of a seat air sterilization assembly operating according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of a passenger seat with another embodiment of a seat air sterilization assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 7 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a sterilization chamber configured according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 8A illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a sterilization chamber configured according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 8B illustrates a side cutout view of the sterilization chamber of Figure 8A along line 800 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; [0020] Figure 8C illustrates a top view of a sterilization chamber according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 9 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a sterilization chamber according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 10 illustrates a side view of a passenger seat with an embodiment of a seat air sterilization assembly blowing sterilized airflow from the backrest or headrest of passenger seat to the front of the passenger and operating according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0023] Figure 11 illustrates a side view of a passenger seat with an embodiment of a seat air sterilization assembly blowing sterilized airflow from the backrest or headrest of passenger seat to an air intake unit located in or on the armrest of the seat and operating according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Inventive concepts will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which examples of embodiments of inventive concepts are shown. Inventive concepts may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of various present inventive concepts to those skilled in the art. It should also be noted that these embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Components from one embodiment may be tacitly assumed to be present or used in another embodiment.

[0025] Although various embodiments of the present invention are explained herein in the context of an airplane environment, other embodiments of seat air sterilization systems and related components are not limited thereto and may be used in other environments, including other vehicles such as ships, submarines, buses, trains, commercial/military transport aircraft, and automobiles, as well as buildings such as conference centers, sports arenas, hotels, homes, etc. Accordingly, in some embodiments users are referred to, in a non-limiting way, as passengers. Passengers may include people who buy tickets, crew members, and/or other representatives of the vehicle operators, including without limitation, employees and representatives of airline, train, automobile, cruise ship, and bus operators.

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates a back view of a passenger seat 200 with a seat air sterilization assembly. The seat air sterilization assembly may be within the passenger seat 200 (for example a passenger seat on an airplane) and may be used to blow sterilized air towards a passenger's face.

[0027] In some embodiments the seat air sterilization assembly can include a sterilization chamber 340, a fan (not pictured), and an output air duct (shown in Figure 4).

A fan transports air from an air intake unit 400 into a sterilization chamber 340 where the air is sterilized. The sterilized air is transported through the output air duct to a passenger directed nozzle 330 which is configured to direct a sterilized airflow toward a passenger seated facing the back of the seat 200.

[0028] The passenger directed nozzle 330 may be an adjustable air nozzle that allows a passenger to adjust the speed of the airflow by twisting the nozzle and/or adjust the direction of the sterilized airflow by angling the nozzle. For example, the passenger may adjust the direction of the passenger directed nozzle 330 toward the passenger's face and may twist the nozzle counter-clockwise to open the nozzle and increase flow rate of the sterilized airflow. This gives the passenger the ability to fine tune the directionality and flow rate of the sterilized airflow according to the passenger's preferences.

[0029] The air intake unit 400 may be a slit, hole, or other opening that allows air to be drawn-in by a fan. The air intake unit 400 may be located anywhere on or connected to the passenger seat 200. In one embodiment, the air intake unit 400 is located a sufficient distance below the passenger directed nozzle 330 (for example, below a seat video display unit 100) to avoid the intake-airflow moving toward the sterilization chamber interfering with the sterilized airflow moving toward the passenger. The sterilized airflow creates a region of sterilized air behind the passenger seat 200 which can be positioned to enclose a passenger's head who is rearward seated on another passenger seat facing the passenger seat 200. This region of sterilized air protects the passenger from contaminates, including viruses and bacteria, exhaled by adjacent passengers such as any forward column seated passenger and any adjacent row seated passengers. [0030] Additionally, while only one air intake unit 400 is depicted on the passenger seat 200, any number of air intake units 400 may be used.

[0031] By locally sterilizing the cabin air provided to passengers, greater recycling of cabin air can be allowed which, in turn, decreases the mass flow rate at which outside air needs to pressurized during flight for cabin use and results in decreased fuel consumption during flight.

[0032] In other embodiments, the sterilization chamber 340 may be located in a location other than on the back surface or inside backrest of the seat 200. The Sterilization chamber may be attached to the underside of the seat, attached to the floor of the airplane cabin, or attached to a wall of the airplane cabin. Furthermore, the sterilization chamber 340 may be located inside parts of the seat other than the backrest of the seat 200 such as armrests, a headrest, or inside the seat cushion of the seat 200.

[0033] Additionally, in other embodiments, multiple seats may share a sterilization chamber 340.

[0034] Some further embodiments are directed to deflecting air traveling past a forward seated passenger away from the rear seat passenger, such when passenger seats are arranged in columns and rows. In some embodiments, the seat air sterilization assembly further includes a deflectional airflow unit. The deflectional airflow unit includes at least one blade nozzle (e.g., 360A/360B/360C). Assuming three seats arranged in a column, as sterilized air is directed by a first seat air sterilization assembly in a first seat toward a second passenger seated on a second seat that is seat 200, the sterilized airflow is partially inhaled by the second passenger. The sterilized airflow then becomes contaminated by exhaled contaminates from the second passenger seated in second seat 200. The deflectional airflow unit in the back of second seat 200 operates to deflect the contaminated airflow away from the airflow output by nozzle 330 and away from a third passenger who is seated on a third seat facing the back of the second seat 200. The deflectional airflow unit thereby operates to isolate and protect the third passenger seated on the third seat from the contaminated airflow passing the second passenger on seat 200.

[0035] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, three blade nozzles are shown. Each of the blade nozzles outputs a narrow but wide (blade) airflow that deflects the contaminated air in a direction away from the passenger who is seated facing the back surface of the passenger seat 200. Blade nozzle 360A may be located near the outside facing edge of the passenger seat 200 and deflects the contaminated airflow upward and outward away from the passenger seated facing the back surface of the passenger seat 200. Blade nozzle 360B may be located near the top edge of the passenger seats 200 and deflect the contaminated airflow upward toward the cabin ceiling and over the passenger seated facing the back surface of the passenger seat 200. Blade 360C may be located near the inside edges of the passenger seat 200 and deflects the air upward toward the cabin ceiling and over the passenger seated facing the back surface of the passenger seat 200. Since blade nozzles 360C are located near the inside adjacent edges of the passenger seats 200, the sterilized airflow output by the blade nozzles 360C will combine between the passenger seats 200 to create a high pressure region that impedes flow-through of the contaminated airflow and vector the contaminated airflow toward the cabin ceiling. Consequently, the sterilized airflow rate for the blade nozzles 360C can be lower than that of blade nozzles 360A and 360B because the blade nozzles 360C work together to push the contaminated airflow upward away from the rear seated passenger.

[0036] While three blade nozzles are depicted in the figures herein, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and number of blade nozzles may be used. For example, a seat may include a single blade nozzle that extends and wraps along the upper edges of the passenger seat 200 to output a narrow airflow that deflects the contaminated airflow away from the passenger who is seated facing the back surface of the passenger seat 200.

[0037] While only one sterilization chamber is depicted, any number of sterilization chambers may be used herein to perform the function of sterilizing the air.

[0038] The seat air sterilization assembly may be in communication with or included in a seat video display unit 100 mounted in the passenger seat 200. The communication connection and/or combination between the seat air sterilization assembly and seat video display unit are described further with reference to Figure 3, below.

[0039] Figure 2A illustrates a back view of a passenger seat with deflectional airflow unit configured according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the airflow output by the deflectional airflow unit through the blade nozzles 360A/360B/360C is an unsterilized airflow or a combination of unsterilized and sterilized airflows. Because sterilized air is blown out of the passenger directed nozzle 330 at the passenger and the blade nozzles are directed to redirect air upward away from the rear- seated passenger and is not expected to be inhaled in significant amounts by the rear- seated passenger, an unsterilized airflow or combined sterilized and unsterilized airflows may be output by the blade nozzles.

[0040] The air intake unit 400 in some embodiments may be the same air intake that intakes air for flowing through the sterilization chamber 340 and output through the passenger directed nozzle 330, or the air intake unit 400 of Figure 2A can be a separate air intake unit from the one that intakes air for the sterilization chamber 340. In various embodiments where the air intake unit does not feed airflow to the sterilization chamber, the air intake unit may be considered to be a part of the deflectional airflow unit.

[0041] In some embodiments, regardless of whether the air intake unit 400 feeds airflow to the sterilization chamber, the ducts 420 that direct the air from the air intake unit 400 to the blade nozzles 360A/360B/360C may have at least one air filter. The at least one air filter operates to trap particles (e.g., dirt, dust, etc.), fibers (e.g., hair, clothing fibers, etc.), and other objects/materials that may be floating in the air and is sucked in by the air intake unit 400.

[0042] In some embodiments, the at least one filter is a high efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filter, a fiberglass filter, polyester and pleated filter, etc. In an instance where the at least one filter is more than one filter, the filters may be a combination of different types of filters or a combination of the same type of filters, and which can be arranged in a layered stack or spaced apart along the airflow conduit. For example, when two filters are used, one may be a FIEPA filter and another may be a fiberglass filter arranged to pre-filter airflow before it passes through the FIEPA filter. In another example, when two filters are used, both filters may be FIEPA filters. Additionally, the filter may be removable, replaceable, and/or washable.

[0043] The shape, number of branches, and size of the duct 420 may vary based on the number of blade nozzles that are in the passenger seat 200 and the preferred rate of airflow that is intended to be effectively output through the blade nozzles. [0044] Figure 2B illustrates a back view of a passenger seat with another deflectional airflow unit 360 configured according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the air is drawn in through the air intake unit 400, directed through a sterilization chamber 340, directed through the duct 420, and output through the blade nozzles 360A/360B/360C. Therefore, in some embodiments, the airflow output by the deflectional air unit 360 is sterilized.

[0045] The air intake unit 400 and the sterilization chamber 340 may be additional to an air intake unit and sterilization chamber that is used to output a sterilized airflow through the passenger directed nozzle 330. Alternatively, the air intake unit 400 and sterilization chamber 340 are the same as the ones used to upload a sterilized airflow through the passenger directed nozzle 330. In the instance where they are the same, the duct 420 would have an additional duct/branch that leads from the sterilization chamber 340 to the passenger directed nozzle 330.

[0046] While Figure 2A and 2B illustrate examples of embodiments where either sterilized or unsterilized airflow is output by the deflectional air unit through the blade nozzles 360A/360B/360C, as explained above the output airflow may alternatively be a combination of sterilized and unsterilized air. In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one blade nozzles 360A/360B/360C is provided a sterilized airflow while others are provided unsterilized airflows, or all of the at least one blade nozzles 360A/360B/360C can be fed a combined airflow that includes a mixture of both sterilized and unsterilized airflows.

[0047] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of a seat video display unit 100 and seat air sterilization assembly 300 which are mounted within a shared housing 320 configured to be mounted in a seat back of a passenger seat according to some embodiments. The seat video display unit 100 may include a network interface 1246 (e.g., wired (Ethernet, USB, etc.) and/or wireless (e.g., WiFi, cellular, Bluetooth, etc.) communication interface), a display device 12, and a processor 1200 that executes computer program code from a memory 1230. The network interface 1246 may include a wireless communication interface configured to communicate through a wireless RF channel(s) with a personal electronic device. The personal electronic device can be a personal electronic device that is carried by a passenger or crew member into communication range of the seat video display unit 100 ₇ including, without limitation, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, a cellular smart phone, a media player, etc. The seat video display unit 100 may further include a user input interface 1240 (e.g., touch screen, keyboard, keypad, etc.) and an audio interface 1244 (e.g., audio jack and audio driver circuitry).

[0048] The seat video display unit 100 is configured to play media (e.g., movies, TV shows, games, etc.) through the display device 12 and audio interface 1244. The media may reside in a local memory 1230, be streamed from a media server on-board the aircraft, be streamed from a media server off-board the aircraft via a satellite constellation and/or a ground data link (e.g., cellular), and/or be streamed from a passenger electronic device.

[0049] At least one processor 1200 ("processor" for brevity) includes one or more data processing circuits, such as a general purpose and/or special purpose processor (e.g., microprocessor and/or digital signal processor). The processor 1200 is configured to execute computer program instructions from operational program code 1232 in at least one memory 1230 ("memory" for brevity) to perform some or all of the operations that are described herein for one or more of the embodiments.

[0050] While only one processor 1200 is described herein, any number of processors 1200 may be used.

[0051] In some embodiments, the seat air sterilization assembly 300 is included in an enclosure shared with the seat video display unit 100 and is in electrical communication with the processor 1200. In some other embodiments, the seat air sterilization assembly 300 is separate from the seat video display unit 100 but is still in electrical communication with the processor 1200. In some embodiments, the seat air sterilization assembly 300 is powered by a power supply that powers components of the seat video display unit 100.

[0052] The seat air sterilization assembly 300 may comprise a sterilization chamber 340, a fan 500, and an output air duct 310. The output air duct 310 may be connected between the output opening of the sterilization chamber 340 and a passenger directed nozzle 330. The seat air sterilization assembly 300 may further include a deflectional airflow unit 360 which includes at least one blade nozzle 360A/360B/360C.

[0053] The seat video display unit 100 and/or the seat air sterilization assembly 300 may further include a passenger detection unit 1250. The passenger detection unit may be configured to detect the presence of the passenger seated facing the back surface of the passenger seat, i.e., facing the sterilized airflow nozzle 330. The passenger detection unit 1250 may be in communication with the processor 1200 of the seat video display unit 100, to signal when a passenger is detected and which can trigger the processor 1200 to activate operation of the seat air sterilization assembly 300.

[0054] The passenger detection unit 1250 may include a motion sensor, a camera, a weight sensor, and/or an input sensor. The motion sensor may be configured to detect motion of a passenger entering or exiting a field of view of the motion sensor. The camera may be configured to detect a motion of the passenger, a figure of the passenger, a hand of the passenger, or a face of the passenger entering, exiting, or making a movement within the field of view of the camera. The weight sensor may be located within another passenger seat that the passenger would be seated on when facing the back surface of the passenger seat. The input sensor may be a physical or electronic switch or button that the passenger flips or presses. Optionally, the input sensor can be included in the user input interface of the seat video display unit 100 to, for example, enable a passenger to selectively activate operation of the seat air sterilization assembly 300.

[0055] In some embodiments, the passenger detection unit is in electrical communication with the processor 1200 and is configured to communicate with the processor by transmitting signals to the processor. The signals include information indicative of the presence, or lack thereof, of a passenger.

[0056] In some embodiments, the processor 1200 is configured to communicate with the passenger detection unit 1250 and responsively operate the fan 500 (and any electrical components of the sterilization chamber 340) based on signals transmitted by the passenger detection unit 1250 to the processor 1200. The processor 1200 is configured to turn on the fan 500 based on signals from the passenger detection unit 1250 indicating that a presence of a passenger is detected. The processor 1200 is further configured to turn off the fan 500 based on signals from the passenger detection unit 1250 indicating that presence of a passenger is not detected or is no longer detected. Additionally, the processor 1200 may be further configured to adjust the speed of the fan 500 based on input signals by the passenger that is generated by the passenger detection unit 1250.The input signals may include information indicative of a speed adjustment for the fan 500. By adjusting the speed of the fan 500, the airflow rate of the passenger directed nozzle 330 and/or the blade nozzles 360A/360B/360C are increased or decreased.

[0057] In some embodiments when the passenger detection unit 1250 is a motion detector, the passenger detection unit 1250 may detect presence of a passenger through detected passenger motion. This motion may be the passenger entering the field of view of the motion detector and moving while seated. When the unit 150 can use a sensor, e.g., camera, having a field of view directed from a back surface of the passenger seat 200 toward a location where a passenger may be seated. The passenger detection unit 1250 may transmit signals to the processor 1200 indicating that the presence of a passenger is detected, and the processor 1200 may responsively turn on the fan 500.

[0058] In some embodiments, the passenger detection unit 1250 monitors for presence of a passenger throughout a trip, such as when the passenger moves within the field of view of the motion detector. This detected movement can be indicated by the passenger detection unit 1250 to the processor 1200 to notify that the passenger is still located behind the passenger seat 200. If the motion detector does not detect motion after a predefined time period then the passenger detection unit 1250 may transmit a signal to the processor 1200 indicating that a presence of a passenger is not detected, or is no longer detected, and the processor 1200 may responsively turn off the fan 500.

[0059] The motion detector may be configured to detect gesture based commands based on motion of a passenger's hand or other object. In one embodiment, based on identifying a defined hand gesture the passenger detection unit 1250 transmits a signal to the processor 1200 indicating a passenger command to increase/decrease speed of the fan 500. For example, if the passenger swipes the hand from left to right in the field of view of the motion detector, this gesture can be registered by the passenger detection unit 1250 as the passenger desiring an increase in speed of the fan 500. Therefore, the passenger detection unit 1250 signal the processor 1200 to increase speed of the fan 500, and the processor 1200 can control the fan 500 to increase speed.

[0060] In some embodiments when the passenger detection unit 1250 is a camera, the passenger detection unit 1250 may detect motion and/or shapes. The shapes may be the body of a passenger, the head or face of a passenger, and/or a hand of the passenger. The passenger detection unit 1250 may detect presence of a passenger when the passenger detection unit 1250 determines that a passenger has entered the field of view of the camera. The passenger detection unit 1250 may make this determination when the passenger detection unit 1250 determines that a passenger's face, hand, and/or body has entered the field of view of the camera or when there is motion detected by the camera.

[0061] Based on whether the passenger detection unit 1250 detects presence of a passenger, the passenger detection unit 1250 transmits signals indicating the presence, or lack thereof, to the processor 1200 and the processor 1200 operates the fan 500 on or off based on the signals received.

[0062] In some embodiments when the passenger detection unit 1250 is a weight sensor, the weight sensor is within a passenger seat that the passenger is seated in facing the back surface of the passenger seat. If the weight sensor detects a threshold weight, this is indicative of presence of a passenger in that passenger seat. Therefore, the passenger detection unit 1250 detects the presence of a passenger by detecting a weight, or weight increase, on a passenger seat. When the weight sensor detects presence of a passenger in the seat, the passenger detection unit 1250 can transmit a signal to the processor 1200 indicative of presence of a passenger in the passenger seat, and the processor 1200 can operates to turn on the fan 500. If the weight sensor does not detect, or no longer detects, weight on the passenger seat, then the passenger detection unit 1250 can responsively transmit a signal to the processor indicating a lack of a presence of a passenger to trigger the fan 500 to turn off.

[0063] In some embodiments when the passenger detection unit 1250 is an input sensor, presence of a passenger is detected by the turning on of the seat video display unit, by passenger actuation of a physical switch or software displayed object, or by passenger actuation of a software displayed object on the passenger electronic device. The software displayed object may be an electronically displayed switch or button on the display device 12 or user input interface 1240 of the seat video display unit. In this embodiment, the lack of presence of a passenger may be detected when the passenger does not perform one of the actions described above regarding detecting presence within a threshold time.

[0064] For example, the flipping/pressing of a switch/button may be detected by the passenger detection unit 1250, and the passenger detection unit 1250 may transmit a signal to the processor 1200 indicating presence of a passenger. The processor 1200 may operate the fan 500 on/off based on the transmitted signal indicating a flip/switch of a switch/button.

[0065] In another embodiment, the input sensor includes a slide input device or other feature that may be used by the passenger to adjust the speed of the fan 500. The passenger detection unit 1250 detects that a passenger moved the slide input device to the left or right, and transmits a signal to the processor 1200 indicative of the slide to the left or right, and the processor 1200 controls the speed of the fan 500 by increasing/decreasing the speed of the fan 500 based on the signal indicating the left or right movement.

[0066] Figure 4 illustrates a partially disassembled view of a back of a passenger seat 200 showing components of a seat air sterilization assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0067] In some embodiments, as shown by Figure 4, an air intake unit 400 receives an input airflow. The airflow moves through a duct 410 to an input end 340A of sterilization chamber 340. The airflow moves through the sterilization chamber 340 where it becomes sterilized, and then the sterilized airflow moves through an output end 340B of the sterilization chamber 340. From the output end 340B the sterilized airflow moves through an output air duct 310 and then out the passenger directed nozzle 330 which focuses and directs the sterilized airflow toward a passenger seated facing a back surface of the passenger seat 200.

[0068] In some embodiments the fan 500 is located within the air intake unit 400, located along the duct 410, located within the input end 340A of the sterilization chamber 340, located within the sterilization chamber 340, located within the output end 340B of the sterilization chamber 340, located along the output air duct 310, and/or located before or within the passenger directed nozzle 330. When the fan 500 is located prior to the sterilization chamber 340, the fan 500 pushes the airflow into the sterilization chamber and out the passenger directed nozzle 330. When the fan 500 is located after the sterilization chamber 340, the fan 500 pulls the airflow through the sterilization chamber 340 and outputs the airflow toward the passenger directed nozzle 330. [0069] The fan 500 may be one fan or any number of fans spaced apart at any number of locations discussed above.

[0070] In some embodiments, the passenger detection unit 1250 is located within the passenger seat 200 separate from the seat video display unit 100 but is in communication with the processor 1200 that is included in the seat video display unit 100 or is in communication with another processor. In other embodiments, the passenger detection unit 1250 is within the seat video display unit 100.

[0071] As shown in Figure 4, the blade nozzles 360A/360B/360C may be located near edges of the passenger seat 200. For example, blade nozzle 360A is illustrated in Figure 4 as being located near the left edge of the passenger seat 200, the blade nozzle 360B is located along the top edge of the passenger seat 200, and the blade nozzle 360C is located along the right edge of the passenger seat 200.

[0072] Some other embodiments are directed to components that facilitate cleaning of the sterilization chamber. In one embodiment, the sterilization chamber includes a high-pressure input 350 that is used to allow high-pressure air to be directed into the sterilization chamber 340 to force out accumulated particles or other contaminants outward down through the input opening of the sterilization chamber 340. This is discussed in greater detail with respect to Figure 8C.

[0073] Additionally, or alternatively, the sterilization chamber 340 may be detachable (or otherwise removable) from the passenger seat so that the inside of the sterilization chamber 340 can be cleaned. For example, the sterilization chamber 340 could be removed from the passenger seat 200 and placed in a solution (e.g., a cleaning solution) that removes particles or contaminants from the sterilization chamber 340.

[0074] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of a passenger seat 200 with an embodiment of a seat air sterilization assembly operating according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The passenger 1 is seated facing a back surface of the passenger seat 200 and the passenger's head is receiving a sterilized airflow 332 from a passenger directed nozzle. Contaminated airflow 70 is coming from an area in front of the passenger seat 200 and flow toward the passenger 1. At least one blade nozzle (e.g., blade nozzle 360B) of the deflectional airflow unit blows an airflow 60 (e.g., sterilized, partially sterilized, or unsterilized airflow) upward to deflect the contaminated airflow 70 toward the cabin ceiling and prevent the contaminated airflow 70 from reaching the passenger's head region. The contaminated airflow 70 thereby is deflected by the airflow 60 away from the passenger 1.

[0075] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of a passenger seat 200 with another embodiment of a seat air sterilization assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the passenger directed nozzle 330 (or a part thereof) includes a flexible tube (air duct 310) extending to a mask that may be secured to a passenger's head (e.g., the head of passenger 1). The passenger 1 may use a securing feature (e.g., a strap) to secure the mask to the passenger's face. After securing the mask to the passenger's face, the flexible output air duct 310 conducts the sterilized airflow from the sterilization chamber within the passenger seat 200 to the mask secured to the passenger's face. When the passenger is finished using the mask, the passenger can retract the flexible output air duct 310 back into the seatback.

[0076] In some embodiments where the passenger directed nozzle 330 is a mask, a deflectional airflow unit 360 is not necessary. Therefore, in some embodiments the deflectional airflow unit 360 is not included in the seat air sterilization assembly 300. By having the passenger directed nozzle 330 secured to the passenger's face, the risk of contaminated air being breathed in by the passenger 1 is greatly reduced.

[0077] In some embodiments where the passenger directed nozzle 330 is a mask that is presently being used, a deflectional airflow unit 360 if-present can be turned off. In these embodiments, a sensor (not shown) is included in the passenger seat 200 or within the passenger directed nozzle 330 that detects that the passenger directed nozzle 330 is detached from the passenger seat 200. This may indicate that the passenger directed nozzle 330 is being used by the passenger 1 as a mask. So the sensor may send signals to the processor 1200 indicative of the passenger directed nozzle 330 being detach from the passenger seat 200 and the processor 1200 operates the seat air sterilization assembly 300, the deflectional airflow unit 360 directly, or the fan 500 to turn off the deflectional airflow unit 360.

[0078] Figure 7 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a sterilization chamber 340 that includes one or more UV light sources that operate to sterilize the airflow passing through the sterilization chamber 340. In some embodiments, the sterilization chamber 340 includes a reflectional area, at least one UV (ultraviolet) light source 380, and a sterilization chamber air duct 344. The reflectional area is configured to cause light (e.g.,

UV light, UV-C light, etc.) to be reflected within the reflectional area. The reflectional area may be the entire inside portion of the sterilization chamber 340, the inside portion of the sterilization chamber air duct 344, and/or any portion of area within the sterilization chamber 340 which is arranged to be exposed to incident UV light.

[0079] In some embodiments, the at least one UV light source 380 is configured to emit high-intensity UV light that sterilizes the air that passes through the sterilization chamber 340. The UV light can be UV-A light, UV-B light, or UV-C light in order of increasing preference. This results in the output airflow of the sterilization chamber being a sterilized airflow. In one preferred embodiment, the UV light source is a UV-C light source that emits UV-C light with a sufficient intensity to render inoperative viruses during a time duration that the airflow remains within the sterilization chamber 340.

[0080] In some embodiments, the sterilization chamber air duct 344 may be configured to extend along a meandering path through the reflectional area within the sterilization chamber 340 and channels airthat enters the input opening of the sterilization chamber through the meandering path to the output opening 342B of the sterilization chamber. Configuring air duct 344 to meander within the sterilization chamber 340 can advantageously extend the amount of time that contaminants within the airflow are exposed to the UV light and increase the associated sterilization effectiveness. Accordingly, the sterilization chamber air duct 344 exposes the air that is directed through the sterilization chamber 340 to the UV light to sterilize the air. The sterilization chamber air duct 344 may be formed from various materials and can include, without limitation, plastic, glass, and/or other material that allow UV light to pass through the material.

[0081] Optionally, in some embodiments, the sterilization chamber 340 may include a filter 370 on the input opening. The filter 370 can be any type of filter discussed above.

[0082] Figure 8A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a sterilization chamber 340 with electrostatic (ES) plates 382. In some embodiments, the sterilization chamber 340 includes at least two ES plates 382 that are configured to allow the airflow that enters the sterilization chamber 340 (through input opening 342A) to pass between the at least two ES plates 382 and out the output opening 342B. The sterilization chamber 340 can also include charger circuitry 600 that applies a positive or negative charge to each of the ES plates 382 and a sterilization chamber air duct 344 that directs the airflow that enters the sterilization chamber through the input opening 342A to the output opening 342B of the sterilization chamber 340. The electrostatic plates become positively or negatively charged by the charger circuitry 600 to attract and trap viruses, bacteria, and other small particulate contaminants in the airflow.

[0083] Optionally, in some embodiments, when ES plates 382 are used in the sterilization chamber, a filter 370 may be used similar to Figure 7 discussed above.

[0084] Figure 8B illustrates a side cutout 800 view of the sterilization chamber of Figure 8A. In some embodiments, the charger circuitry 600 applies a positive charge to at least one of the at least two ES plates 382 and applies a negative charge to the other at least one of the at least two ES plates 382.

[0085] For example, in Figure 8B, the charger circuitry 600 applies a substantial positive charge to the ES plates 382 at the bottom of the sterilization chamber 340 and applies a substantial negative charge to the ES plates 382 at the top of the sterilization chamber 340. The positively charged ES plates are arranged across from the negatively charged ES plates within the sterilization chamber 340. This causes the particles in airflow, passing between the positively/negatively charged ES plates, to be attracted to and trapped by the positively charged ES plates. The particles stick to the positively charged ES plates, resulting in sterilization of the airflow.

[0086] In some embodiments, more than one charger circuitry 600 may be used. Charger circuitry 600 can be used to positively charge some ES plates 382 while another charger circuitry negatively charges other ES plates 382. Alternatively, charger circuitry 600 can be used to positively and negatively charge some ES plates 382 and another charger circuitry 600 can be used to positively and negatively charge the other ES plates 382.

[0087] Figure 8C illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a sterilization chamber with a high-pressure input 350 which we used for cleaning the sterilization chamber. In some embodiments, the high-pressure input 350 is used to allow for high-pressure air to be directed into the sterilization chamber 340 and directed outward (down) through the input opening 342A of the sterilization chamber 340. When a high-pressure airflow source (e.g., compressed air cannister) is connected to the high-pressure input 350, connection of the airflow source or initiation of high pressure airflow causes a flap 352 to pushed out of the way of the high-pressure input 350 and block the output opening 342 of the sterilization chamber 340. In contrast, the flap 352 allows airflow into the duct 342B toward the passenger direction nozzle.

[0088] Flowing high-pressure air through the sterilization chamber 340 while the charger circuit 600 is not charging the ES plates 382 allows the high-pressure air to forcibly remove particles that have collected on the ES plates 382 to be blown out the input opening 342A.

[0089] Figure 9 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a sterilization chamber which combines one or more UV light sources and ES plates to generate a sterilized airflow, such as by combining various components of Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C. In some embodiments, a sterilization chamber 340 includes a reflective area, at least one UV light source 380, at least two ES plates 382, charger circuitry 600, and a sterilization chamber air duct 344. The reflective area, at least one UV light source 380, and sterilization chamber air duct 344 can be the same, or similar to, the ones discussed above with reference to Figure 7. Additionally, or alternatively, the at least two ES plates 382, charger circuitry 600, and sterilization chamber air duct 344 can be the same, or similar to, the ones discussed above with reference to Figures 8A-8C. By having both ES plates 382 and UV light sources 380, increased sterilization of the air flowing through the sterilization chamber 340 can be achieved. Moreover, while UV light source(s) can be effective at rapidly rendering inoperative some types of viruses and bacteria, ES plates can be more effective at rendering inoperative (trapping) other types of viruses and bacteria. Accordingly, the combined operation of UV light source(s) and ES plates can provide improved operation of the sterilization chamber 340.

[0090] Flerein, ES plates 382 and UV light sources 380 may be referred to as a sterilization device within the sterilization chamber.

[0091] In another embodiment, the blade nozzles, 360A, 360B, and/or 360C may be located on the front surface of the seat 200. In such embodiments, any combination of blade nozzles 360A, 360B, and 360C, alone or in combination, may be located in the headrest or seatback of the seat 200 such that the air blades blow from behind the dead of the passenger to the front of the passenger to create the protective air barrier. Each of the blade nozzles outputs a narrow but wide (blade) airflow that deflects the contaminated air in a direction away from the passenger who is seated facing the back surface of the passenger seat 200.

[0092] As previously stated, while three blade nozzles are depicted in the figures herein, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and number of blade nozzles may be used. For example, a passenger seat 200 may include a single blade nozzle that extends and wraps along the upper edges of the passenger seat 200 to output a narrow airflow that deflects the contaminated airflow away from the passenger who is seated facing the back surface of the passenger seat 200.

[0093] For example, Figure 10 illustrates a side view of a passenger seat 200 with an embodiment of a seat air sterilization assembly blowing sterilized airflow 332 from the backrest or headrest of passenger seat 200 to the front of the passenger l and operating according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0094] In this embodiment, the passenger 1 is seated facing away from a front surface of the passenger's seat 200 and a sterilized airflow 332 is blown from the back of the passenger 1 through at least one directed nozzle to the front of the passenger 1. Contaminated airflow 70 is coming from an area in front of the passenger seat 200 and flows toward the passenger 1. At least one blade nozzle (e.g., blade nozzle 360B) of the deflectional airflow unit blows an airflow 60 (e.g., sterilized, partially sterilized, or unsterilized airflow) upward to deflect the contaminated airflow 70 toward the cabin ceiling and prevent the contaminated airflow 70 from reaching the passenger's head region. An additional deflectional airflow unit or the same deflectional airflow unit may optionally be included to blow an additional airflow such as the directional airflow shown in 61 (e.g., sterilized, partially sterilized, or unsterilized airflow) to further ensure the contaminated airflow 70 does not reach the passenger's head region. The contaminated airflow 70 thereby is deflected by the airflow 60 away from the passenger 1.

[0095] In other embodiments, the contaminated airflow 70 may flow in the opposite direction shown in Figure 10 such that it flows from the area behind seat 200 and the back of passenger 1 to the area in front passenger 1 while the contaminated airflow 70 is deflected to ensure the contaminated airflow 70 does not reach the passenger's head region.

[0096] In another example, Figure 11 illustrates a side view of a passenger seat 200 with an embodiment of a seat air sterilization assembly blowing sterilized airflow 332 from the backrest or headrest of passenger seat 200 to an air intake unit located in or on the armrest 1100 of the seat 200 and operating according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0097] In this embodiment, the passenger 1 is seated facing away from a front surface of the passenger seat 200 and a sterilized airflow 332 is blown from the back of the passenger 1 through at least one directed nozzle, and may be returned to the seat air sterilization assembly via an air intake unit located within or adjacent to armrest 1100 of the seat 200. A conduit may extend from an output of the seat air sterilization assembly to conduct air to an air output unit located in the headrest area of the seat. In one embodiment, a pair of air output units are located on opposite side regions of the seat headrest, to be positioned on opposite sides of the head of the passenger 1, and connected by a conduit to the output of the seat air sterilization assembly. A sterilized airflow is thereby provided from the seat, e.g., from the headrest area of the seat, toward the head of the passenger 1 creating a sterile air pressure zone for the passenger to breathe.

[0098] In one embodiment, one or more air intake units are located in or on the armrest(s) 1100 of the seat 200 and connected by one or more conduits to an input of the seat air sterilization unit, thereby creating a lower air pressure area that draws-in the expelled contaminated air from the passenger 1 . Contaminated airflow 70 is flowing from an area in front of the passenger seat 200 and flows toward the passenger 1. At least one blade nozzle (e.g., blade nozzle 360B) of the deflectional airflow unit blows an airflow 60 (e.g., sterilized, partially sterilized, or unsterilized airflow) upward to deflect the contaminated airflow 70 toward the cabin ceiling and prevents the contaminated airflow 70 from reaching the passenger's head region. An additional deflectional airflow unit or the same deflectional airflow unit may optionally be included to blow an additional airflow such as the directional airflow shown as airflow 61 (e.g., sterilized, partially sterilized, or unsterilized airflow) to further ensure the contaminated airflow 70 does not reach the passenger's head region. The contaminated airflow 70 thereby is deflected by the airflow 60 away from the passenger 1.

[0099] In other embodiments, the contaminated airflow 70 may flow in the opposite direction shown in Figure 11 such that it flows from the area behind seat 200 and the back of passenger 1 to the area in front passenger 1 while the contaminated airflow 70 is deflected to ensure the contaminated airflow 70 does not reach the passenger's head region.

Further Definitions and Embodiments:

[0100] In the above-description of various embodiments of present inventive concepts, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of present inventive concepts. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which present inventive concepts belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense expressly so defined herein.

[0101] When an element is referred to as being "connected", "coupled", "responsive", or variants thereof to another element, it can be directly connected, coupled, or responsive to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected", "directly coupled", "directly responsive", or variants thereof to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, "coupled", "connected", "responsive", or variants thereof as used herein may include wirelessly coupled, connected, or responsive. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. [0102] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements/operations, these elements/operations should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element/operation from another element/operation. Thus, a first element/operation in some embodiments could be termed a second element/operation in other embodiments without departing from the teachings of present inventive concepts. The same reference numerals or the same reference designators denote the same or similar elements throughout the specification.

[0103] As used herein, the terms "comprise", "comprising", "comprises", "include", "including", "includes", "have", "has", "having", or variants thereof are open-ended, and include one or more stated features, integers, elements, steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof. Furthermore, as used herein, the common abbreviation "e.g.", which derives from the Latin phrase "exempli gratia," may be used to introduce or specify a general example or examples of a previously mentioned item, and is not intended to be limiting of such item. The common abbreviation "i.e.", which derives from the Latin phrase "id est," may be used to specify a particular item from a more general recitation.

[0104] Example embodiments are described herein with reference to block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations of computer-implemented methods, apparatus (systems and/or devices) and/or computer program products. It is understood that a block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by computer program instructions that are performed by one or more computer circuits. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor circuit of a general purpose computer circuit, special purpose computer circuit, and/or other programmable data processing circuit to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer and/or other programmable data processing apparatus, transform and control transistors, values stored in memory locations, and other hardware components within such circuitry to implement the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block or blocks, and thereby create means (functionality) and/or structure for implementing the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block(s).

[0105] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a tangible computer-readable medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block or blocks. Accordingly, embodiments of present inventive concepts may be embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro code, etc.) that runs on a processor such as a digital signal processor, which may collectively be referred to as "circuitry," "a module" or variants thereof.

[0106] It should also be noted that in some alternate implementations, the functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the flowcharts. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Moreover, the functionality of a given block of the flowcharts and/or block diagrams may be separated into multiple blocks and/or the functionality of two or more blocks of the flowcharts and/or block diagrams may be at least partially integrated. Finally, other blocks may be added/inserted between the blocks that are illustrated, and/or blocks/operations may be omitted without departing from the scope of inventive concepts. Moreover, although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths to show a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the depicted arrows.

[0107] Many variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments without substantially departing from the principles of the present inventive concepts. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of present inventive concepts. Accordingly, the above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended examples of embodiments are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall within the spirit and scope of present inventive concepts. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of present inventive concepts are to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the present disclosure including the following examples of embodiments and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.