Indian Patents. 270982:PURIFICATION DEVICES

Title of Invention	PURIFICATION DEVICES
Abstract	A device for eliminating odour and killing microbes, said device comprising, first means for emitting significant UV radiation having wavelength of 185 nm; second means for emitting UV radiation specifically in the range having wavelength of 253.7 nm; and third means for forcing ambient air sequentially in contact with the first and the second means.

Full Text	FORM-2 THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970) & THE PATENTS RULES, 2003 COMPLETE Specification (See section 10 and rule 13) PURIFICATION DEVICES KULKARNI AVINASH DATTATRAYA an Indian National of 6, Prassanna Apartments, Ashok Path. 55/22, Erandawane, Pune 11 004, Maharashtra, India THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED. Field of the Invention: This invention relates to air purification devices. In particular, this invention relates to devices for disinfecting air which at the same time removes odour and stench. Still particularly, this invention relates to devices for air purification and odour removal from air, either generally or within a defined closed space. Background of the Invention: A large number of pollutants can be found in the air and water. Pollution of environments inhabited by human, animal or plant life is of grave and growing public concern. Indoor air contaminants cause major health problems, such as lung disease and allergies. The modern lifestyle and the need for energy saving dictates that closed spaces have an ever-increasing content of pollutants. The pollutants that are present in normal room air have a wide distribution of sizes. Polluted air may include macro-particles, such as dirt, dust particles, pollens, and smoke. Micro-particles, such as bacteria, viruses, harmful chemicals, and various odoriferous molecules, are also commonly present in polluted air. Pollutants can cause disease, including cancer, lupus, immune diseases, allergies, and asthma. 2 The environment is also often contaminated with a variety of noxious and toxic gases including carbon monoxide, methane, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and a broad variety of organic vapours. Closed office buildings, homes provide a greater risk of these pollutants being trapped inside. Moreover, confined spaces such as toilets provide a greater threat to the levels of normal breathing air. Hence, apparatus and methods for removing air pollutants and for eliminating stench within an enclosed space have widespread economic and therapeutic use. Air purification processes are known in the prior art. Air borne infectious agents can be controlled in three ways: i) Dilution: by injection of fresh air. ii) Filtration: by capturing microbes through high efficiency particulate arresters commonly called HEPA filters. iii) Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) By dilution, fresh air is injected into the area being treated and a part of the spent air containing microbes is forced out into the outside environment. However, if the ventilation system itself harbours pathogens like molds, spores, bacteria, virus, fungi, yeast, protozoa, algae etc., this not only renders the whole system ineffective, but also elevates the risk of being infected through the said means. Filtration by HEPA filters captures the microbes and requires regular maintenance and cleaning. A rigorous protocol is to be observed during 3 cleaning and maintenance. The worker has to wear protective clothing, mask etc. to prevent him being infected with infectious agents. The filter is to be removed very gently, without any bumps or jerks and the filter to be put'in airtight bag and incinerated. If a fine filter is used, the pressure drop is higher and if a coarse is used, the microbes will not be captured. Ultraviolet Germicidal Radiation is a very effective way of killing microorganisms and preventing transmission of infectious agents. Proteins and nucleic acids are main constituents of all micro-organism such as bacteria, viruses, mold spores, algae, yeast, protozoa etc. They absorb certain wavelength of ultraviolet radiation energy which destroy and inactivate DNA preventing reproduction. Ozone is an allotrope of oxygen that can be formed when molecular oxygen, such as oxygen in the air, is irradiated by Ultraviolet light having a relatively short wavelength between 100 nm and 200 nm, particularly 185 nm. Ozone is a powerful oxidizer because it is not a stable molecule. It has a half-life measured in hours, and immediately after being formed, ozone molecules begin to return to the stable, molecular state by releasing the third oxygen atoms which then enter destructive reactions with contaminants in the vicinity. The use of ozone is hence, beneficial for sterilization purposes. Ozone is an effective agent for sterilizing/sanitizing, because of the fact that it is not selective in the reactions it initiates. It renders harmful hydrocarbons and pyrogens harmless by oxidizing them, and it destroys microbes including pathogens, either by reducing or destroying them or by cell lysing or oxidation. But the fact that ozone is not selective in its reactions, means 4 that it is equally reactive to humans and animals. Long exposure to ozone at relatively low levels, or short exposure to ozone at relatively high levels; both are dangerous in effect. Caution must hence be observed to limit the production of ozone and its use in air purification within a closed area. Typically, the level of ozone must be maintained below 50 ppb. A low pressure mercury discharge lamp in a quartz envelope produces only two radiations of wavelengths 185 nm and 253.7 nm in the range 100 nm to 300 nm. Ultraviolet light at 253.7 nm wavelength provides germicidal action, whereas, at 185 nm produces ozone, which in turn provides sanitizing and deodorizing action. Prior Art: U.S. Patent Number 6,809,329 discloses an ultraviolet light system for treating air. It speaks of an UV tube lamp having two sections; one for Ultraviolet production with the production of ozone, and another for the production of Ultraviolet light without the production of ozone. The amount of ozone transmitted by the lamp is controlled by a movable annular sleeve. This invention however provides no synergy between the ultraviolet producing and the ozone producing lamps. This does not provide any limiting action on the production of ozone. U.S. Patent Number 6,528,02) discloses a system and method for treatment of hazardous biological materials being exhausted from sewer and grease 5 trap vents. The hazardous emissions are neutralized when exposed to a mixture of ozone and ultra-violet radiation. This invention basically refers to an exhaust-type device and not for recycling air within a closed space. U.S. Patent Number 6,503,458 illustrates a device for purifying air within a room. It discloses an ultraviolet ray generator to kill bacteria, germs and viruses in the air passing through the device. This device also generates ozone for neutralizing undesirable odours through the air passing within the housing. There is no mechanism to limit the amount of ozone generated within the device and to keep it in within the acceptable limits so that the air is suitable for human use. U.S. Patent Number 5,601,786 shows a system and method for purifying air by employing a lamp that produces two separate energy intensity maxima. One is the ozone producing radiation that falls within one wavelength interval, and other is for germicidal radiation that falls within another wavelength interval. This does not speak of a simultaneous multiple- wavelength radiating lamp that provides a multiple effect of sterilizing, sanitizing and purification. Nor does it provide in-built ozone-limiting apparatus. U.S. Patent Number 3,745,750 reveals an air purifier that is an air treatment means in the form of an ozone generator or ultraviolet lamp. It is not purely an Ultraviolet-lamp based purifier. It works with a combination of filters for effective use. 6 There is therefore need for a device that removes odour and stench and at the same time sanitizes the air, while maintaining the ozone levels within acceptable limits. The envisaged device in accordance with this invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art. Objects of the Invention: An object of the invention is to purify/sterilize/sanitize/deodorize air in a closed environment. Another object of this invention is to deodorize air in a closed environment. Still another object of this invention is to provide an Ultraviolet based air- purifying means. An additional object of this invention is to provide an Ozone based air- deodorizing means. A further object of this invention is to control the ozone released into the environment suitable for indoor applications. One more object of this invention is to provide an apparatus which provides the actions of purifying, sterilizing, sanitizing, stench removal, and the like and also limits the production of ozone for the said purposes concurrently. 7 Summary of the invention: A key to the present invention is to provide high ozone concentration in a restricted space to destroy microbes and odours and yet have low ozone in the exit air. A practical embodiment of the device in accordance with this invention is a wall mounted or a free standing device which combines with a device for circulating air and which draws air continuously or intermittently from the surroundings and passes the air over a Ultraviolet germicidal lamp to remove odour and stench and to kill the microbes. A typical embodiment of the device in accordance with this invention comprises a disinfecting device having a purification chamber, and at least one Ultraviolet Germicidal lamp to irradiate the air; Ballast for operating the lamp; a fan to draw air. The purification chamber is typically fabricated from UV reflecting material but is not limited thereto. The lamp envisaged in accordance with the invention is a UV producing lamp, one portion of which produces UV at 185 nm which is capable of converting the normal Oxygen present in the environment to ozone and another portion of which produces UV radiation of 253.7 nm which on the one hand kills microbes present in the air and at the same time converts excess ozone to oxygen. The invention envisages an air disinfectant system by irradiation with ultraviolet radiation which eliminates odours by oxidation of volatile organic 8 compounds by ozone produced by the ultraviolet lamp and at the same time the excess ozone produced is rendered harmless. Microorganisms, like microbes are transmitted through air. Transmission of infectious disease is dependent upon concentration of infectious air borne particles that can be inhaled by a susceptible person. For instance, droplets of various sizes expelled into air when an infectious person coughs or sneezes form aerodynamic nuclei 1 µm to 5 µm in diameter. A low-pressure mercury discharge lamp produces ultraviolet radiation of 185 nm, 253.7 nm and other wavelengths, of which 85% of the radiation is in 253.7 nm. Ultraviolet radiation of 185 nm produces ozone in air. The germicidal effect of ultraviolet radiation is most pronounced in the region of 100-280 nm. The germicidal activity peaks at 265 nm, which is very close to 253.7 nm radiation emitted by a low-pressure mercury discharge lamp. Some soft glasses of special configuration can transmit UV at 253.7 nm but none of the soft glasses can transmit 185 nm; and therefore a UV lamp made from soft glass cannot produce ozone. Normally, all soft glasses absorb UV. The quartz glass (or fused silica) used for UV lamps transmit ultraviolet radiation of 253.7 nm and 185 nm. A part of the quartz glass/fused silica tube used in the present invention is so formulated that it blocks the ozone forming 185 nm wavelength and transmits UV radiation of wavelength 253.7 nm only. 9 This invention, envisages the emission of ozone producing ultraviolet radiation in the air. The ozone so produced not only destroys air borne microbes but also acts as a powerful oxidizing agent and oxidizes stench producing organic moieties into non odorous compounds. However, what is also needed is a device which renders excess Ozone harmless. This is achieved in the present invention by providing a lamp having a glass envelope such as of quartz glass that permits emission of light of wavelength ~ 185 nm in one region and fused silica glass, normally called quartz glass, having a high transmission in the 253.7 nm UV region. According to this invention there is provided a device for eliminating odour and killing microbes, said device comprising: (i) First means for emitting significant UV radiation having wavelength of 185 nm; (ii) Second means for emitting UV radiation specifically having wavelength of 253.7 nm; and (iii) Third means for forcing ambient air sequentially in contact with the first and the second means. Typically, the first and the second means are two different UV lamps. Alternatively, the first and the second means are part of the same UV lamps having different glass envelopes; the operative lower portion of the lamp constituting the first means and the operative upper portion constituting the second means. 10 Typically, the first means is smaller than the second means. Typically, the first means to the second means is in the ratio of 1:3. Typically, the third means is in the form of a fan drawing air from the ambient and forming a current of air flowing in a controlled manner over the first means and then over the second means. Further, the first, second and third means are arranged in a chamber in a vertical configuration in which the third means is located either below the first means or above the second means and therefore air is either forced through the chamber or sucked through it. Typically, the first means consists of a UV lamp enclosed in quartz glass adapted to transmit UV radiation particularly having wave length of 185 nm and the second means consists of a UV lamp enclosed in quartz glass typically doped with titanium dioxide which is adapted to block UV radiation having wave length of 185 nm and transmits UV radiation having wave length of 253,7 nm. Typically, the device is adapted to provide UV radiation of wave length 185 nm so as to form air deodorizing Ozone; and further adapted to provide microbe killing UV radiation having wave length of 253.7 nm adapted to eliminate the Ozone and said device still further adapted to pass odour and microbe containing air to selectively deodorize the air with the help of ozone and kill microbes and eliminate almost all the excess formed ozone to provide deodorized, microbe free and de-ozonised air to an environment, typically a closed environment. 11 In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention, the lamp made is divided into 2 parts; the lower quarter for the production of UV radiation of 185 nm wavelength which gives rise to ozone, and the upper three quarters for the production of UV light of 253.7 nm wavelength. Thus lower part of the lamp is devised to emit UV light preferably of 185 nm wavelength for ozone production and its said causes. The upper part of the lamp is made up of doped quartz material, which blocks UV radiation below 200 nm and controlled such that light emitted out of it is in the 253.7 nm range i.e. within the Ultraviolet range. Air is drawn either by blowing or by suction into the device. As the air passes through the housing within which the lamp is enclosed, it initially comes into contact with the lower portion of the lamp and enters this region. This region is rich in Ozone. Organic compounds, particularly the odoriferous are rendered odour free and some of the microbes are also killed. Thus in this region the air gets treated predominately for stench removal. The air is then forced into the upper region of the lamp. This region is bathed with UV radiation. This radiation not only kills any remaining microbes but also renders harmless any excess ozone by converting it to the stable Oxygen form. Finally clean odour-free air emanates from out of the top of the housing into the atmosphere. The ozone production is generally limited by the components against which it acts i.e. as long as the harmful components exist, the ozone gets utilized and does not exceed permissible limits. If in case, the air to be purified does not contain polluting elements, ozone is not utilized, and hence, ozone may 12 reach levels not suitable for human consumption. The device in accordance, with this invention is equipped with limiting the ozone production. The UV light at 185 nm produces ozone, but as it reaches 253.7 nm, the UV light results in the destruction of ozone molecules. This feature provides the control for Ozone produced by the device. In accordance with one variation of the device, the lamp adapted to produce ozone is also partially adapted to emit visible light. The lamp in accordance with this invention is typically operated with ballast for operating the lamp which may or may not be dimmable. The device may be stationary or moving and may be fitted to another device or within a conduit. Forced circulation of air over the device or bringing air in the vicinity of the device, typically within 3 to 4 inches causes the generation of ozone which is used for the purpose aforesaid. A particular embodiment of the device will require the use of an opaque protector that will prevent direct viewing- of the lamp fitted in the device to prevent direct contact of the ultraviolet radiation with the eyes of the viewer. In a closed space or in the open, the device so made could be used to disinfect and at the same time remove odour. The device in accordance with this invention could be modified for use in a refrigerator or other appliance not only to provide light but also to remove odours and disinfect the internal environment of the appliance. It could also be used to treat fruits and vegetables. Brief Description of the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 relates to the air purifier device in one configuration using one lamp. Figure 2 relates to the air purifier device in another configuration using two lamps. Detailed Description of the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 illustrates the various embodiments which comprise the air purifying mechanism, which are merely illustrative and do not in anyway limit the scope of this invention. Fan (2) draws air into the unit. The housing (14) encloses a lamp (12) which has UV-producing ability of two wavelengths viz; 185 nm and 253.7 nm, and Ozone-producing capability. The lamp has a glass envelope of two types of quartz. The two parts are fused together to form the lower body (5) and upper body (7) in the ratio 1:3 respectively. The lamp envelopes house the filaments (4). The light emitted through the lower envelope is between 185 nm and 253.7 nm. The upper three quarters of the lamp is made of quartz which is doped with titanium dioxide such that light directed out of the glass is of 253.7 nm wavelength which is normal UV light for germicidal action and ozone destruction. Housing (14) is lined on the inside by a UV radiating surface. Also, this housing (14) prevents the user from directly viewing the UV lamp. Figure 2 illustrates the various embodiments of the air purifying mechanism with a different configuration of lamps. Fan (16) blows out air. The housing 14 (14) encloses two lamps (5, 7) of different glass envelopes. Each of these lamps houses filaments (4). The lower lamp (5) is made up of quartz such, that light emitted out of it is between 185 nm and 253.7 nm. The upper lamp is made up of quartz doped with titanium dioxide such that it blocks the UV light below 200 nm and light emitting out of it is of 253.7 nm wavelength, which is normal UV light for germicidal action and ozone destruction. Housing (14) is lined on the inside by a UV radiating surface. Also, this housing (14) prevents the user from directly viewing the UV lamp. Trial 1 An experiment was conducted at DR GOLWILKAR LABORATORIES PVT. LTD to test the efficacy of the device in accordance with this invention having two QUARTZ UV lamps of 10W each; one ozone- producing UV lamp and another non-ozone producing UV lamp. A room with a work area of approximately 2000 cft volume was used for the experiment. The room was ventilated by a central air conditioning unit. The average number of persons occupying the room was about eight in the duration of the experiment. The laboratory door was opened and closed several times an hour for movement of laboratory personnel. The experiment was started at 3.00 PM, To check the initial bacterial count, one blood agar culture plate was opened and kept on the worktable exposed to the ambient air for 1/2 hour. The UVGI unit was switched on at 3:30pm and a new culture plate was opened and kept on the work table for 1/2 hr between 4:30 to 5:00pm. With the unit in accordance with this invention was 15 switched on continuously from 3:30pm, two more plates were opened and exposed subsequently for 1/2 hr each from 5:30 - 6:00 pm and 6:30 7:00pm. The unit was turned off at 7 pm. After 24 hr of incubation, colony counts of the four plates obtained were as follows: PLAT ON TIME ENo. DURATION OF OF Unit TIME OF COLONY EXPOSURE FOR PRIOR TO! EXPOSURE COUNT THE PLATE PLATE EXPOSURE 1 3.00 -3 30PM l/2 Hr. 0 139 2 4.30 -5.00PM l/2 Hr. 1 Hr 74 3 5. 30 -6.00PM l/2 Hr. 2 Hr 59 4 6.30 -7.00PM l/2Hr. 3 Hr 21 Other observation Although one of the two UV lamps were ozone producing UV lamp, ozone odour was never detected. CONCLUSION: The colony count showed significant fall after the unit was switched on indicating the bactericidal effect of UV radiation and ozone on the air being circulated in the room. Trial 2 16 To determine the effectiveness of ozone in stench elimination and sterilization, three sets of experiments were performed. It was also necessary to see whether the ozone content in the air is safe as per different standards." According to the California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS), the maximum ozone limit is 70 parts per billion (ppb) 8 hour average or 90 ppbl hour average, where as according to Federal standards it is 80 ppb 8 hour average. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standard the limit is 50 ppb which applies to the medical devices. Thus, the experiments performed with different ozonators were designed in such a way that, these experiments would reveal consumption of ozone for stench elimination, will show that the total ozone content does not exceed the above mentioned limits, and will demonstrate the germicidal action of UV radiation and ozone. In the first set of experiment ozone levels were measured in an office of 33 cubic meter volume (3.3 x 3.0 x 3.3 m3) using the device in accordance with this invention . The trials were also taken in the toilets, which were 60% and 50% in the volume as compared to the office. The larger toilet was being used by around 70 workers for almost 16 hours a day where as the smaller toilet was being used by nearly 20 staff members for eight hours a day. Therefore, for the larger toilet a blower type unit in accordance with this invention was used with 20 W ozone forming UV lamp. In the smaller toilet unit in accordance with this invention with 10W ozone forming UV lamp but without fan or blower was used. The experiment was carried in the office and in a smaller toilet (about 50% in volume as compared to office) using 17 the unit. In this case, the ozone level in the office built up to 30 ppb while in the toilet it built up to 20 ppb. This clearly indicates that ozone was being- consumed in the toilet to eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOC). The stench in the toilet was reduced considerably and no stench could be detected at the door of the toilet. For the bigger system a bigger unit in accordance with this invention was used the ozone level built up in the office to 40 ppb but in the toilet ozone level stayed at 10 ppb well below the detection limit of human nose (20 ppb). This again clearly indicates that ozone being consumed in the toilet to eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOC) and hence the ozone level does not build up even to 20 ppb. At the same time the stench level in the toilet was negligibly low and no smell could be detected even at the door of the toilet. In the second set of experiment, trials were conducted in two toilets each of (2.5 x 1.2 x 2.5 mj). Two variations of unit in accordance with this invention were used. In the first trial, the unit without fan was used in a toilet which was used by almost 25 workwrs for 16 hours a day. After two hours of operation the ozone level 1 inch above the unit was 80 ppb while the ozone level at the sink and toilet seat was 20 ppb. Again there was no stench what so ever outside the toilet. In the second toilet used by 10 office staff members eight hours a day, the unit was used with a fan below the lamp. After two hours of operation the ozone level at 1 inch above the unit was 140 ppb, while, the ozone level at the sink or seat of the toilet was at 20 ppb. From above two experiments it can be confirmed that the ozone is consumed for stench elimination and the ozone level does not exceed the limits mentioned in different standards. 18 While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the. particular features of the preferred embodiment and the improvisation with regards to it, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the invention. For instance, the first means may be provided with an adjustable jacket for selectively blocking the first means and thereby reducing or eliminating the production of Ozone. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation. 19 I Claim: [1] A device for eliminating odour and killing microbes, said device comprising: (i) first means for emitting significant UV radiation having wavelength of 185 nm; (ii) second means for emitting UV radiation specifically in the range having wavelength of 253.7 nm; and (iii) third means for forcing ambient air sequentially in contact with the first and the second means. [2] A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the first and the second means are two different UV lamps. [3] A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the first and the second means are part of the same UV lamp having different glass envelopes; the operative lower portion of the lamp constituting the first means and the operative upper portion constituting the second means. [4] A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the first means is smaller than the second means. [5] A device as claimed in claim 4, in which the first means to the second means is in the ratio of 1 ;3. [6] A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the third means is in the form of a fan drawing air from the ambient and forming a current of air flowing in a controlled manner over the first means and then over the second means. [7] A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the first, second and third means are arranged in a chamber in a vertical configuration in which the third means is located either below the first means or above the second means and air is either forced through the chamber or sucked through it. [8] A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the first means consists of aUV lamp enclosed in quartz glass adapted to transmit UV radiation particularly having wave length of 185 nm and the second means consists of a UV lamp enclosed in quartz glass doped typically with titanium dioxide which is adapted to block UV radiation having wave length of 185 nm and transmits UV radiation having wave length of 253.7 nm. [9] A device as claimed in claim 1, adapted to provide UV radiation of wave length 185 nm so as to form air deodorizing Ozone ; and further adapted to provide microbe killing UV radiation having wavelength of 253.7 nm adapted to eliminate the Ozone and said device still further adapted to pass odour and microbe containing air to selectively deodorize the air with the help of ozone and kill microbes and make the air ozone-free to provide deodorized, microbe free and de-ozonised air to an environment, typically a 21 closed environment. By the expression ozone-free, de-odorized air means air having ozone less than 50 ppb. [10] A device as claimed in claim 1, having an opaque protector that prevents direct viewing of the lamp from the eyes of the viewer. 22

Full Text

FORM-2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970

(39 of 1970)
&

THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE
Specification
(See section 10 and rule 13)
PURIFICATION DEVICES
KULKARNI AVINASH DATTATRAYA
an Indian National
of 6, Prassanna Apartments, Ashok Path. 55/22, Erandawane, Pune 11 004,
Maharashtra, India
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE
INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

Field of the Invention:
This invention relates to air purification devices.

In particular, this invention relates to devices for disinfecting air which at the
same time removes odour and stench.
Still particularly, this invention relates to devices for air purification and
odour removal from air, either generally or within a defined closed space.
Background of the Invention:
A large number of pollutants can be found in the air and water. Pollution of
environments inhabited by human, animal or plant life is of grave and
growing public concern. Indoor air contaminants cause major health
problems, such as lung disease and allergies. The modern lifestyle and the
need for energy saving dictates that closed spaces have an ever-increasing
content of pollutants.
The pollutants that are present in normal room air have a wide distribution of
sizes. Polluted air may include macro-particles, such as dirt, dust particles,
pollens, and smoke. Micro-particles, such as bacteria, viruses, harmful
chemicals, and various odoriferous molecules, are also commonly present in
polluted air. Pollutants can cause disease, including cancer, lupus, immune
diseases, allergies, and asthma.
2

The environment is also often contaminated with a variety of noxious and
toxic gases including carbon monoxide, methane, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen
sulphide and a broad variety of organic vapours. Closed office buildings,
homes provide a greater risk of these pollutants being trapped inside.
Moreover, confined spaces such as toilets provide a greater threat to the
levels of normal breathing air.
Hence, apparatus and methods for removing air pollutants and for
eliminating stench within an enclosed space have widespread economic and
therapeutic use.
Air purification processes are known in the prior art. Air borne infectious
agents can be controlled in three ways:
i) Dilution: by injection of fresh air.
ii) Filtration: by capturing microbes through high efficiency particulate
arresters commonly called HEPA filters.
iii) Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI)
By dilution, fresh air is injected into the area being treated and a part of the
spent air containing microbes is forced out into the outside environment.
However, if the ventilation system itself harbours pathogens like molds,
spores, bacteria, virus, fungi, yeast, protozoa, algae etc., this not only renders
the whole system ineffective, but also elevates the risk of being infected
through the said means.
Filtration by HEPA filters captures the microbes and requires regular
maintenance and cleaning. A rigorous protocol is to be observed during
3

cleaning and maintenance. The worker has to wear protective clothing, mask
etc. to prevent him being infected with infectious agents. The filter is to be

removed very gently, without any bumps or jerks and the filter to be put'in
airtight bag and incinerated. If a fine filter is used, the pressure drop is
higher and if a coarse is used, the microbes will not be captured.
Ultraviolet Germicidal Radiation is a very effective way of killing
microorganisms and preventing transmission of infectious agents. Proteins
and nucleic acids are main constituents of all micro-organism such as
bacteria, viruses, mold spores, algae, yeast, protozoa etc. They absorb
certain wavelength of ultraviolet radiation energy which destroy and
inactivate DNA preventing reproduction.
Ozone is an allotrope of oxygen that can be formed when molecular oxygen,
such as oxygen in the air, is irradiated by Ultraviolet light having a relatively
short wavelength between 100 nm and 200 nm, particularly 185 nm. Ozone
is a powerful oxidizer because it is not a stable molecule. It has a half-life
measured in hours, and immediately after being formed, ozone molecules
begin to return to the stable, molecular state by releasing the third oxygen
atoms which then enter destructive reactions with contaminants in the
vicinity. The use of ozone is hence, beneficial for sterilization purposes.
Ozone is an effective agent for sterilizing/sanitizing, because of the fact that
it is not selective in the reactions it initiates. It renders harmful hydrocarbons
and pyrogens harmless by oxidizing them, and it destroys microbes
including pathogens, either by reducing or destroying them or by cell lysing
or oxidation. But the fact that ozone is not selective in its reactions, means
4

that it is equally reactive to humans and animals. Long exposure to ozone at
relatively low levels, or short exposure to ozone at relatively high levels;
both are dangerous in effect. Caution must hence be observed to limit the
production of ozone and its use in air purification within a closed area.
Typically, the level of ozone must be maintained below 50 ppb.
A low pressure mercury discharge lamp in a quartz envelope produces only
two radiations of wavelengths 185 nm and 253.7 nm in the range 100 nm to
300 nm.
Ultraviolet light at 253.7 nm wavelength provides germicidal action,
whereas, at 185 nm produces ozone, which in turn provides sanitizing and
deodorizing action.
Prior Art:
U.S. Patent Number 6,809,329 discloses an ultraviolet light system for
treating air. It speaks of an UV tube lamp having two sections; one for
Ultraviolet production with the production of ozone, and another for the
production of Ultraviolet light without the production of ozone. The amount
of ozone transmitted by the lamp is controlled by a movable annular sleeve.
This invention however provides no synergy between the ultraviolet
producing and the ozone producing lamps. This does not provide any
limiting action on the production of ozone.
U.S. Patent Number 6,528,02) discloses a system and method for treatment
of hazardous biological materials being exhausted from sewer and grease
5

trap vents. The hazardous emissions are neutralized when exposed to a
mixture of ozone and ultra-violet radiation. This invention basically refers to
an exhaust-type device and not for recycling air within a closed space.
U.S. Patent Number 6,503,458 illustrates a device for purifying air within a
room. It discloses an ultraviolet ray generator to kill bacteria, germs and
viruses in the air passing through the device. This device also generates
ozone for neutralizing undesirable odours through the air passing within the
housing. There is no mechanism to limit the amount of ozone generated
within the device and to keep it in within the acceptable limits so that the air
is suitable for human use.
U.S. Patent Number 5,601,786 shows a system and method for purifying air
by employing a lamp that produces two separate energy intensity maxima.
One is the ozone producing radiation that falls within one wavelength
interval, and other is for germicidal radiation that falls within another
wavelength interval. This does not speak of a simultaneous multiple-
wavelength radiating lamp that provides a multiple effect of sterilizing,
sanitizing and purification. Nor does it provide in-built ozone-limiting
apparatus.
U.S. Patent Number 3,745,750 reveals an air purifier that is an air treatment
means in the form of an ozone generator or ultraviolet lamp. It is not purely
an Ultraviolet-lamp based purifier. It works with a combination of filters for
effective use.
6

There is therefore need for a device that removes odour and stench and at the
same time sanitizes the air, while maintaining the ozone levels within
acceptable limits.
The envisaged device in accordance with this invention overcomes the
limitations of the prior art.
Objects of the Invention:
An object of the invention is to purify/sterilize/sanitize/deodorize air in a
closed environment.
Another object of this invention is to deodorize air in a closed environment.
Still another object of this invention is to provide an Ultraviolet based air-
purifying means.
An additional object of this invention is to provide an Ozone based air-
deodorizing means.
A further object of this invention is to control the ozone released into the
environment suitable for indoor applications.
One more object of this invention is to provide an apparatus which provides
the actions of purifying, sterilizing, sanitizing, stench removal, and the like
and also limits the production of ozone for the said purposes concurrently.
7

Summary of the invention:
A key to the present invention is to provide high ozone concentration in a
restricted space to destroy microbes and odours and yet have low ozone in
the exit air.
A practical embodiment of the device in accordance with this invention is a
wall mounted or a free standing device which combines with a device for
circulating air and which draws air continuously or intermittently from the
surroundings and passes the air over a Ultraviolet germicidal lamp to remove
odour and stench and to kill the microbes.
A typical embodiment of the device in accordance with this invention
comprises a disinfecting device having a purification chamber, and at least
one Ultraviolet Germicidal lamp to irradiate the air; Ballast for operating the
lamp; a fan to draw air.
The purification chamber is typically fabricated from UV reflecting material
but is not limited thereto. The lamp envisaged in accordance with the
invention is a UV producing lamp, one portion of which produces UV at 185
nm which is capable of converting the normal Oxygen present in the
environment to ozone and another portion of which produces UV radiation
of 253.7 nm which on the one hand kills microbes present in the air and at
the same time converts excess ozone to oxygen.
The invention envisages an air disinfectant system by irradiation with
ultraviolet radiation which eliminates odours by oxidation of volatile organic
8

compounds by ozone produced by the ultraviolet lamp and at the same time
the excess ozone produced is rendered harmless.
Microorganisms, like microbes are transmitted through air. Transmission of
infectious disease is dependent upon concentration of infectious air borne
particles that can be inhaled by a susceptible person. For instance, droplets
of various sizes expelled into air when an infectious person coughs or
sneezes form aerodynamic nuclei 1 µm to 5 µm in diameter.
A low-pressure mercury discharge lamp produces ultraviolet radiation of
185 nm, 253.7 nm and other wavelengths, of which 85% of the radiation is
in 253.7 nm. Ultraviolet radiation of 185 nm produces ozone in air. The
germicidal effect of ultraviolet radiation is most pronounced in the region of
100-280 nm. The germicidal activity peaks at 265 nm, which is very close to
253.7 nm radiation emitted by a low-pressure mercury discharge lamp.
Some soft glasses of special configuration can transmit UV at 253.7 nm but
none of the soft glasses can transmit 185 nm; and therefore a UV lamp made
from soft glass cannot produce ozone.
Normally, all soft glasses absorb UV. The quartz glass (or fused silica) used
for UV lamps transmit ultraviolet radiation of 253.7 nm and 185 nm. A part
of the quartz glass/fused silica tube used in the present invention is so
formulated that it blocks the ozone forming 185 nm wavelength and
transmits UV radiation of wavelength 253.7 nm only.
9

This invention, envisages the emission of ozone producing ultraviolet
radiation in the air. The ozone so produced not only destroys air borne
microbes but also acts as a powerful oxidizing agent and oxidizes stench
producing organic moieties into non odorous compounds. However, what is
also needed is a device which renders excess Ozone harmless.
This is achieved in the present invention by providing a lamp having a glass
envelope such as of quartz glass that permits emission of light of wavelength
~ 185 nm in one region and fused silica glass, normally called quartz glass,
having a high transmission in the 253.7 nm UV region.
According to this invention there is provided a device for eliminating odour
and killing microbes, said device comprising:
(i) First means for emitting significant UV radiation having wavelength of
185 nm;
(ii) Second means for emitting UV radiation specifically having
wavelength of 253.7 nm; and
(iii) Third means for forcing ambient air sequentially in contact with the
first and the second means.
Typically, the first and the second means are two different UV lamps.
Alternatively, the first and the second means are part of the same UV lamps
having different glass envelopes; the operative lower portion of the lamp
constituting the first means and the operative upper portion constituting the
second means.
10

Typically, the first means is smaller than the second means.
Typically, the first means to the second means is in the ratio of 1:3.
Typically, the third means is in the form of a fan drawing air from the
ambient and forming a current of air flowing in a controlled manner over the
first means and then over the second means.
Further, the first, second and third means are arranged in a chamber in a
vertical configuration in which the third means is located either below the
first means or above the second means and therefore air is either forced
through the chamber or sucked through it.
Typically, the first means consists of a UV lamp enclosed in quartz glass
adapted to transmit UV radiation particularly having wave length of 185 nm
and the second means consists of a UV lamp enclosed in quartz glass
typically doped with titanium dioxide which is adapted to block UV
radiation having wave length of 185 nm and transmits UV radiation having
wave length of 253,7 nm.
Typically, the device is adapted to provide UV radiation of wave length 185
nm so as to form air deodorizing Ozone; and further adapted to provide
microbe killing UV radiation having wave length of 253.7 nm adapted to
eliminate the Ozone and said device still further adapted to pass odour and
microbe containing air to selectively deodorize the air with the help of ozone
and kill microbes and eliminate almost all the excess formed ozone to
provide deodorized, microbe free and de-ozonised air to an environment,
typically a closed environment.
11

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention, the lamp made
is divided into 2 parts; the lower quarter for the production of UV radiation
of 185 nm wavelength which gives rise to ozone, and the upper three
quarters for the production of UV light of 253.7 nm wavelength. Thus lower
part of the lamp is devised to emit UV light preferably of 185 nm
wavelength for ozone production and its said causes. The upper part of the
lamp is made up of doped quartz material, which blocks UV radiation below
200 nm and controlled such that light emitted out of it is in the 253.7 nm
range i.e. within the Ultraviolet range.
Air is drawn either by blowing or by suction into the device. As the air
passes through the housing within which the lamp is enclosed, it initially
comes into contact with the lower portion of the lamp and enters this region.
This region is rich in Ozone. Organic compounds, particularly the
odoriferous are rendered odour free and some of the microbes are also killed.
Thus in this region the air gets treated predominately for stench removal.
The air is then forced into the upper region of the lamp. This region is
bathed with UV radiation. This radiation not only kills any remaining
microbes but also renders harmless any excess ozone by converting it to the
stable Oxygen form. Finally clean odour-free air emanates from out of the
top of the housing into the atmosphere.
The ozone production is generally limited by the components against which
it acts i.e. as long as the harmful components exist, the ozone gets utilized
and does not exceed permissible limits. If in case, the air to be purified does
not contain polluting elements, ozone is not utilized, and hence, ozone may
12

reach levels not suitable for human consumption. The device in accordance,
with this invention is equipped with limiting the ozone production. The UV
light at 185 nm produces ozone, but as it reaches 253.7 nm, the UV light
results in the destruction of ozone molecules. This feature provides the
control for Ozone produced by the device.
In accordance with one variation of the device, the lamp adapted to produce
ozone is also partially adapted to emit visible light.
The lamp in accordance with this invention is typically operated with ballast
for operating the lamp which may or may not be dimmable.
The device may be stationary or moving and may be fitted to another device
or within a conduit. Forced circulation of air over the device or bringing air
in the vicinity of the device, typically within 3 to 4 inches causes the
generation of ozone which is used for the purpose aforesaid.
A particular embodiment of the device will require the use of an opaque
protector that will prevent direct viewing- of the lamp fitted in the device to
prevent direct contact of the ultraviolet radiation with the eyes of the viewer.
In a closed space or in the open, the device so made could be used to
disinfect and at the same time remove odour.
The device in accordance with this invention could be modified for use in a
refrigerator or other appliance not only to provide light but also to remove
odours and disinfect the internal environment of the appliance.

It could also be used to treat fruits and vegetables.
Brief Description of the accompanying drawings:
Figure 1 relates to the air purifier device in one configuration using one
lamp.
Figure 2 relates to the air purifier device in another configuration using two
lamps.
Detailed Description of the accompanying drawings:
Figure 1 illustrates the various embodiments which comprise the air
purifying mechanism, which are merely illustrative and do not in anyway
limit the scope of this invention. Fan (2) draws air into the unit. The housing
(14) encloses a lamp (12) which has UV-producing ability of two
wavelengths viz; 185 nm and 253.7 nm, and Ozone-producing capability.
The lamp has a glass envelope of two types of quartz. The two parts are
fused together to form the lower body (5) and upper body (7) in the ratio 1:3
respectively. The lamp envelopes house the filaments (4). The light emitted
through the lower envelope is between 185 nm and 253.7 nm. The upper
three quarters of the lamp is made of quartz which is doped with titanium
dioxide such that light directed out of the glass is of 253.7 nm wavelength
which is normal UV light for germicidal action and ozone destruction.
Housing (14) is lined on the inside by a UV radiating surface. Also, this
housing (14) prevents the user from directly viewing the UV lamp.
Figure 2 illustrates the various embodiments of the air purifying mechanism
with a different configuration of lamps. Fan (16) blows out air. The housing
14

(14) encloses two lamps (5, 7) of different glass envelopes. Each of these
lamps houses filaments (4). The lower lamp (5) is made up of quartz such,
that light emitted out of it is between 185 nm and 253.7 nm. The upper lamp
is made up of quartz doped with titanium dioxide such that it blocks the UV
light below 200 nm and light emitting out of it is of 253.7 nm wavelength,
which is normal UV light for germicidal action and ozone destruction.
Housing (14) is lined on the inside by a UV radiating surface. Also, this
housing (14) prevents the user from directly viewing the UV lamp.
Trial 1
An experiment was conducted at DR GOLWILKAR LABORATORIES
PVT. LTD to test the efficacy of the device in accordance with this
invention having two QUARTZ UV lamps of 10W each; one ozone-
producing UV lamp and another non-ozone producing UV lamp.
A room with a work area of approximately 2000 cft volume was used for the
experiment. The room was ventilated by a central air conditioning unit. The
average number of persons occupying the room was about eight in the
duration of the experiment. The laboratory door was opened and closed
several times an hour for movement of laboratory personnel.
The experiment was started at 3.00 PM, To check the initial bacterial count,
one blood agar culture plate was opened and kept on the worktable exposed
to the ambient air for 1/2 hour. The UVGI unit was switched on at 3:30pm
and a new culture plate was opened and kept on the work table for 1/2 hr
between 4:30 to 5:00pm. With the unit in accordance with this invention was
15

switched on continuously from 3:30pm, two more plates were opened and
exposed subsequently for 1/2 hr each from 5:30 - 6:00 pm and 6:30
7:00pm. The unit was turned off at 7 pm. After 24 hr of incubation, colony
counts of the four plates obtained were as follows:

PLAT ON TIME
ENo. DURATION OF OF Unit
TIME OF COLONY
EXPOSURE FOR PRIOR TO!
EXPOSURE COUNT
THE PLATE PLATE
EXPOSURE
1 3.00 -3 30PM l/2 Hr. 0 139
2 4.30 -5.00PM l/2 Hr. 1 Hr 74
3 5. 30 -6.00PM l/2 Hr. 2 Hr 59
4 6.30 -7.00PM l/2Hr. 3 Hr 21
Other observation Although one of the two UV lamps were ozone
producing UV lamp, ozone odour was never detected.
CONCLUSION: The colony count showed significant fall after the unit
was switched on indicating the bactericidal effect of UV radiation and ozone
on the air being circulated in the room.
Trial 2
16

To determine the effectiveness of ozone in stench elimination and
sterilization, three sets of experiments were performed. It was also necessary
to see whether the ozone content in the air is safe as per different standards."
According to the California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS), the
maximum ozone limit is 70 parts per billion (ppb) 8 hour average or 90
ppbl hour average, where as according to Federal standards it is 80 ppb 8
hour average. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
standard the limit is 50 ppb which applies to the medical devices.
Thus, the experiments performed with different ozonators were designed in
such a way that, these experiments would reveal consumption of ozone for
stench elimination, will show that the total ozone content does not exceed
the above mentioned limits, and will demonstrate the germicidal action of
UV radiation and ozone.
In the first set of experiment ozone levels were measured in an office of 33
cubic meter volume (3.3 x 3.0 x 3.3 m3) using the device in accordance with
this invention . The trials were also taken in the toilets, which were 60% and
50% in the volume as compared to the office. The larger toilet was being
used by around 70 workers for almost 16 hours a day where as the smaller
toilet was being used by nearly 20 staff members for eight hours a day.
Therefore, for the larger toilet a blower type unit in accordance with this
invention was used with 20 W ozone forming UV lamp. In the smaller toilet
unit in accordance with this invention with 10W ozone forming UV lamp
but without fan or blower was used. The experiment was carried in the office
and in a smaller toilet (about 50% in volume as compared to office) using
17

the unit. In this case, the ozone level in the office built up to 30 ppb while in
the toilet it built up to 20 ppb. This clearly indicates that ozone was being-

consumed in the toilet to eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOC). The
stench in the toilet was reduced considerably and no stench could be
detected at the door of the toilet. For the bigger system a bigger unit in
accordance with this invention was used the ozone level built up in the office
to 40 ppb but in the toilet ozone level stayed at 10 ppb well below the
detection limit of human nose (20 ppb). This again clearly indicates that
ozone being consumed in the toilet to eliminate volatile organic compounds
(VOC) and hence the ozone level does not build up even to 20 ppb. At the
same time the stench level in the toilet was negligibly low and no smell
could be detected even at the door of the toilet.
In the second set of experiment, trials were conducted in two toilets each of
(2.5 x 1.2 x 2.5 mj). Two variations of unit in accordance with this invention
were used. In the first trial, the unit without fan was used in a toilet which
was used by almost 25 workwrs for 16 hours a day. After two hours of
operation the ozone level 1 inch above the unit was 80 ppb while the ozone
level at the sink and toilet seat was 20 ppb. Again there was no stench what
so ever outside the toilet. In the second toilet used by 10 office staff
members eight hours a day, the unit was used with a fan below the lamp.
After two hours of operation the ozone level at 1 inch above the unit was
140 ppb, while, the ozone level at the sink or seat of the toilet was at 20 ppb.
From above two experiments it can be confirmed that the ozone is consumed
for stench elimination and the ozone level does not exceed the limits
mentioned in different standards.
18

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the. particular
features of the preferred embodiment and the improvisation with regards to
it, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made in the
preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the
invention. For instance, the first means may be provided with an adjustable
jacket for selectively blocking the first means and thereby reducing or
eliminating the production of Ozone. These and other modifications in the
nature of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the
disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing
descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention
and not as a limitation.
19

I Claim:
[1] A device for eliminating odour and killing microbes, said device
comprising:
(i) first means for emitting significant UV radiation having wavelength of
185 nm;
(ii) second means for emitting UV radiation specifically in the range
having wavelength of 253.7 nm; and
(iii) third means for forcing ambient air sequentially in contact with the

first and the second means.
[2] A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the first and the second means
are two different UV lamps.
[3] A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the first and the second means
are part of the same UV lamp having different glass envelopes; the operative
lower portion of the lamp constituting the first means and the operative
upper portion constituting the second means.
[4] A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the first means is smaller than
the second means.

[5] A device as claimed in claim 4, in which the first means to the second
means is in the ratio of 1 ;3.
[6] A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the third means is in the form
of a fan drawing air from the ambient and forming a current of air flowing in
a controlled manner over the first means and then over the second means.
[7] A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the first, second and third
means are arranged in a chamber in a vertical configuration in which the
third means is located either below the first means or above the second
means and air is either forced through the chamber or sucked through it.
[8] A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the first means consists of aUV
lamp enclosed in quartz glass adapted to transmit UV radiation particularly
having wave length of 185 nm and the second means consists of a UV lamp
enclosed in quartz glass doped typically with titanium dioxide which is
adapted to block UV radiation having wave length of 185 nm and transmits
UV radiation having wave length of 253.7 nm.
[9] A device as claimed in claim 1, adapted to provide UV radiation of wave
length 185 nm so as to form air deodorizing Ozone ; and further adapted to
provide microbe killing UV radiation having wavelength of 253.7 nm
adapted to eliminate the Ozone and said device still further adapted to pass
odour and microbe containing air to selectively deodorize the air with the
help of ozone and kill microbes and make the air ozone-free to provide
deodorized, microbe free and de-ozonised air to an environment, typically a
21

closed environment. By the expression ozone-free, de-odorized air means air
having ozone less than 50 ppb.
[10] A device as claimed in claim 1, having an opaque protector that
prevents direct viewing of the lamp from the eyes of the viewer.

22

Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=6wqs+qFkv2H4AKm2R6NBCA==&loc=vsnutRQWHdTHa1EUofPtPQ==

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Patent Number

270982

Indian Patent Application Number

21/MUM/2006

PG Journal Number

05/2016

Publication Date

29-Jan-2016

Grant Date

28-Jan-2016

Date of Filing

06-Jan-2006

Name of Patentee

KULKARNI AVINASH DATTATRAYA

Applicant Address

6, PRASSANNA APARTMENTS, ASHOK PATH, 55/22, ERANDAWNE, PUNE-411004

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	KULKARNI AVINASH DATTATRAYA	6, PRASSANNA APARTMENTS, ASHOK PATH, 55/22, ERANDAWNE, PUNE-411004

PCT International Classification Number

B03C3/155

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1			NA