Abstract: A system for reducing airborne pathogens and contaminants in a breathing zone of a person is disclosed. A manifold assembly includes a tube fitted with an air intake nozzle. The air intake nozzle is positioned at the breathing zone of the person such that an air gap is created between the person and the nozzle. Exhaled air is routed from the person to the manifold assembly via the tube. A purification unit deactivates and/or filters airborne pathogens and contaminants of the exhaled air supplied from the manifold assembly. A suction assembly draws the exhaled air from the breathing zone of the person, through the manifold assembly and the purification unit, to a one-way exhaust valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing pathogen loading is disclosed. A plasma processing chamber is sealed at one end and a pressure sealable door at the other end, with electrodes within the chamber. A first electrode is coupled to a RF power source and a second electrode is coupled to ground. An inlet port introduces a process gas into the chamber. A vacuum pump draws the process gas into the chamber and exhausts through the pump. An object is positioned within an inside wall of the chamber. A surface of the object is disinfected when a plasma field is generated when RF energy from the electrodes is applied to the introduced process gas.