SAFETY MECHANISM FOR AN AIR PURIFICATION SYSTEM

Abstract

In various examples, the subject matter of this disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for air purification systems. According to one embodiment, a multi-filtration air purification system can include a photocatalytic oxidizer (PCO) filter including an ultraviolet (UV) emitter, the PCO filter disposed within an air filter receiving region of the air purification system. In one implementation, the air purification system can include a removable air filter disposed over the PCO filter and located within the air filter receiving region, where the removable air filter can include a switch trigger. In some instances, the air filter receiving region can include a switch configured to receive the switch trigger, where the switch and switch trigger together are configured to disable operation of the air purification system when the removable air filter is removed from the air filter receiving region.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/215,339 titled “UVC Air Purifier/Sanitizer-Filter Safety Switch,” filed Jun. 25, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/215,333 titled “Multi-Filtration for Effective use of Air Sanitizers/Purifiers,” filed Jun. 25, 2021, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to air purification systems and, more specifically, to multi-filtration air purification systems including a photocatalytic oxidizer (PCO) and/or ionizers combined with cold catalyst oxidizer (CCO) and/or a thermal catalytic oxidizer (TCO). The present disclosure also relates to air purification systems and multi-filtration air purifiers which may or may not have a built-in safety mechanism used during air filter replacement.

BACKGROUND

Some air filtration systems used for air purification may produce potential harmful byproducts and/or lack appropriate built-in safety measures. For example, photocatalytic oxidizers (PCO) may potentially produce byproducts such as formaldehyde which can be harmful to people or pets. Also, some PCOs include ultra violet (UV) light emitters, where the direct exposure to the UV light from the UV light emitter can be harmful to a person servicing the air filtration system.

The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and are not admitted to be “prior art.” Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

SUMMARY

In various examples, the subject matter of this disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for air purification systems. According to one embodiment, an air purification system can include a PCO filter including an UV emitter, the PCO filter disposed within an air filter receiving region of the air purification system. In some implementations, the air purification system can include a removable air filter disposed over the PCO filter and located within the air filter receiving region, where the removable air filter can include a switch trigger. The air filter receiving region, in some instances, can include a switch configured to receive the switch trigger, wherein the switch and switch trigger together can be configured to disable operation of the air purification system when the removable air filter is removed from the air filter receiving region.

Various embodiments of the system can include one or more of the following features. In some implementations, the switch and switch trigger together can be configured to enable operation of the air purification system when the removable air filter is placed within the air filter receiving region of the air purification system. In some examples, the switch can include at least one of a magnetic switch, or a Reed type switch. In some implementations, the switch trigger can include at least one of a magnet, or a magnetic material. The removable air filter, in some instances, can be configured to fit over, and cover, the PCO filter within the air filter receiving region. In some implementations, the removable air filter can include at least one of a CCO filter, a TCO filter, or a HEPA filter. In some instances, the an UV emitter can include an ultraviolet (UV) band C emitter. In some examples, the UV emitter can be configured to emit light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 200-400 nm. In some instances, the air purification system can further include a HEPA filter disposed over the removable air filter. In some implementations, the HEPA filter can be configured to fit over, and cover, the removable air filter. In some instances, the HEPA filter can be removable. In some examples, the air purification system can further include a pre-filter disposed over the HEPA filter. In some implementations, the pre-filter can be configured to fit over, and cover, the removable air filter. In some instances, the pre-filter can be removable. In some examples, the PCO filter can include one or more PCO filters. In some instances, the PCO filter can include a top PCO filter and a bottom PCO filter. The air purification system can, in some implementations, further include an exhaust region. In some examples, the air purification system can include a CCO filter or a TCO filter disposed within the air exhaust region of the air purification system.

According to one embodiment, a method for safely replacing a removable air filter of an air purification system can include providing a PCO filter including an UV emitter, the PCO filter disposed within an air filter receiving region of the air purification system, where the air filter region can include a switch. In some instances, the method can include placing, or removing, a removable air filter from within the air filter region, where the removable air filter can include a switch trigger. In some implementations, the method can include determining whether the removable air filter is placed within the air filter region, where the determination can be based on whether the switch trigger is in proximity to the switch. Based on the determination of whether the removable air filter is placed within the air filter region, in some instances, the method can include enabling or disabling operation of the air purification system.

Various embodiments of the method can include one or more of the following features.

In some instances, the switch trigger can include at least one of a magnet or a magnetic material. In some implementations, the switch can include at least one of a magnetic switch or a Reed switch.

The above and other preferred features, including various novel details of implementation and combination of events, will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying figures and pointed out in the claims. It will be understood that the particular systems and methods described herein are shown by way of illustration only and not as limitations. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the principles and features described herein may be employed in various and numerous embodiments without departing from the scope of any of the present inventions. As can be appreciated from the foregoing and the following description, each and every feature described herein, and each and every combination of two or more such features, is included within the scope of the present disclosure provided that the features included in such a combination are not mutually inconsistent. In addition, any feature or combination of features may be specifically excluded from any embodiment of any of the present inventions.

The foregoing Summary, including the description of some embodiments, motivations therefor, and/or advantages thereof, is intended to assist the reader in understanding the present disclosure, and does not in any way limit the scope of any of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are included as part of the present specification, illustrate the presently preferred embodiments and together with the generally description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below serve to explain and teach the principles described herein.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary multi-filtration air purification system, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of another exemplary multi-filtration air purification system, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of still another exemplary multi-filtration air purification system, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are illustrations of an exemplary air purification system having a built-in safety mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for a multi-filter air purification method, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for safely replacing a removable air filter of an air purification system, according to some embodiments.

While the present disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. The present disclosure should be understood to not be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In various examples, the subject matter of this disclosure relates to for multi-filtration air purification systems. It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Also, like reference numbers used for pointing to features in one figure, are used to represent the same or similar features described in another figure. For example, 202 in FIG. 2 may describe the same or similar air filter 102 described in FIG. 1. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the exemplary embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details.

Motivation for and Benefits of Some Embodiments

In various instances, air purification, sterilization, and/or sanitization systems and/or methods can include one or more types of air filters. Exemplary air filter types can include: high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, ionization filters, ultra violet (UV) band C light emitter, wide spectrum UV filters, photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) filters, cold catalytic oxidation (CCO) filters, thermal catalytic oxidation (TCO) filters, among other types of air filters. A main benefit of using air purification systems is that these systems can remove harmful particulates from the air, which can be useful for filtering air for occupants while indoors. Good quality HEPA filters, in some instances, can even trap some bacteria and/or viruses keeping occupants safe from potential exposure to harmful pathogens. Furthermore, PCO filters, can be very effective at removing toxic pathogens using, e.g., using UV light exposure.

Alternatively, in some instances, PCO filters can be harmful and/or dangerous to people or animals when used improperly. For example, some PCO filters may potentially produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and/or total volatile organic compounds (VOCs), e.g., formaldehyde, which can be harmful to people or pets. UV light filters, in some implementations, can be harmful if a user is exposed UV light from the UV emitter, e.g., to a service engineer during maintenance of the UV light filter.

Thus, one or more multi-filtration air purification systems, or one or more air purifications systems which can include built-in safety measures are presented.

Multi-Filtration Air Purification System

In various instances, one or more a multi-filtration air purification systems are described herein. As shown below, like reference numbers used for features described are used to represent the same or similar features shown. For example, FIG. 1, 2, 3, 4A and 4B each show an air filter receiving region 112, 212, 312 and 412, respectively. In some instances, the air filter receiving regions 212, 312 and 412 can each refer to the same or similar air filter receiving region 112 shown and described in FIG. 1.

In some embodiments, one or more a multi-filtration air purification systems can include a layered filtration system by combining one or more PCOs or ionizers with one or more CCOs and/or one or more TCOs together. By adding a CCO/TCO in conjunction with PCO (and/or ionizers), if the PCO or ionizer produces any byproduct VOC/TVOC, e.g., formaldehyde, the CCO/TCO filter included can absorb this byproduct VOC/TVOC, increasing the effectivity of the air purification system. As used herein, a PCO filter can refer to an UV activated PCO filter, or a PCO filter that is may not require UV activation and/or exposure. In some embodiments, one or more of the air purification systems described herein can include an UV activated PCO filter. In an example, an UV activated PCO filter can include a PCO filter that can be activated by UV light within a range of approximately 200-400 nm, e.g., encompassing UV-A, UV-B, UV-C. Some examples of filters that may not use an UV source can include CCO filters and/or TCO filters. Some drawbacks to using air purification systems that make use an UV activated PCO filter can include additional maintenance associated with the UV activated PCO filter, such as for example cleaning the UV emitter and getting any certification for use of the UV emitter with the PCO filter. Some air purification systems, in some examples, can use an UV activated PCO filter, or alternatively may use the CCO filter or TCO filter in place of the UV activated PCO filter. Thus, exemplary embodiments described herein include multi-filtration air purification systems. Such multi-filtration air purification systems can, in some embodiments, include combining both an UV activated with a PCO filter with a CCO filter, and/or TCO filter, with or among one or more other filters. This can be in contrast to other implementations which may only use a single PCO filter, where a single PCO filter alone can have a higher pathogen and/or chemical reduction rate, but can also produce some harmful byproducts alone. In some examples, a multi-filtration air purification system can be used having a PCO filter combined with, in one example, a lesser strength CCO filter or TCO filter, which can have the benefit of removing the minor harmful byproducts produced by the PCO filter.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary multi-filtration air purification system, according to some embodiments. The multi-filtration air purification system 100, in some embodiments, can include one or more PCO filters. Some of the PCO filters presented herein (e.g., 102) are described as including one or more separate PCO filters (e.g., PCO filters 102 a, 102 b). As shown, the PCO filters in FIG. 1 can include one or more UV activated PCO filters. Thus, in some embodiments, the multi-filtration air purification system 100 can include one or more UV emitters 104 a, 104 b. UV radiation from the UV emitters 104 a, 104 b, in some examples, can activate the PCO filters 102 a, 102 b. In various examples, the one or more PCO filters may be referred to herein collectively as a single PCO filter (e.g., “the PCO filters”). In some examples the PCO filters can be referred to as first air filters. It is understood that such references to a single PCO filter can cover embodiments in which more than one PCO filter is used. Also, in some instances, reference to the PCO filter can include reference to the PCO filters 102 a, 102 b together with the UV emitters 104 a, 104 b. The multi-filtration air purification system 100 can, in one example, reference the one or more PCO filters 102 a, 102 b, as a PCO filter 102. Similarly, the multi-filtration air purification system 100 can, in one example, reference the one or more UV emitters 104 a, 104 b as an UV emitter 104. In some examples, the UV emitter 104 can include an UV band C emitter. In some examples, the UV emitter 104 can be configured to emit light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 200-400 nm. As shown, there can be two pairs of the PCO filters 102 and UV emitters 104. As shown in FIG. 1, the PCO filter can include a top PCO filter 102 a and a bottom PCO filter 102 b. Likewise, the UV emitter can also include a top UV emitter 104 a and a bottom UV emitter 104 b. Similar to that described above, the PCO filter 102 can refer collectively to the PCO filters 102 a and 102 b. Also, the UV emitters 104 can also collectively refer to the UV emitters 104 a and 104 b. Although, the PCO filters 102 can both include a top and bottom PCO filters 102 a, 102 b, respectively, is some instances only one PCO filter and/or only one UV emitter can be used. For example, in some implementations, only a bottom PCO filter 102 b and a bottom UV emitter 104 b is used. Or, in another example, only a top PCO filter 102 a and a top UV emitter 104 a is used. Thus, any combination of PCO filters 102 a, 102 b and UV emitters 104 am 104 b, can be used. The multi-filtration air purification system 100, in some examples, can include a fan 108 and an air exhaust region 110. Although a fan 108 is shown, other air blowing mechanisms can be used. In some instances, the multi-filtration air purification system 100, can include a CCO filter and/or a TCO filter 106, the CCO filter and/or a TCO filter 106 coupled, connected, and/or disposed within to the exhaust region 110. In some instances, the PCO filters 102 and/or UV emitters 104 can be located within an air filter receiving region 112. In some implementations, the multi-filtration air purification system 100 can include an air filter 120 and a pre-filter 122. In some instances, the air filter 120 and the pre-filter 122 can be configured to be fit into the multi-filtration air purification system 100, e.g., via the air filter receiving region 112, as shown. In some implementations, the air filter 120 and the pre-filter can be removable and/or replaceable. The air filters 120/122, in some instances, can include a HEPA filter and/or a combination filter media cartridge. In some implementations, the air filter 120 can be disposed over the PCO filters 102, and/or UV emitters 104. In some examples, the air filter 120 can be configured to fit over, and cover, the PCO filters 102 and/or UV emitters 104.

FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary multi-filtration air purification system, according to some embodiments. In some implementations, the multi-filtration air purification system 200 can include a UV emitter 204 and a PCO filter 205. In some examples, the PCO filter 205 can be removable, and/or be included in a frame which can be fit into the multi-filtration air purification system 200, e.g., as shown in FIG. 2. In some examples, the PCO filter 205 can be the same or similar PCO filter 102 described in FIG. 1. In some implementations, the PC filter 205 can be disposed within an air filter receiving region 212. The multi-filtration air purification system 200 can, in some instances, include a CCO filter or a TCO filter 206. In some implementations, the filter 206 can be disposed within the air filter receiving region 212. In some instances, the multi-filtration air purification system 200 can include a HEPA air filter 220 or a pre-filter 222. In some instances, the HEPA air filter 220 or pre-filter 222 can be removable and/or replaceable. In some implementations, the multi-filtration air purification system 200 can be similar to the multi-filtration air purification system 100 of FIG. 1, with the exception that the PCO filter 205 can be a removable filter and that the PCO filter 205 can be configured to be inserted, and later removed/replaced from the multi-filtration air purification system 200 at the air filter receiving region 212. In some implementations the PCO filter 205 can be disposed over, can fit over, and/or cover, the UV emitter 204 and filter 206. In some implementations, the HEPA air filter 220 or a pre-filter 222 can be disposed over, can fit over, and/or cover, the PCO filter 205.

FIG. 3 illustrates still another exemplary multi-filtration air purification system, according to some embodiments. In some implementations, the multi-filtration air purification system 300 can include a UV emitter 304 and a PCO filter 305. In some examples, the second PCO filter 305 can be removable, and/or be included in a frame which can be fit into the multi-filtration air purification system 300, e.g., as shown in FIG. 3. The multi-filtration air purification system 300 can, in some instances, include a CCO filter 306, a HEPA air filter 320 or a pre-filter 322. In some implementations, the multi-filtration air purification system 300 can be similar to the multi-filtration air purification systems 100 and 200 of FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively, with the exception that the PCO filter 305 and the CCO filter or TCO filter 306 can each be a removable filter and each also can be configured to be inserted, and later removed/replaced from, the multi-filtration air purification system 300 at an air filter receiving region 312. In some implementations the HEPA air filter 320 or a pre-filter 322 can be disposed over, can fit over, and/or cover, the PCO filter 305. In some instances, the a HEPA air filter 320 or a pre-filter 322 can be removable and/or replaceable. In some instances, the PCO filter 305 can be placed over the UV emitter 304. In some instances, the CCO filter 306 can be placed over the PCO filter 305.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3 above, in some implementations, one or more UV emitters and/or PCO filters can be placed behind one or more other filters, e.g., placed behind a CCO filter, HEPA filter, as shown and described above. The thickness of the filter in front of the UV emitters and/or PCO filters, in some implementations, can be configured such that any potential exposure from harmful UV light from one or more UV emitters can be prevented. In some examples, the density of the one or more filters 205, 305, 120, 220, 320, 122, 233, and 322 can be configured such that any potential exposure from harmful UV light from the UV emitter can be prevented. In some examples, the filters 205, 305, 120, 220, 320, 122, 233, and 322 can be removable and/or replaceable. In some implementations, the filters 205, 305, 120, 220, 320, 122, 233, and 322 can also be referred to herein as removable and/or replaceable filters. Also in some instances, although FIG. 1-3 depict one or more filters 205, 305, 120, 220, 320, 122, 233, and 322 outside, e.g., removed, from the multi-filtration air purification systems 100, 200, 300, as implemented the one or more filters 205, 305, 120, 220, 320, 122, 233, and 322 can be placed, located and/or positioned within the receiving air filter receiving regions 112, 212, 312 of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In some embodiments, the one or more filters 205, 305, 120, 220, 320, 122, 233, and 322 of FIGS. 1-3 can be referred to as multi-filter cartridges, e.g., more than one filter and/or filter cartridge can be implemented.

Safety Mechanism for an Air Purification System

In various instances, placing an UV activated PCO filter in an air purification system, e.g., including an UV emitter such as a lamp or LED module, behind a CCO filter, HEPA filter, and or any other filter can prevent any UV light from escaping and endangering from potential exposure of harmful UV light since the filter can block the UV light from escaping. One potential safety concern is the exposure to UV light when a filter (e.g. covering the UV emitter and/or PCO filter) is removed, e.g., when upon replacement of a HEPA filter or CCO filter for example. Some advantages to the presented air purification system can include (i) using a magnetic and/or Reed type switch which can be much safer and potentially have a longer lifespan of up to 100,000 cycles or more in comparison to standard type electronic switches which can be rated at 1,000 to 10,000 cycles, (ii) the air purification system can, in some examples, ensure that a user places an air filter or air filter cartridges in the correct orientation to fit into the air purification system, and thus provide an effective air purification process, and (iii) ensuring, in some examples, that the user cannot use lower quality replacement filters which would decrease the efficiency and/or effectiveness of the air purification system.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an exemplary air purification system having a built-in safety mechanism, according to some embodiments. In some instances, the air purification system 400 can include one or more filters which can be removable. In some examples, the filters can also be referred to herein as removable air filters. In an example, the one or more filters can include a PCO filter 405, CCO filter 406, a HEPA filter 420, a pre-filter 422, among other filters. In some implementations, the one or more filters 405/406/420/422 can be single filters, e.g., only one of a PCO filter 405, CCO filter 406, a HEPA filter 420, a pre-filter 422 are used. In some embodiments, multiple filters togethers, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1-3, also referred to herein as multi-filter cartridges, can be used. Thus, in one example a single filter can be used, and in another example multiple filters (e.g., as in FIGS. 1-3), can be used. When installed, the one or more filters 405/406/420/422 can cover one or more UV emitters 404. The one or more filters 405/406/420/422 can include a switch trigger 430. The air purification system 400 can also include, in some instances, a switch 432 incorporated into the air purification system, e.g., within an air filter receiving region 412 of the air purification system 400. In some instances, the air filter receiving region 412 can also be referred to herein as a filter placement seat and/or a filter seat. In some implementations, the switch 432 can include a magnetic and/or Reed type switch. In some examples, the switch trigger 430 can include a magnetic material, e.g., a magnet configured to trigger the switch 432. In some instances, the magnet and/or a magnetic material can be embedded within the filter 405/406/420/422, where the magnet and/or magnetic material can be configured to fit directly within range of the switch 432, e.g., magnetic range of the switch 432. The switch 432 can, in some instances, be referred to herein as a safety switch and it can be placed within the air filter receiving region 112 of the air purification system 400. The switch 432, in some implementations, can be configured such that it does not to interfere with the air filtration process of the air purification system 400. Referring to FIG. 4A and 4B, in some examples, the switch 432 can be a recessed magnet switch that is mounted flush in the air filter receiving region 412 when the filter is installed. In some instances, the filter 405/406/420/422 can be fitted with a rare-earth neodymium (or other type) magnet, among other magnets, so that when installed the switch trigger 430 can be within range, e.g., be within or near proximity to the switch 432, such that the magnetic attraction can activate the switch to turn ‘OFF’ the UV emitter when the filter 405/406/420/422 is removed. In some implementations, the switch 432 can be electrically attached to the UV filter's, e.g., UV emitter's power circuit 434 or to the air purification system's power circuit. In one example, a magnetic switch, e.g., which can act as an activator for the air purification system, can be used. In the same example, the magnetic switch can be attached to the UV activated PCO filter's power circuit 434 and/or to the air purification system's power circuit. In some instances, the power circuit 434 can be referred to as a ballast and/or a driver. In some examples, the switch trigger 430 and switch 432 mechanism can be configured such that if the filter 405/406/420/422 is removed and is not replaced within the air filter receiving region 412, the switch 432 will not create a completed circuit, and thus the UV filter, e.g., hence UV emitter, cannot be activated (put into the “ON” state) providing for a safe air purification system for the user. In some implementations, the air purification system 400 can also include a fan 408 and an exhaust region 410. Also in some instances, although FIG. 4A and 4B depict the filter 405/406/420/422 outside, e.g., removed, from the air purification system 400, as implemented the filter 406/420/422 can be placed, located and/or positioned within a receiving air filter receiving region 412. Although the system 400 is referred to herein as an air purification system 400, a multi-filtration air purification system can also be used. In an example, the multi-filtration air purification systems 100, 200, 300 described in FIGS. 1-3 can also be implemented for the system 400. In some examples, the system 400 can make use of a single air filter 406/420/422. In an embodiment, the system 400 can be used in conjunction and/or in combination with the multi-filtration air purification systems 100, 200, 300 described in FIGS. 1-3. In an example, the multiple air filter and/or multiple-filter cartridge implementation described in FIGS. 1-3 can be used.

A Multi-Filtration Air Purification Method

A method 500 for implementing a multi-filtration air purification system is provided. In a first step 502, the method can include using a first air filter including photocatalytic oxidizer (PCO) having a ultraviolet (UV) emitter configured to filter incoming air for harmful pathogens, where the first air filter is disposed within an air filter receiving region of the multi-filtration air purification system. In a second step 504, the method can include using a second air filter disposed within the multi-filtration air purification system to filter volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by the first air filter. In some examples, the second air filter is disposed within an air exhaust region or disposed within the air filter receiving region of the multi-filtration air purification system . In some instances, the second air filter can include at least one of a cold catalytic oxidation (CCO) filter, or a thermal catalytic oxidation (TCO) filter.

A Method for Safely Replacing a Removable Air Filter of an Air Purification System

A method 600 for safely replacing a removable air filter of an air purification system is provided. In a first step 602, the method can include providing a photocatalytic oxidizer (PCO) filter including an ultraviolet (UV) emitter, the PCO filter disposed within an air filter receiving region of an air purification system, where the air filter region can include a switch. In a second step 604, placing, or removing, a removable air filter from within the air filter region, where the removable air filter can include a switch trigger. In a third step 606, the method can include determining whether the removable air filter is placed within the air filter region, where the determination is based on whether the switch trigger is in proximity to the switch. In a fourth step 608, based on the determination of whether the removable air filter is placed within the air filter region, enabling or disabling operation of the air purification system. In some examples, enabling or disabling operation of the air purification system can include initiating an on or off state of the air purification system. In some examples, the switch trigger can include at least one of a magnet or a magnetic material. In some implementations, the switch can include at least one of a magnetic switch or a Reed switch.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments.

Particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. As one example, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other steps or stages may be provided, or steps or stages may be eliminated, from the described processes. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Terminology

The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The term “approximately”, the phrase “approximately equal to”, and other similar phrases, as used in the specification and the claims (e.g., “X has a value of approximately Y” or “X is approximately equal to Y”), should be understood to mean that one value (X) is within a predetermined range of another value (Y). The predetermined range may be plus or minus 20%, 10%, 5%, 3%, 1%, 0.1%, or less than 0.1%, unless otherwise indicated.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

As used in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of” “only one of” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

The use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and additional items.

Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. Ordinal terms are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term), to distinguish the claim elements.

Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

Claims

1. An air purification system, the system comprising:

a photocatalytic oxidizer (PCO) filter comprising an ultraviolet (UV) emitter, the PCO filter disposed within an air filter receiving region of the air purification system;

a removable air filter disposed over the PCO filter and located within the air filter receiving region, wherein the removable air filter comprises a switch trigger; and

the air filter receiving region comprising a switch configured to receive the switch trigger, wherein the switch and switch trigger together are configured to disable operation of the air purification system when the removable air filter is removed from the air filter receiving region.

2. The air purification system of claim 1, wherein the switch and switch trigger together are configured to enable operation of the air purification system when the removable air filter is placed within the air filter receiving region of the air purification system.

3. The air purification system of claim 1, wherein the switch comprises at least one of a magnetic switch, or a Reed type switch.

4. The air purification system of claim 1, wherein the switch trigger comprises at least one of a magnet, or a magnetic material.

5. The air purification system of claim 1, wherein the removable air filter is configured to fit over, and cover, the PCO filter within the air filter receiving region.

6. The air purification system of claim 1, wherein the removable air filter comprises at least one of a cold catalytic oxidation (CCO) filter, a thermal catalytic oxidation (TCO) filter, or a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

7. The air purification system of claim 1, wherein the an UV emitter comprises an ultraviolet (UV) band C emitter.

8. The air purification system of claim 1, wherein the UV emitter is configured to emit light having a wavelength in a range of approximately 200-400 nm.

9. The air purification system of claim 1, further comprising a HEPA filter disposed over the removable air filter.

10. The air purification system of claim 9, wherein the HEPA filter is configured to fit over, and cover, the removable air filter.

11. The air purification system of claim 9, wherein the HEPA filter is removable.

12. The air purification system of claim 9, further comprising pre-filter disposed over the HEPA filter.

13. The air purification system of claim 12, wherein the pre-filter is configured to fit over, and cover, the removable air filter.

14. The air purification system of claim 12, wherein the pre-filter is removable.

15. The air purification system of claim 1, wherein the PCO filter comprises one or more PCO filters.

16. The air purification system of claim 1, wherein the PCO filter comprises a top PCO filter and a bottom PCO filter.

17. The air purification system of claim 1, further comprising an exhaust region.

18. The air purification system of claim 17, further comprising a CCO filter or a TCO filter disposed within the air exhaust region of the air purification system.

19. A method for safely replacing a removable air filter of an air purification system, the method comprising:

providing a photocatalytic oxidizer (PCO) filter comprising an ultraviolet (UV) emitter, the PCO filter disposed within an air filter receiving region of the air purification system, wherein the air filter region comprises a switch;

placing, or removing, a removable air filter from within the air filter region, wherein the removable air filter comprises a switch trigger;

determining whether the removable air filter is placed within the air filter region, wherein the determination is based on whether the switch trigger is in proximity to the switch; and

based on the determination of whether the removable air filter is placed within the air filter region, enabling or disabling operation of the air purification system.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the switch trigger comprises at least one of a magnet or a magnetic material.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the switch comprises at least one of a magnetic switch or a Reed switch.