Methods and apparatus for sterilization of air and objects

Abstract

An air purification system that uses laser beams ( 40 ) to purify air. A laser beam (42) is set to sweep across the interior of a box ( 20 ) that is open at two ends to the flow of air. The laser beam ( 42 ) is of sufficient strength to destroy or neutralize any dust particles, pollen, pathogens, allergens, aor gasses that are present in the flow of air through the box ( 20 ). An air baffle box ( 80 ) is utilized at each end of the box with the air flow to prevent the laser beam from escaping from the box.

1 . An air sterilization apparatus comprising: 
 a body defining chamber, at least two openings through which a volume of air may travel, and an orifice;    a source of collimated light energy adapted for producing a plurality of discrete wavelength ranges operatively directed to emit energy through the orifice and into the chamber; and    control means for modulating the total energy exposure of the volume of air to the energy emission from the source of collimated light energy.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the control means modulates the velocity of the volume of air.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the control means modulates the energy output of the source of collimated light energy.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the control means modulates the dispersion characteristics of the emitted collimated light energy.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the chamber comprises a plurality of walls reflective of the collimated light energy, and wherein at least some walls are one of planar, curved or irregular.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein at least some walls are movable upon actuation.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising at least one light baffle to prevent the unintentional escapement of collimated light energy from the chamber.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the emitted light energy is moved prior to entering the chamber.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the source of collimated light energy is a laser.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the wavelength of light energy is in the infrared spectrum.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an enclosure having a sealable interior environment and an environment control system comprising a duct for communicating air from a first location exposed to an exterior environment to a second location exposed to an interior environment where the first opening of the chamber is in communication with the exterior environment and the second opening is in communication with the interior environment  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a self-contained power source for at least operation of the source of collimated light energy  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the power source is one of a power generator, a battery, or a fuel cell.  
     
     
         14 . An object sterilization apparatus comprising: 
 a body defining chamber, at least one opening through which an object may pass and an orifice;    a source of collimated light energy for producing at least one discrete wavelength of energy operatively directed to emit energy through the orifice and into the chamber;    support means for supporting the object once placed inside the enclosure; and    control means for modulating the total energy exposure of the object to the energy emission from the source of collimated light energy.