US20060117729A1 - Microbicidal air filter - Google Patents
Microbicidal air filter Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060117729A1 US20060117729A1 US11/169,636 US16963605A US2006117729A1 US 20060117729 A1 US20060117729 A1 US 20060117729A1 US 16963605 A US16963605 A US 16963605A US 2006117729 A1 US2006117729 A1 US 2006117729A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- air
- filter
- fibers
- facemask
- agent
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
- A62B18/02—Masks
- A62B18/025—Halfmasks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
- A01N25/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests
- A01N25/34—Shaped forms, e.g. sheets, not provided for in any other sub-group of this main group
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
- A01N31/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing organic oxygen or sulfur compounds
- A01N31/08—Oxygen or sulfur directly attached to an aromatic ring system
- A01N31/14—Ethers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B19/00—Cartridges with absorbing substances for respiratory apparatus
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B23/00—Filters for breathing-protection purposes
- A62B23/02—Filters for breathing-protection purposes for respirators
- A62B23/025—Filters for breathing-protection purposes for respirators the filter having substantially the shape of a mask
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D39/00—Filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
- B01D39/08—Filter cloth, i.e. woven, knitted or interlaced material
- B01D39/083—Filter cloth, i.e. woven, knitted or interlaced material of organic material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D39/00—Filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
- B01D39/08—Filter cloth, i.e. woven, knitted or interlaced material
- B01D39/086—Filter cloth, i.e. woven, knitted or interlaced material of inorganic material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D39/00—Filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
- B01D39/14—Other self-supporting filtering material ; Other filtering material
- B01D39/16—Other self-supporting filtering material ; Other filtering material of organic material, e.g. synthetic fibres
- B01D39/1607—Other self-supporting filtering material ; Other filtering material of organic material, e.g. synthetic fibres the material being fibrous
- B01D39/1623—Other self-supporting filtering material ; Other filtering material of organic material, e.g. synthetic fibres the material being fibrous of synthetic origin
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D46/0027—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours with additional separating or treating functions
- B01D46/0028—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours with additional separating or treating functions provided with antibacterial or antifungal means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D46/10—Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using filter plates, sheets or pads having plane surfaces
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D46/30—Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using loose filtering material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2239/00—Aspects relating to filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
- B01D2239/04—Additives and treatments of the filtering material
- B01D2239/0442—Antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal additives
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2239/00—Aspects relating to filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
- B01D2239/06—Filter cloth, e.g. knitted, woven non-woven; self-supported material
- B01D2239/0604—Arrangement of the fibres in the filtering material
- B01D2239/0618—Non-woven
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2239/00—Aspects relating to filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
- B01D2239/06—Filter cloth, e.g. knitted, woven non-woven; self-supported material
- B01D2239/0604—Arrangement of the fibres in the filtering material
- B01D2239/0636—Two or more types of fibres present in the filter material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2239/00—Aspects relating to filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
- B01D2239/06—Filter cloth, e.g. knitted, woven non-woven; self-supported material
- B01D2239/065—More than one layer present in the filtering material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2239/00—Aspects relating to filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
- B01D2239/06—Filter cloth, e.g. knitted, woven non-woven; self-supported material
- B01D2239/065—More than one layer present in the filtering material
- B01D2239/0654—Support layers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2239/00—Aspects relating to filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
- B01D2239/12—Special parameters characterising the filtering material
- B01D2239/1208—Porosity
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S55/00—Gas separation
- Y10S55/05—Methods of making filter
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part (C.I.P.) of application Ser. No. 10/455,337, filed on Jun. 6, 2003, now abandoned, that is a continuation-in-part (C.I.P.) of application Ser. No. 09/982,804, filed on Oct. 22, 2001, now abandoned.
- The present invention concerns air filters, more particularly microbicidal air filters.
- Removing airborne pathogens and environmental allergens is very important in environments that require high levels of air purity, such as in hospitals and in houses of people suffering from severe allergic responses to the aforesaid allergens. Typically, devices in the form of masks or in-air duct filters filter out particulate material during either air circulation or, in the case of facemasks, during inhalation and exhalation. The facemasks and air duct filters temporarily capture the pathogens and allergens, and particulate matter such as dust, on a surface of a filtering material. Once the filters reach a threshold limit or after a single use, they are typically discarded or in some cases, cleaned and reused. Many designs of filtering devices exist, examples of which are as follows:
-
- U.S. Pat. No. 1,319,763, issued Oct. 28, 1919, to Drew for “Air filter for wall registers”;
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,710,948, issued Jan. 16, 1973, to Sexton for “Self-sustaining pocket type filter”;
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,779,244, issued Dec. 18, 1973, to Weeks for “Disposable face respirator”;
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,429, issued Apr. 9, 1974, to Bird for “Surgical face mask”;
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,197,100, issued Apr. 8, 1980, to Hausheer for “Filtering member for filters”;
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,676, issued Jan. 17, 1989, to Matkovich for “Low pressure drop bacterial filter and method”;
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,136, issued Jun. 11, 1996, to Rosen for “Gasketed multi-media air cleaner”;
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,747,053 issued May 5, 1998, to Nashimoto for “Antiviral filter air cleaner impregnated with tea extract”;
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,677, issued May 25, 1999, to Dudley for “Electrostatic supercharger screen”;
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,738 issued Mar. 14, 2000, to Shanbrom for “Disinfecting gas filters”;
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,514,306 issued Feb. 4, 2003, to Rohrbach et al. for “Anti-microbial fibrous media”.
- The aforesaid designs suffer from a number of important drawbacks. Disadvantageously, in the above-mentioned designs removal of the dirty filter or the facemask after use may cause non-immobilized pathogens or particulates to be dispersed into the air immediately around the user, which, if inhaled may be hazardous to the user. In addition, the designs may not immobilize the air borne pathogens and kill them in situ. Some of the designs incorporate viscous material into the filter material to capture particulate material. Some designs incorporate complex arrangements of filters inside cartridges, which may be impractical for use in air ducts or in facemasks. In some cases, fiberglass is used as part of the filter medium, which may be harmful to humans if located near the nose and mouth. In one design, disinfectant soaked cotton wool appears to be located in an air duct for aerosolizing into a room to maintain moisture content. Use of such a wet disinfectant may be harmful to humans in close proximity to the disinfectant and may not be appropriate for use in a facemask. Another filter media uses fibers having cavities filled with antibacterial agent for slow release there from. Another design discloses the fiber manufactured with antibacterial agent therein that freely detaches there from upon blooming of the fibers. These fiber designs have the problem of a rapid lost of their antibacterial activity upon cleaning or washing thereof.
- Accordingly, there is a need for an improved microbicidal air filter.
- The present invention reduces the difficulties and disadvantages of the prior art by providing a microbicidal air filter, which captures and kills pathogenic microbes on a novel immobilization network of fibers. To achieve this, the fibers include an antimicrobial agent incorporated into their structure, during manufacturing of the fibers, for the latter to substantially kills the microbes getting in proximity thereto. The antimicrobial agent is internally and externally secured to the structure of the fibers with strong molecular bonds. This significantly reduces or essentially eliminates the problems associated with further release of the microbes from the filter after use and during disposal. Advantageously, the filter can be used as a facemask or in air-circulation ducts, typically as an after-filter or downstream of a filter, and can capture and kill a wide variety of microbes. The fibers can be made of a material, such as but not limited to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based materials, which enables the filter to be washed and reused, almost indefinitely, without significant loss of antimicrobial activity because of the molecular bonds between the antimicrobial agent and the structure of the fibers.
- In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a microbicidal air filter for use with an air passageway, said air filter comprising: an immobilization network including a plurality of fibers having an amount of at least one antimicrobial agent incorporated and molecularly bonded into a structure thereof sufficient to substantially immobilize, retain and at least inhibit the growth of, or typically kill, microbes suspended in a volume of air moving through said air passageway, said immobilization network being substantially permeable to said air.
- In one embodiment, the immobilization network is an after-filter so that the air is pre-filtered prior reaching the air passageway.
- In one embodiment, the air filter is a facemask configured and sized to fit over the nose and mouth of a user and to be secured therearound.
- In one embodiment, the air filter is an air duct filter configured and sized to fit in an air duct system forming the air passageway.
- Typically, the air filter further includes: first and second air permeable screen elements securable together along respective peripheral edges, said screen elements being configured and sized to fit in the air duct system and to be secured therein; said air permeable immobilization network being located substantially between said first and second screen elements.
- Conveniently, a fastening member connects said first and second air permeable screen elements together to sandwich said immobilization network therebetween.
- Typically, the fastening member includes a frame for connecting said first and second screen elements together.
- Conveniently, the fastening member further includes a plurality of stitches located through said immobilization network to divide said immobilization network into subdivisions.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a microbicidal face mask comprising: first and second air permeable screen elements secured together along respective peripheral edges, said screen elements defining a gap therebetween, said screen elements being configured and sized to fit over the mouth and nose of a user and to be secured thereto; an air permeable immobilization network located in and substantially filling said gap, said immobilization network including a plurality of fibers having an amount of at least one antimicrobial agent incorporated and molecularly bonded into a structure thereof sufficient to substantially immobilize, retain and at least inhibit the growth of, or typically kill, microbes suspended in a volume of air moving through said network.
- In one embodiment, the first air permeable screen element includes a slit located therein of sufficient size to allow said immobilization network to be positioned in said gap.
- Further advantages and objects of the invention will be in part obvious from an inspection of the accompanying drawings and a careful consideration of the following description.
- In the annexed drawings, like reference characters indicate like elements throughout.
-
FIG. 1 is a simplified exploded view of an embodiment of a filter; -
FIG. 2 is a simplified partial cutaway view of a facemask with the filter; -
FIG. 2 a is a simplified partial cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a facemask; -
FIG. 3 is a simplified exploded view of an embodiment of a filter in a frame; -
FIG. 4 is a simplified exploded view of the filter with a primary filter; -
FIG. 5 is a simplified exploded view of an air circulation system with a filter; -
FIG. 6 is simplified front view of an alternative filter for use in the system ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a simplified front view of an alternative filter for use with the system ofFIG. 5 , showing stitches as a fastening member; -
FIG. 8 is a simplified front view of an alternative filter for use with the system ofFIG. 5 , showing rivets as a fastening member; and -
FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 9-9 ofFIG. 7 . - With reference to the annexed drawings the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be herein described for indicative purposes and by no means as of limitation.
- Definitions
- As used herein, the term “microbe” or “microbial” is intended to mean microorganisms including, but not limited to, bacteria, protozoa, viruses, molds and the like. Also included in this definition are dust mites.
- As used herein, the term “antimicrobial agent” is intended to mean a compound that inhibits, prevents, or destroys the growth or proliferation of microbes such as bacteria, protozoa, viruses, molds and the like. Examples of antimicrobial agents as used herein include anti-bacterial agents, anti-viral agents, anti-mold agents, anti-yeast agents and anti-dust mite agents, or any combination thereof.
- As used herein, the terms “anti-bacterial agent”, “bacteriocidal agent” and “bacteriostatic agent” are intended to mean compounds that inhibit, prevent the growth of, and/or kill bacteria.
- As used herein, the term “anti-viral agent” is intended to mean a compound that inhibits, prevents the growth of, or kills viruses.
- As used herein, the term “anti-mold agent” is intended to mean a compound that inhibits, prevents the growth of, or kills molds.
- As used herein, the term “anti-yeast agent” is intended to mean a compound that inhibits, prevents the growth of, or kills yeasts.
- As used herein, the term “anti-dust mite agent” is intended to mean a compound that inhibits, prevents the growth of, or kills dust mites.
- As used herein, the terms “microbicidal”, “biocidal” and “aseptic” are intended to refer to the inhibition, growth prevention or killing properties of any of the aforesaid “agents”, used either alone or in combination with each other.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , a first embodiment of a microbicidal air filter shown generally at 10. Broadly speaking, thefilter 10 includes an airpermeable immobilization network 12, an air permeablefirst screen 14 and an air permeablesecond screen 16. Thefirst screen 14 and thesecond screen 16 are merely acting to support thenetwork 12 and to define awork area 18. One skilled in the art will recognize that theimmobilization network 12 may be used independently of thescreens - The
network 12 includes a mesh offibers 20, which can be non-woven or woven depending on whether a soft or hard (rigid) network is desired. Thenetwork 12 may also include yarn such as cotton in which thefibers 20 are interwoven. Eachfiber 20 includes a quantity of at least one antimicrobial agent that is fully incorporated and secured to the structure of thefiber 20 via substantially strong molecular bonds thereby providing a large permanent concentration of the antimicrobial agent over a large surface area, throughout the entire life of thefibers 20. In other words, the antimicrobial agent is within the heart of thefiber 20 and bondly mixed and spread there along, there over and therein. Thefibers 20 are arranged such that they are permeable to air over the entire mesh, typically as a fine layer of so-called angel's hair, of flaky mesh or the like. - Preferably, the network is a fibrous material. More preferably, the fibrous material is commercially available RHOVYL'AS+™, RHOVYL'AS™ (with “AS” for reference to “aseptic”), THERMOVYL-L9B™, THERMOVYL-ZCB™, THERMOVYL-MXB™ (with “B” for reference to “biocidal”) or triclosan treated polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or the like based organic fiber.
- Both RHOVYL'AS+™, RHOVYL'AS™, THERMOVYL-L9B™, THERMOVYL-MXB™ and THERMOVYL-ZCB™ are fibrous materials, manufactured by RHOVYL™, SA, that have instrinsic antimicrobial and/or biocidal activity. In particular, the RHOVYL'AS™ fiber, the THERMOVYL-L9B™ fiber and the THERMOVYL-ZCB™ fiber incorporate an antibacterial agent, which is molecularly bonded to the structure of the fiber, whereas the RHOVYL'AS™ fiber antibacterial agent, the RHOVYL'AS+™ fiber and the THERMOVYL-MXB™ fiber also contain acaricide, an anti-dust mite agent. triclosan is a well known antimicrobial agent, which at least reduces the growth, and typically even kills microbes such as bacteria, yeast and molds.
- The fibrous material is either used pure (100%) or in blends, with a percentage of at least 30% volume, along with other types of fibers within woven or non-woven type fabrics, and which meet the requirements of an individual protective equipment (IPE). The fibrous material may also have other properties including, but not limited to, non-flammability, resistance to chemical products, ignition suppression, thermal insulation, and moisture management.
- Preferably, the antimicrobial agents include an antibacterial agent, an anti-viral agent, an anti-dust mite agent, an anti-mold agent and an anti-yeast agent.
- Preferably, the anti-bacterial agent is triclosan.
- Preferably, the anti-dust mite agent is benzyl benzoate.
- Typically, the fibrous material has porosity in the range of about 0.1 μm to about 3 μm, although this depends upon the size of microbe to be retained.
- Typically, the fibrous material has a density of between two grams per square foot (2 gr/ft2) to thirty grams per square foot (30 gr/ft2). More preferably, the density is around ten grams per square foot (10 gr/ft2).
- As best illustrated in
FIG. 2 , thefilter 10 may be part of afacemask 24 of the type normally used by hospital workers and the like and which could be expandable (soft mask) or not (rigid mask), that are sometimes used in areas with pre-filtered air. Thescreens peripheral edge 22 and define agap 23 therebetween. Thenetwork 12 can be attached to one of the aforesaid screens to provide both a physical barrier against particulate material and more importantly, to pathogenic microbes. Thenetwork 12 can be attached to thescreens portable mask 24 that are worn in front of the nose/mouth area of the individual. Afront mask screen 25 of themask 24 acts as a primary filter located upstream of thenetwork 12 to pre-filter the air by removing particulate material and microbes from the air passing therethrough along an air passageway, as shown by the arrows. - Alternatively, as best illustrated in
FIG. 2 a, thenetwork 12 may be located between thefront screen 25 and arear screen 27, such as commercially available filter masks, in thegap 23 of thefacemask 24 to create a two-way system of filtration, as shown by the arrows. Thefront screen 25 may include aslit 29 to allow thenetwork 12 to be inserted into thegap 23. This type offacemask 24 may be useful for people who are suffering from a respiratory infection and who still wish to work yet, don't wish to infect others by exhaling breath contaminated with pathogenic microbes. - The
screen elements FIG. 1 , made from aluminum, nylon, thermoplastic material, fiberglass type materials (usually not approved for mask applications), woven type fabrics or the like. As shown inFIG. 3 , thescreen elements network 12 can be supported by arigid frame 26, such as a standard aluminum screen frame, that is divided into twoparts screen elements fastening member 32 may be used to releasably connect the twoscreen elements network 12 sandwiched therebetween and compressed to prevent it from being displaced by the air flowing therethrough. Thefastening member 32 may be a pivoting retainer pivoting on one of theparts FIG. 4 , arigid screen 34 of any existingair filter 36 may also be used. - Referring now to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , thefilter 10 is illustrated installed inside anair duct 38 downstream of theair filter 36 and upstream of an air heating system 40 (the arrows inFIG. 5 show the air passageway) such that the air passing through thenetwork 12 could be pre-filtered such that thenetwork 12 acts as an after-filter, thereby being more efficient since most of the particulate material or dirt contained in the air is removed there from before reaching the network. Theframe 26 generally encloses thescreen elements rods 42 used to subdivide thescreen elements smaller sub-elements 44 to constrain thenetwork 12 to remain in place between the twoelements FIG. 6 , theframe 26 is a thin metallic rod onto which thescreens rods 42 providing additional support to thescreen elements network 12 and to provide theaforesaid sub-elements 44. - Referring now to
FIGS. 5, 7 , 8 and 9, other types offastening members 32 are illustrated. One preferable type offastening member 32 includes a plurality ofstitches 46 which may be arranged in a variety of patterns, for example wavy lines or straight lines. Thestitches 46 pass through thenetwork 12 and divide the network intosubdivisions 44, as previously described. Alternatively, as best illustrated inFIG. 8 , thefastening members 32 may also includerivets 48, which pass through thenetwork 12. - The present invention is illustrated in further detail by the following non-limiting examples.
- Evaluation of Microbicidal and Filtering Capacity of Rigid and Soft Facemasks
- As shown in Table 1, two facemasks of the present invention were compared to a commercially available facemask1,2,3 for their antimicrobial and retaining capabilities against a panel of bacteria and molds of various sizes4,5,6,7. The NB rigid and soft masks used in Examples 1 and 2 were both equipped with a
network 12 of PVC based organic fiber containing molecularly bonded triclosan. The NB soft mask was composed of a double covering of woven type fabric containing 76% w/w THERMOVYL-ZCB™ fibers and 24% w/w polyester (although any other woven type fabric such as cotton or the like could have been used) stitched to each other at their periphery, within which thenetwork 12 was located (seeFIG. 2 a above). The NB rigid mask was made of two conventional commercially available anti-dust masks, which were inserted one inside the other, between which the network of PVC based organic fiber containing triclosan was located. - An air contamination chamber5,8,9 was used to measure the filtering capacity of a mask containing the network. The chamber includes a perforated bottle containing a predetermined quantity of lyophilized microorganisms. The chamber is installed on a microbiologic air-sampler. The test mask was installed at the interface between the contaminated air chamber and the air sampler. A negative pressure was generated in the air chamber, which caused the lyophilized microorganisms to move towards the mask. A culturing medium was located downstream of the mask to detect any breakthrough of the mask.
TABLE 1 Filtration efficiency (%) Microorganisms Size (μm) NBRM NBSM 3M* Bacteria Mycobacteria tuberculosis 0.2-0.7 × 1.0-10 100 100 95 Proteus spp. 0.4-0.8 × 1-3 100 100 Pseudomonas aureginosa 0.5-1.0 × 1.5-5 100 100 Staphylococcus aureus 0.5 × 1.5 100 100 Streptococcus 0.5-1.5 100 100 pneumoniae Haemophilius influenze 1 100 100 Anthrax 1-1.5 × 3-5 100 100 Moulds Acremonium strictum 3.3-5.5 (7) × 100 100 96 0.9 × 1.8 Aspergillus versicolor 2-3.5 100 100 Penicillium griseofulvum 2.5-3.5 × 2.2-2.5 100 100 Neosartorya fischeri 2 × 2.5 100 100
NBRM = Rigid mask
NBSM = Soft mask
*Data from technical specification2
- Evaluation of Filtering of Small Particles
- The filtering capacity of the three masks of Example 1 was tested against two particulate materials of 0.3 μm particle size using essentially the same apparatus as in Example 1. A cartridge capturing membrane located downstream from an air pump, in this case, captured breakthrough particulates. The air pump creates a negative pressure downstream of the mask. The two particulate materials chosen were sodium chloride and dioctyl phthalate.
TABLE 2 Filtration efficiency (%) Particulate material Size (μm) NBRM NBSM 3M* Sodium chloride (NaCl) 0.3 100 100 95 Dioctylphthalate (DOP) 0.3 100 100
NBRM = Rigid mask
NBSM = Soft mask
*Data from technical specification2
- Evaluation of Microbicidal and Filtering Capacity of a Ventilation System Filter
- The antimicrobial capacity of a filter of the embodiment of
FIG. 3 with RHOVYL'AS+™ fibers was evaluated after 0, 7, 14, and 21 days installation in a ventilation system in a house. The results are illustrated in Tables 3 to 6 below. - The filters were removed after the aforesaid times and analysed using the Samson method10. The fibrous material (1 g) of each filter was diluted with demineralised, sterilized water (9 mL) and then serially diluted.
- The calculation of total amount of bacteria, yeast and molds were done using hemacytometry. The calculation of the total amount of viable bacteria, yeasts and molds were determined following a culture of the serial dilutions on appropriate media. The aerobic viable bacteria were cultured on soya agar-agar (TSA, Quelab), whereas the yeasts and molds were cultured on HEA supplemented with gentamycin (0.005% p/v) and oxytetracycline (0.01% p/v) to limit bacterial growth. HEA's pH of 4.8+/−0.2 allows the germination of spores and development of mycelens. After the incubation period, the calculation of microbial colonies was carried out using a colony meter (Accu-Lite™, Fisher). The morphotype of the bacterial colonies was identified by Gram staining (see Table 5).
- Concerning the yeasts and molds calculation, each macroscopically distinct mold colony was identified by gender and/or species using microscopy.
- Mold slides were prepared using the adhesive tape method11. This technique maintains the integrity of the mold structures by fixing them on the sticky side of the tape. Once collected, the molds were stained with lactophenol and observed at a magnification of 10× and 40×. Using identification keys12,13,14,15, the molds were identified. In this experiment only colonies that produced spores were identified.
TABLE 3 Bacterial filtering After filter Calculated bacteria (UFC/g) Time (days) Viable Non-viable Total 0 6000 169000 175000 (3.43%) (96.57%) (100%) 7 9000 318000 327000 (2.75%) (97.25%) (100%) 14 27000 1193000 1220000 (2.21%) (97.79%) (100%) 21 70000 3650000 3720000 (1.88%) (98.12%) (100%) -
TABLE 4 Fungal filtering After filter Calculated fungi (UFC/g) Time (days) Viable Non-viable Total 0 29000 218000 247000 (11.74%) (88.26%) (100%) 7 110000 970000 1080000 (10.19%) (89.81%) (100%) 14 230000 2400000 2630000 (8.75%) (91.25%) (100%) 21 1640000 21000000 22640000 (7.24%) (92.76%) (100%) -
TABLE 5 Identification of bacterial morphotypes After filter (days) Bacterial morphotypes 0 78.4% Cocci Gram positive 21.6% Rod Gram negative 7 84.3% Cocci Gram positive 15.7% Rod Gram negative 14 86.7% Cocci Gram positive 13.3% Rod Gram negative 21 88.9% Cocci Gram positive 11.1% Rod Gram negative -
TABLE 6 Identification of mold species After filter (days) Mold species 0 Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium sp., yeasts 7 Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium sp., yeasts 14 Alternaria alternata, Arthrinium sp., Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium sp., Geotrichum sp., Penicillium sp., yeasts 21 Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium sp., yeasts - Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity after Extensive Washing Antibacterial of Woven Fiber Samples
- In order to ensure the antimicrobial fibers of the present invention retain their antimicrobial activity after multiple cleaning and washing, respective samples of woven THERMOVYL-L9B™ and THERMOVYL-ZCB™ fibers with molecularly bonded triclosan agent were tested. Three (3) samples of each fiber types were submitted to multiple successive cleanings and tested for antibacterial activity against growth of two bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, after five (5), ten (10) and one hundred (100) washes, respectively. One (1) witness reference sample of each fiber type without any antimicrobial agent was also similarly tested after five (5) washes. The results are summarized in Table 7 below.
TABLE 7 Bacteria Bacteria Inhibition Growth/ Number of Zone Size Antimicrobial Bacteria Fiber Washes (mm) Efficiency S. aureus Thermovyl-L9B 5 12.5 None/ High 10 13 None/High 100 14.75 None/High Thermovyl-ZCB 5 12.125 None/ High 10 12.625 None/High 100 16.75 None/High Thermovyl-L9* 5 0 Medium/Poor Thermovyl-ZC* 5 0 Medium/Poor E. coli Thermovyl-L9B 5 5.125 None/ High 10 6.125 None/High 100 8.125 None/High Thermovyl-ZCB 5 5 None/ High 10 5.375 None/High 100 9.375 None/High Thermovyl-L9* 5 0 Medium/Poor Thermovyl-ZC* 5 0 Medium/Poor
*Without microbicidal agent
Discussion - To date, commercially available masks have been hampered by their inability to capture and kill in excess of 95% of microorganisms. A study of a microbicidal network of the present invention, in the form of the facemasks and filters in a ventilation system, has demonstrated a significant improvement in capturing and killing efficiency (Tables 1 to 6).
- Tables 1 and 2 illustrated the effectiveness of PVC based organic fiber containing triclosan as particulate filters, anti-bacterial and anti-mold filters. For both the soft facemask and the rigid facemask, the anti-microbial and particulate filtering capacities were 100% compared to the corresponding capacities for a commercially available mask (95 to 96%).
- Tables 3 to 7 illustrate highly efficient levels of antimicrobial and filtering capacity of the filter of the present invention. Specifically, the inventor has demonstrated, in Tables 3 and 4, that the combined anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and retaining capacities are each 100%.
- In addition, the inventor has demonstrated that different bacterial morphotypes, as is illustrated in Table 5, were captured on the filter after zero (0) days 96.6% (78.8% and 21.6% of cocci Gram-positive and rod Gram-negative type bacteria respectively) of the whole bacteria population present on the fibers of the filter. After twenty-one days (21) 98.1% (88.9% and 11.1% of cocci Gram-positive and rod Gram-negative type bacteria respectively) were present on the fibers of the filter. This demonstrates that the efficiency of the filer remains after an extended period. As illustrated in Table 6, a variety of pathogenic molds were identified on the filter of the present invention up to twenty-one days.
- If desired, the filter can be cleaned, washed, as well as resist other treatments and be reused without a significant loss of the aforesaid capacities, or even with an increase of the aforesaid capacities with increasing number of washes, as illustrated in Table 7.
- A key feature of the
filter 10, whether it be in the aforesaid facemasks or the circulation system duct filter, is its ability to immobilize, retain and kill or inhibit the growth of a wide variety of microbes, which come into contact with thenetwork 12 offibers 20. Air that is either pre-filtered, in the case of the circulation system, or inhaled/exhaled through the facemask by the user, often includes residual microbes that have either passed through the primary filter or the filter has failed to immobilize them. In the case where a person who uses the facemask of the present invention and who has an upper respiratory infection, such as influenza, tuberculosis, anthrax, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the like, can significantly reduce or essentially eliminate further infection to other people. Similarly, air that is contaminated with pathogenic microbes can be filtered before entering into the nose and mouth area of the user. The flow of air is shown by the arrows inFIGS. 2, 2 a, and 5, in which air contaminated with microbes is shown as hatched lines and non-hatched arrows show clean, filtered air. -
- 1. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSH respirator decision logic. Cincinnati, Ohio: Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health service, CDC, 1987:13-9; DHHS publication no. (NIOSH) 87-108.
- 2. TB Respiratory Protection Program In Health Care Facilities Administrator's Guide, (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/99-143.html).
- 3. 3M Soins de santé Canada; Une protection fiable a chaque respiration; 3M® 2002.
- 4. MMWR; Laboratory Performance Evaluation of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators, 1996 (Dec. 11, 1998).
- 5. Edwin H. Lennette, Albert Balows, William J. Hausler, Jr. H. Jean Shadomy, 1985, Manual of Clinical Microbiology.
- 6. Robert A. Samson, Ellen S. van Reenen-Hoekstra, 1990, Introduction to food-borne Fungi.
- 7. G. Nolt, Noel R. Krieg, Peter H. A. Sneath, James T. Staley, Stanley, T. Williams, 1994, Bergey's Manual of Determinative bacteriology.
- 8. Fradkin A (1987) Sampling of microbiological contaminants in indoor air, In: sampling and calibration for atmospheric measurements ASTM Special Technical Publication, 957:66-77.
- 9. 42 CFR Part 84 Respiratory Protective Devices, (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pt84abs2.html).
- 10. Samson, R A. 1985. Air sampling methods for biological contaminants. Document de travail fourni au Groupe sur les champignons dans l'air des maisons de Santé et Bien-être social Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 1L2.
- 11. Koneman, W. E. et G. D. Roberts. 1985. Practical laboratory mycology. 3rd ed. Williams and Wilkins. Baltimore. MD.
- 12. Domsch, K. H., W. Gams et T.-H. Anderson. 1980. Compendium of soil fungi. Academic Press. London.
- 13. Larone, D. H. 1987. Medically important fungi. A guide to identification. New York. Elsevier Science Publishing Co. Inc.
- 14. Malloch, D. 1981. Moulds, their isolation, cultivation and identification. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. 97 p.
- 15. St-Germain, G. et R. C. Summerbell. 1996. Champignons filamenteux d'intérêt médical: Caractéristiques et identification. Star Publishing Company. Belmont. Calif.
Claims (26)
Priority Applications (14)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/169,636 US7044993B1 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2005-06-30 | Microbicidal air filter |
BRPI0612593-0A BRPI0612593A2 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2006-06-30 | microbicidal air filter and microbicidal face mask |
CNA2006800240757A CN101213007A (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2006-06-30 | Microbicidal air filter |
PCT/CA2006/001092 WO2007003047A1 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2006-06-30 | Microbicidal air filter |
JP2008518582A JP2008544838A (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2006-06-30 | Bactericidal air filter |
AU2006265726A AU2006265726A1 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2006-06-30 | Microbicidal air filter |
EA200800195A EA012355B1 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2006-06-30 | Microbicidal air filter and facemask |
EP06752864A EP1899038A1 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2006-06-30 | Microbicidal air filter |
CA002551701A CA2551701A1 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2006-06-30 | Microbicidal air filter |
KR1020087002557A KR100956032B1 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2006-06-30 | Microbicidal air filter |
TNP2007000442A TNSN07442A1 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2007-11-26 | Microbicidal air filter |
NO20076132A NO20076132L (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2007-11-28 | Micro-depressant air filter |
IL188245A IL188245A (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2007-12-19 | Microbicidal air filter |
MA30605A MA29726B1 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2008-01-28 | MICROBICIDE AIR FILTER |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/982,804 US20030075047A1 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2001-10-22 | Bactericidal after-filter device |
US10/455,337 US7559968B2 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2003-06-06 | Microbicidal air filter |
US11/169,636 US7044993B1 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2005-06-30 | Microbicidal air filter |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/455,337 Continuation-In-Part US7559968B2 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2003-06-06 | Microbicidal air filter |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US7044993B1 US7044993B1 (en) | 2006-05-16 |
US20060117729A1 true US20060117729A1 (en) | 2006-06-08 |
Family
ID=37561739
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/169,636 Expired - Lifetime US7044993B1 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2005-06-30 | Microbicidal air filter |
Country Status (14)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7044993B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1899038A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2008544838A (en) |
KR (1) | KR100956032B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101213007A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2006265726A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0612593A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2551701A1 (en) |
EA (1) | EA012355B1 (en) |
IL (1) | IL188245A (en) |
MA (1) | MA29726B1 (en) |
NO (1) | NO20076132L (en) |
TN (1) | TNSN07442A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007003047A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090252647A1 (en) * | 2008-04-02 | 2009-10-08 | Crosstex International, Inc. | Compositions and methods for applying antimicrobials to substrates |
US20110154791A1 (en) * | 2007-12-17 | 2011-06-30 | Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. | Allergen inhibitor, allergen-inhibiting product, allergen inhibition method, and use as allergen inhibitor |
US10835704B1 (en) | 2019-05-15 | 2020-11-17 | Applied Research Associates, Inc. | Reusable respiratory protection device |
IT202000006244A1 (en) * | 2020-03-25 | 2021-09-25 | Idealmaglia S R L | IMPROVED AIRWAY FILTRATION DEVICE |
IT202000007585A1 (en) * | 2020-04-09 | 2021-10-09 | Hot Form S R L | PROTECTIVE MASK |
WO2021206912A1 (en) * | 2020-04-08 | 2021-10-14 | Justin Hartenstein | Uv-light emitting air filtration mask |
Families Citing this family (42)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6876991B1 (en) | 1999-11-08 | 2005-04-05 | Collaborative Decision Platforms, Llc. | System, method and computer program product for a collaborative decision platform |
US20030075047A1 (en) * | 2001-10-22 | 2003-04-24 | Normand Bolduc | Bactericidal after-filter device |
US20080034971A1 (en) * | 2006-08-11 | 2008-02-14 | Mcintosh Daryl | Air filter |
DE102007011076B4 (en) | 2007-03-07 | 2011-06-01 | Teijin Monofilament Germany Gmbh | Antimicrobially finished threads, process for their production and textile fabrics |
US7520923B2 (en) * | 2007-03-22 | 2009-04-21 | Mvp Textiles & Apparel, Inc. | Antimicrobial filtration article |
US8303693B2 (en) * | 2007-04-26 | 2012-11-06 | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University | Nanofiber filter facemasks and cabin filters |
WO2008145175A1 (en) * | 2007-05-28 | 2008-12-04 | Nm Tech Nanomaterials Microdevice Technology Ltd. | Breathing means |
US8584871B2 (en) * | 2007-05-30 | 2013-11-19 | Dow Global Technologies Llc | High-output solvent-based electrospinning |
US20090277450A1 (en) * | 2008-04-03 | 2009-11-12 | Triosyn Holding Inc. | Nontoxic antimicrobial filters containing triclosan |
JP2010007928A (en) * | 2008-06-25 | 2010-01-14 | Fuji Koki Corp | Auxiliary cooling device |
EP2303770B1 (en) * | 2008-06-30 | 2014-07-09 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Method for in situ formation of metal nanoclusters within a porous substrate |
US8365925B2 (en) * | 2008-08-13 | 2013-02-05 | Dow Global Technologies Llc | Filter medium |
US8048186B2 (en) | 2009-04-02 | 2011-11-01 | General Electric Company | Filter retention systems and devices |
US20100251893A1 (en) * | 2009-04-06 | 2010-10-07 | Travis Alan Hamlin | HVAC Register Filter and Method of Using the Same |
US9333450B2 (en) | 2009-04-06 | 2016-05-10 | Travis Hamlin | HVAC register filter and method of using the same |
US8900338B2 (en) | 2012-08-07 | 2014-12-02 | Honeywell International Inc. | Accessory cap for a respiratory filter cartridge |
US20140179220A1 (en) | 2012-12-20 | 2014-06-26 | Building Materials Investment Corporation | Contoured Mesh Ridge Vents |
JP2014128387A (en) * | 2012-12-28 | 2014-07-10 | San-M Package Co Ltd | Mask |
CN106861289B (en) | 2013-12-09 | 2019-02-01 | 纳米及先进材料研发院有限公司 | The filtering barrier of intertexture |
EP3209828B1 (en) | 2014-10-21 | 2020-08-26 | Auburn University | N-halamine containing fibrous compositions and uses thereof |
CN105155258A (en) * | 2015-07-16 | 2015-12-16 | 广州立白企业集团有限公司 | Anti-mite fabric care composition and application method thereof |
CN105920941B (en) * | 2016-06-19 | 2017-12-29 | 山东玉皇粮油食品有限公司 | A kind of Environmental-protecting dust-removing device |
CN108339323B (en) * | 2016-06-20 | 2020-08-21 | 惠安县崇武镇阳璐广告设计中心 | Preparation method of dust removal material |
US11771784B2 (en) * | 2016-08-19 | 2023-10-03 | Hyo-Jick Choi | Material, device, and method for deactivating pathogen in aerosol, and methods for manufacturing thereof |
EP3804550A1 (en) * | 2016-08-26 | 2021-04-14 | Livinguard AG | Wash-durable face mask with antimicrobial properties and/or improved washability |
US10722990B2 (en) | 2016-09-15 | 2020-07-28 | General Electric Company | Method for installing and removing modularized silencer baffles |
US10119469B2 (en) | 2016-09-15 | 2018-11-06 | General Electric Company | Method and apparatus for modularized inlet silencer baffles |
CN108278157B (en) | 2017-01-06 | 2022-08-02 | 通用电气公司 | System and method for improved inlet silencer baffle |
CN108278158B (en) | 2017-01-06 | 2022-05-13 | 通用电气公司 | System and method for improved inlet muffling baffle |
US10655516B2 (en) | 2017-02-21 | 2020-05-19 | General Electric Company | Systems for reducing startup emissions in power plant including gas turbine |
US10655518B2 (en) | 2017-02-21 | 2020-05-19 | General Electric Company | Systems for reducing startup emissions in power plant including gas turbine |
US10655517B2 (en) | 2017-02-21 | 2020-05-19 | General Electric Company | Systems for reducing startup emissions in power plant including gas turbine |
US10662840B2 (en) | 2017-02-21 | 2020-05-26 | General Electric Company | Systems for reducing startup emissions in power plant including gas turbine |
CN110325258B (en) * | 2017-02-21 | 2022-07-22 | 通用电气公司 | System for reducing start-up emissions in a power plant including a gas turbine |
US10662841B2 (en) * | 2017-02-21 | 2020-05-26 | General Electric Company | Systems for reducing startup emissions in power plant including gas turbine |
US11219255B2 (en) | 2020-04-08 | 2022-01-11 | Terry Earl Brady | Self-contained, mobile breathing apparatus or appliance that supplies pathogen and endotoxin free, rhythmically breathable air to the wearer or treated space through active, continuous bio-deactivation and destruction of bacteria, fungi, viral and allergenic/antigenic matter safely when using benign, household, rechargeable filtration media |
US20210396408A1 (en) * | 2020-06-22 | 2021-12-23 | Carl Saieva | Anti-viral and antibacterial air filtration system |
JP2023529028A (en) * | 2020-06-29 | 2023-07-06 | インテリセーフ エルエルシー | protective mask |
US20220061327A1 (en) * | 2020-08-28 | 2022-03-03 | Uop Llc | Antiviral metal treatments for fiber substrates, filter media having antiviral metal treatments, and processes for treating fiber substrates |
WO2022061317A1 (en) * | 2020-09-21 | 2022-03-24 | Chiu David T W | Facial guard system |
FI20205999A1 (en) * | 2020-10-12 | 2022-04-13 | Lainisalo Capital Oue | Air filter and method for preventing transmission of infections |
IL280523B2 (en) | 2021-01-31 | 2023-08-01 | Sion Biotext Medical Ltd | Filtration element and uses thereof |
Citations (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1319763A (en) * | 1919-10-28 | Air-filter for wall-registers | ||
US3710948A (en) * | 1970-06-10 | 1973-01-16 | American Air Filter Co | Self-sustaining pocket type filter |
US3779244A (en) * | 1971-02-03 | 1973-12-18 | Johns Manville | Disposable face respirator |
US3802429A (en) * | 1971-07-06 | 1974-04-09 | Johnson & Johnson | Surgical face mask |
US4197100A (en) * | 1976-06-14 | 1980-04-08 | Hausheer Hans P | Filtering member for filters |
US4798676A (en) * | 1986-12-19 | 1989-01-17 | Pall Corporation | Low pressure drop bacterial filter and method |
US5486410A (en) * | 1992-11-18 | 1996-01-23 | Hoechst Celanese Corporation | Fibrous structures containing immobilized particulate matter |
US5525136A (en) * | 1994-09-06 | 1996-06-11 | Rosen; Richard M. | Gasketed multi-media air cleaner |
US5747053A (en) * | 1995-05-11 | 1998-05-05 | Matsushita Seiko Co., Ltd. | Antiviral filter air cleaner impregnated with tea extract |
US5906677A (en) * | 1997-05-05 | 1999-05-25 | Dudley; Jesse R. | Electrostatic supercharger screen |
US6036738A (en) * | 1997-12-31 | 2000-03-14 | Shanbrom Technologies Llc | Disinfecting gas filters |
US6063170A (en) * | 1996-05-20 | 2000-05-16 | Air-A-Medic Corporation | Air filtration system |
US6514306B1 (en) * | 2000-01-27 | 2003-02-04 | Honeywell International Inc. | Anti-microbial fibrous media |
US6623715B2 (en) * | 1999-10-20 | 2003-09-23 | Honeywell International, Inc | Complex shaped fiber for particle and molecular filtration |
US20040016345A1 (en) * | 2002-07-25 | 2004-01-29 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Molded filter element that contains thermally bonded staple fibers and electrically-charged microfibers |
US20040217049A1 (en) * | 2002-10-24 | 2004-11-04 | Bayer Charlene W | Filters and methods of making and using the same |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS60155919A (en) * | 1984-01-25 | 1985-08-16 | Toyo Denso Co Ltd | Apparatus for detecting rotary position |
JPH0241166A (en) * | 1988-07-29 | 1990-02-09 | New Japan Radio Co Ltd | Bacteria removing filter |
FR2636975B1 (en) * | 1988-09-27 | 1991-05-17 | Inst Textile De France | CHLOROFIBERS HAVING A PERMANENT ANTISEPTIC CHARACTER AND METHOD FOR OBTAINING THEM |
JPH0691117A (en) * | 1992-09-11 | 1994-04-05 | Ebara Corp | Method for cleaning air using filter and device therefor |
EP0958851B1 (en) * | 1996-07-25 | 2005-10-12 | Nikki-Universal Co., Ltd. | Air cleaning filter |
JP4084553B2 (en) * | 2000-12-22 | 2008-04-30 | 積水化学工業株式会社 | Allergen-reduced fiber |
US20030075047A1 (en) * | 2001-10-22 | 2003-04-24 | Normand Bolduc | Bactericidal after-filter device |
JP3642340B2 (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2005-04-27 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Hazardous substance removing method, air purifying filter, wiping sheet and other harmful substance removing material used therefor, and storage method thereof |
JP2006526423A (en) * | 2003-06-06 | 2006-11-24 | ボルダック・ルルー・インコーポレイテッド | Sterilization air filter |
JP2005028230A (en) * | 2003-07-09 | 2005-02-03 | Arupiko Kk | Sterilizing filter and mask using the same |
-
2005
- 2005-06-30 US US11/169,636 patent/US7044993B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2006
- 2006-06-30 EP EP06752864A patent/EP1899038A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2006-06-30 BR BRPI0612593-0A patent/BRPI0612593A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2006-06-30 WO PCT/CA2006/001092 patent/WO2007003047A1/en active Application Filing
- 2006-06-30 CN CNA2006800240757A patent/CN101213007A/en active Pending
- 2006-06-30 KR KR1020087002557A patent/KR100956032B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2006-06-30 JP JP2008518582A patent/JP2008544838A/en active Pending
- 2006-06-30 CA CA002551701A patent/CA2551701A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-06-30 EA EA200800195A patent/EA012355B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2006-06-30 AU AU2006265726A patent/AU2006265726A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2007
- 2007-11-26 TN TNP2007000442A patent/TNSN07442A1/en unknown
- 2007-11-28 NO NO20076132A patent/NO20076132L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2007-12-19 IL IL188245A patent/IL188245A/en active IP Right Grant
-
2008
- 2008-01-28 MA MA30605A patent/MA29726B1/en unknown
Patent Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1319763A (en) * | 1919-10-28 | Air-filter for wall-registers | ||
US3710948A (en) * | 1970-06-10 | 1973-01-16 | American Air Filter Co | Self-sustaining pocket type filter |
US3779244A (en) * | 1971-02-03 | 1973-12-18 | Johns Manville | Disposable face respirator |
US3802429A (en) * | 1971-07-06 | 1974-04-09 | Johnson & Johnson | Surgical face mask |
US4197100A (en) * | 1976-06-14 | 1980-04-08 | Hausheer Hans P | Filtering member for filters |
US4798676A (en) * | 1986-12-19 | 1989-01-17 | Pall Corporation | Low pressure drop bacterial filter and method |
US5486410A (en) * | 1992-11-18 | 1996-01-23 | Hoechst Celanese Corporation | Fibrous structures containing immobilized particulate matter |
US5525136A (en) * | 1994-09-06 | 1996-06-11 | Rosen; Richard M. | Gasketed multi-media air cleaner |
US5747053A (en) * | 1995-05-11 | 1998-05-05 | Matsushita Seiko Co., Ltd. | Antiviral filter air cleaner impregnated with tea extract |
US6063170A (en) * | 1996-05-20 | 2000-05-16 | Air-A-Medic Corporation | Air filtration system |
US5906677A (en) * | 1997-05-05 | 1999-05-25 | Dudley; Jesse R. | Electrostatic supercharger screen |
US6036738A (en) * | 1997-12-31 | 2000-03-14 | Shanbrom Technologies Llc | Disinfecting gas filters |
US6623715B2 (en) * | 1999-10-20 | 2003-09-23 | Honeywell International, Inc | Complex shaped fiber for particle and molecular filtration |
US6514306B1 (en) * | 2000-01-27 | 2003-02-04 | Honeywell International Inc. | Anti-microbial fibrous media |
US20040016345A1 (en) * | 2002-07-25 | 2004-01-29 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Molded filter element that contains thermally bonded staple fibers and electrically-charged microfibers |
US6827764B2 (en) * | 2002-07-25 | 2004-12-07 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Molded filter element that contains thermally bonded staple fibers and electrically-charged microfibers |
US20040217049A1 (en) * | 2002-10-24 | 2004-11-04 | Bayer Charlene W | Filters and methods of making and using the same |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110154791A1 (en) * | 2007-12-17 | 2011-06-30 | Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. | Allergen inhibitor, allergen-inhibiting product, allergen inhibition method, and use as allergen inhibitor |
US8454735B2 (en) * | 2007-12-17 | 2013-06-04 | Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. | Allergen inhibitor, allergen-inhibiting product, allergen inhibition method, and use as allergen inhibitor |
US8679240B2 (en) | 2007-12-17 | 2014-03-25 | Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. | Allergen inhibitor, allergen-inhibiting product, allergen inhibiting method, and use as allergen inhibitor |
US20090252647A1 (en) * | 2008-04-02 | 2009-10-08 | Crosstex International, Inc. | Compositions and methods for applying antimicrobials to substrates |
US10835704B1 (en) | 2019-05-15 | 2020-11-17 | Applied Research Associates, Inc. | Reusable respiratory protection device |
IT202000006244A1 (en) * | 2020-03-25 | 2021-09-25 | Idealmaglia S R L | IMPROVED AIRWAY FILTRATION DEVICE |
WO2021206912A1 (en) * | 2020-04-08 | 2021-10-14 | Justin Hartenstein | Uv-light emitting air filtration mask |
IT202000007585A1 (en) * | 2020-04-09 | 2021-10-09 | Hot Form S R L | PROTECTIVE MASK |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1899038A1 (en) | 2008-03-19 |
KR20080033962A (en) | 2008-04-17 |
NO20076132L (en) | 2008-01-16 |
TNSN07442A1 (en) | 2009-03-17 |
BRPI0612593A2 (en) | 2010-11-23 |
WO2007003047A1 (en) | 2007-01-11 |
CN101213007A (en) | 2008-07-02 |
EA200800195A1 (en) | 2008-06-30 |
IL188245A (en) | 2011-03-31 |
CA2551701A1 (en) | 2006-12-30 |
EA012355B1 (en) | 2009-10-30 |
AU2006265726A1 (en) | 2007-01-11 |
IL188245A0 (en) | 2008-04-13 |
MA29726B1 (en) | 2008-09-01 |
KR100956032B1 (en) | 2010-05-06 |
JP2008544838A (en) | 2008-12-11 |
US7044993B1 (en) | 2006-05-16 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7044993B1 (en) | Microbicidal air filter | |
US7559968B2 (en) | Microbicidal air filter | |
US7520923B2 (en) | Antimicrobial filtration article | |
JP4823314B2 (en) | Bactericidal face mask | |
JP5155884B2 (en) | Multilayer mask | |
US6224655B1 (en) | Biostatic air filter | |
US20080264258A1 (en) | Filter for Removing of Physical and/or Biological Impurities | |
US20100313890A1 (en) | Protective mask with breathable filtering face seal | |
CA2525408C (en) | Microbicidal air filter | |
US20110114095A1 (en) | Antiviral metal impregnated activated carbon cloth components | |
MX2008000314A (en) | Microbicidal air filter | |
MXPA05013219A (en) | Microbicidal air filter | |
TWI291366B (en) | Microbicidal air filter | |
US20220016453A1 (en) | Antiviral face masks and air filters | |
CZ2020251A3 (en) | Virucidal filter |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BOLDUC LEROUX INC., CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BOLDUC, NORMAND;REEL/FRAME:017321/0424 Effective date: 20060309 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: NOVEKO INC., CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BOLDUC LEROUX INC.;REEL/FRAME:021118/0536 Effective date: 20070629 |
|
RR | Request for reexamination filed |
Effective date: 20080506 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAT HOLDER NO LONGER CLAIMS SMALL ENTITY STATUS, ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: STOL); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
SULP | Surcharge for late payment | ||
B1 | Reexamination certificate first reexamination |
Free format text: CLAIMS 1 AND 16 ARE DETERMINED TO BE PATENTABLE AS AMENDED. CLAIMS 2-15 AND 17-26, DEPENDENT ON AN AMENDED CLAIM, ARE DETERMINED TO BE PATENTABLE. NEW CLAIMS 27 AND 28 ARE ADDED AND DETERMINED TO BE PATENTABLE. |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: THIRD EYE CAPITAL CORPORATION, CANADA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:NOVEK INC.;REEL/FRAME:028544/0568 Effective date: 20110928 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: THIRD EYE CAPITAL CORPORATION, CANADA Free format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE NAME OF THE ASSIGNOR FROM NOVEK INC. TO NOVEKO INC. PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 028544 FRAME 0568. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:NOVEKO INC.;REEL/FRAME:028714/0538 Effective date: 20110928 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
SULP | Surcharge for late payment |
Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAT HOLDER CLAIMS SMALL ENTITY STATUS, ENTITY STATUS SET TO SMALL (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: LTOS); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 12TH YR, SMALL ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M2553) Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PROTAIR-X HEALTH SOLUTIONS INC., CANADA Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:NOVEKO INC.;REEL/FRAME:062436/0308 Effective date: 20151216 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PROTAIR-X TECHNOLOGIES INC./TECHNOLOGIES PROTAIR-X INC., CANADA Free format text: MERGER AND CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNORS:PROTAIR-X HEALTH SOLUTIONS INC. / SOLUTIONS DE SANTE PROTAIR-X INC.;PROTAIR-X TECHNOLOGIES INC./TECHNOLOGIES PROTAIR-X INC.;REEL/FRAME:063913/0012 Effective date: 20230501 |