Patent Application
20250010314
The present invention relates to aerosol dispensing devices, and more particularly to standalone devices which spray an aerosol into a room.
Through contaminated surface testing it has been found by the EPA that the advantages of an electromagnetic dispersion device far outweigh conventional disinfection methods. This is due to electrostatic sprayers applying a positive charge to liquid disinfectants as they pass through a spray nozzle. Currently there are only handheld/manually operated electrostatic applicators and they have been shown to have a very high transfer efficiency with the benefits being elimination of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. All while being able to get into cracks, under desks, and adhering to surfaces better than that of conventional methods.
There is, however, the concern of contact with the disinfectant/chemical agent that is being used within the device and the issues this could have on the operator's health as well as those that encounter the spray. For those who suffer with health issues such as but not limited to asthma, COPD, or skin allergies, these devices can be dangerous.
Accordingly, there is a need for a spraying device which avoids operator exposure.
This need is addressed by a standalone device configured to spray an agent which is ionized by an electrostatic generator. The device may include a time delay and a motion sensor.
According to one aspect of the technology described herein, a spray device includes: a housing having a discharge opening; an electrode positioned near the discharge opening; an electrostatic generator coupled to the electrode; a compartment for receiving a pressurized canister of a chemical product having a valve movable between a closed position and an open position; an actuator configured to move the valve between the open and closed positions; a start switch configured to select a time delay; and an electronic controller programmed to respond to operation of the start switch by counting down the selected time delay, and at expiration of the selected time delay to: power the electrostatic generator; and operate the actuator to open the valve.
According to another aspect of the technology described herein, a spray device includes: a housing having a discharge opening; a canister disposed in a compartment inside the housing, the canister configured to contain a pressurized chemical product, and having a valve movable between a closed position and an open position, the valve being positioned in flow communication with the discharge opening; an actuator configured to move the valve between the open and closed positions; an electrode positioned near the discharge opening; an electrostatic generator coupled to the electrode; a start switch configured to select a time delay; and an electronic controller programmed to respond to operation of the start switch by counting down the selected time delay, and at expiration of the selected time delay to power the electrostatic generator and to operate the actuator to open the valve.
The invention may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which:
Referring to the drawings wherein identical reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views,
Referring to
The interior compartment 20 may include means for positioning the canister 24 such as ribs, tabs, grooves, or the like (not shown). In the illustrated example, the bottom end 26 of the canister 24 rests on a flat shelf or bulkhead 32 which is formed as part of the housing 12.
In the illustrated example, the canister 24 is shown as being a removable item. This canister 24 may be provisioned as a factory-filled single use item or it may be refillable. Alternatively, the canister 24, whether single-use or refillable, may be incorporated as an integral component of the spray device 10. The canister 24 can be made of aluminum or other metal to facilitate recycling after use. In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), an electrically-powered pump would be used to propel fluid through the nozzle described below, drawing the fluid from a reservoir similar to the canister 24.
The valve 30 is positioned so that it can spray the contents of the canister 24 through the discharge opening 18. Stated another way, the valve 30 is positioned in fluid communication with the discharge opening. In the illustrated example, the valve 30 is coupled to a nozzle 34 which is a part of the spray device 10. The nozzle 34 has an inlet end 36 which receives the valve 30 in a friction fit, and an outlet end 38 positioned in close proximity to the discharge opening 18.
Some means are provided for depressing the valve 30, causing pressurized canister contents to discharge through the nozzle 34 and out the discharge opening 18. In the illustrated example, a lever 40 is positioned in the interior compartment 20 with a first end 42 pivotally mounted to a wall of the housing 12 and a second end 44 coupled to an actuator 46 such as a solenoid. The lever 40 is arranged such that when the actuator 46 is energized, it moves the lever 40 which in turn forces the nozzle 34 downward, depressing the valve 30. Other types of actuators and mechanisms suitable for this purpose are known.
An ionizing electrode 48 surrounds or is positioned in close proximity to the outlet end 38 of the nozzle 34. This is electrically coupled to a electrostatic generator 50. The electrostatic generator 50 is operable to accept low voltage DC current and provide high voltage DC output. Suitable electrostatic charge voltages for disinfectants are in the range of 800 to 4000 volts, with a preferred range of 1500 to 3000 volts, with 2000 volts being an exemplary nominal value. These values are provided as non-binding examples only. Electrostatic generators of this type are commercially available.
The housing 12 further contains appropriate controls for operating the electrostatic generator 50 and the actuator 46. In the illustrated example, a printed circuit board 52 has an integrated circuit electronic controller 54 mounted thereto. The controller 54 is programmed or configured to respond to various controls and send commands to the electrostatic generator 50 and the actuator 46. Connections between the controller 54 and the other components of the spray device 10 may be made via wires as shown.
The spray device 10 includes an electrical power source of sufficient capacity to power the electrostatic generator 50, actuator 46, and controls and displays of the spray device 10.
The power source may comprise disposable or rechargeable batteries, or an external power source. In the illustrated example, the spray device 10 has a dual power supply comprising batteries 56 contained in a battery compartment 58 as well as a power input jack 59 (
The spray device 10 includes appropriate controls for triggering the various functions.
A power switch 60 (
A start switch 62 (
The spray device 10 may include one or more displays 64 operable to indicate the status of the spray device 10.
One possible display is a light 66 or group of lights which illuminate to show the selected time delay. In the illustrated example, one light 66 is provided for each time delay.
One possible display is a screen 68 such as an LCD or LED device that is configured to show numbers, letter, characters, or graphics. Optionally, the screen 68 may be touch sensitive to accept inputs.
The different types of displays may be used alone or together.
The spray device 10 may include one or more motion sensors. In the illustrated example a first motion sensor 70 is positioned on the front of the housing 12 (
Optionally, the spray device 10 may include a powered fan 74 positioned downstream of the discharge opening 18. The example fan 74 (illustrated only in
Operation of the spray device 10 is as follows.
Before use a pressurized canister 24 would be installed into the spray device 10, through the door 22, and the valve 30 engaged with the nozzle 34. Alternatively, if a permanently-installed canister 24 is used, it would be filled and pressurized. The spray device 10 would be placed in the area to be treated. The power switch 60 is then actuated to supply power to the operating components of the spray device 10.
When the user is ready, the start switch 62 would be actuated.
In one example, a single preset time delay would begin when the start switch 62 is actuated. In another example, a multiple timer system is used. The first switch operation may have a first timer (such as 10 seconds), and an optional second switch operation would provide a second longer time span (for example 20 seconds), and additional optional switch operations would provide additional time values (such as 30 seconds, 40 seconds, etc.). Optionally, the spray device 10 can be configured so that the time delay can correspond to an arbitrary time of day. In other words, the time delay could be several hours. Optionally, the spray device 10 can be configured so that it activates on a repeating schedule.
In any case, the display 64 (screen 68 and/or lights 66) may show the selected time delay. Optionally, the display 64 may indicate that the time delay is counting down.
Upon expiration of the time delay, the controller 54 will send power to the electrostatic generator 50 which will in turn energize the ionizing electrode 48. The controller will also energize the actuator 46, causing the valve 30 to open and discharge a spray of the product out the nozzle 34 and through the discharge opening 18. As it moves past the ionizing electrode 48, the product will receive electrostatic energy to ionize the particles in the aerosol. This will allow the particles to adhere to surfaces and into cracks often missed by handheld apparatuses. In a preferred example, the spray device 10 will be able to disinfect a room with an area in the range of 100 to 800 ft2, with a preferred range of between 150 and 400 ft2. If the optional fan 74 is used, the controller 54 would activate the fan 74 while the spray is being discharged.
The motion sensors 70, 72 may be configured to inhibit or interrupt operation of the spray device, protecting people and animals from exposure to the product.
For example, the controller 54 may be programmed to prevent the time delay from beginning to count down if either of the motion sensors 72 generates a signal that a human or animal is within its field of view.
In another example, the controller 54 may be programmed to permit the count down timer to run regardless of the status of the motion sensors 70, 72 but to prevent discharge of the spray if either of the motion sensors 70, 72 generates a signal that a human or animal is within its field of view.
In another example, the controller 54 may be programmed to cease the discharge of the spray if either of the motion sensors 70, 72 generates a signal that a human or animal is within its field of view.
The time delay and motion sensor will be effective to give the operator time to remove themselves from the unit's location, to close off multiple rooms. They will also provide protection should another enter the area of disbursement This will help to decrease direct contact with the agent used vastly decreasing respiratory issues or skin irritant issues from direct contact, as well as the ability to further condense the disinfecting or other agent used to a localized area if one should choose.
Once the spray device 10 has been used another canister 24 may be installed, or the canister 24 may be refilled, for use in other locations or at a later time.
The spray device 10 is suitable for spraying various products. One primary application of the spray device 10 is for spraying disinfecting chemicals. Disinfectant agents used can range from industrial products to household chemicals. The disinfectant may be of an Earth friendly (eco-friendly) type. Examples of chemicals that can be used for disinfecting using electrostatic assist include but are not limited to: ethanol, phenol, hydrogen peroxide, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, glycerin, dipropylene glycol, ammonium hydroxide, or benzalkonium chloride.
An alternative application of the spray device 10 is dispersion of chemicals to aid in the identification of fingerprints in a room. Examples of chemicals that can be used for fingerprinting include but are not limited to: such as cyanoacrylate, quaternary ammonium, sodium hypochlorite, silver nitrate, iodine, or ninhydrin.
Another alternative application of the spray device 10 is dispersion of chemicals to repel or kill insects. Examples of chemicals that can be used for repelling or killing insects include but are not limited to: organochlorines, organophosphates, organosulfurs, carbamates, formamidines, dinitrophenols, organotins, pyrethroids, nicotinoids, spinosyns, pyrazoles, pyridazinones, quinazolines, botanicals, antibiotics, fumigants, inorganics, biorationals, benzoylureas, pyrethrins, essential oils (e.g., citronella, clove, cedar, catnip, lavender, cinnamon, eucalyptus, or mint), witch hazel, or vodka.
The device described herein has advantages over prior art spraying devices. It will offer a cost-effective means for electrostatic disinfection of surfaces to cut down on germs, cross-contamination and the spread of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It can be used in any building such as a home, office, nursing home, hospital, or medical office. It can be used when an individual in the environment has possibly contaminated the space to kill germs and keep sickness from spreading.
The foregoing has described an area spraying device. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63525694 | Jul 2023 | US |
