WO2022192896A1 - Portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable electrostatic fogger could deliver fluid, such as a disinfectant fluid, onto a surface by electrically charging the fluid and forming the fluid into a fine spray or mist that can be directed onto a to be cleaned surface. The portable electrostatic fogger could atomize the fluid using high-pressure and pass the fluid through an electrostatic ion ring inside a nozzle to charge the droplets of the atomized fluid.

Description

PORTABLE ELECTROSTATIC DISINFECTING FOGGER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application

63/158,982, filed March 10, 2021, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a chemical liquid spraying apparatus, more particularly a portable electrostatic fogger which sprays a chemical liquid for disinfecting, sterilizing, or deodorizing, particularly in high traffic areas.

BACKGROUND Eliminating and diminishing bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microbes is a major concern for many households and workplaces. Bacteria and viruses may cause sicknesses such as a cold, flu, coronavirus disease, irritation, or exasperation of allergies. Infectious disease is too often acquired in places that should be safe, including offices, hospitals, schools, factories, ambulances, restaurants, hotels, and other public areas. These places are traditionally cleaned by spraying a fluid disinfectant onto surfaces and wiping down the surface with a cloth. Unfortunately, such cleaning methods can be less than optimally effective, particularly for large areas with frequent gathering. Spraying and wiping disinfectant is labor intensive and uses a great deal of disinfectant product. Surfaces treated by this method can take up to thirty or even ninety minutes to dry. Conventional spraying and hand wiping effectiveness is also largely if not completely dependent on the person disinfecting for coverage and effectiveness.

Airborne bacteria and viruses may be controlled through the use of air cleaning devices, such as filters. Filters within a HVAC system may include webbing and chemical treatments that attempt to reduce the concentration of airborne bacteria. Specially designed filtered devices may be placed on a floor or a desktop that helps to filter and recirculate air being treated through the filter device. However, these filter systems can be ineffective at eliminating surface bacteria and are often only suitable for larger particles.

To address both surface and airborne bacteria and virus concerns, sprays have been developed that emit disinfecting solutions into the atmosphere of a room. The emission of disinfectant spray is usually through a handheld aerosol can and is sprayed over a limited area for a short period of time.

The use of disinfectant spray may be more effective if a device is used to emit a consistent stream of evenly distributed disinfectant over an area of the enclosed space. Although some disinfectant sprays are available, many are not effective in disinfecting a number of common viruses and bacteria. Furthermore, many sprays leave residue or odors that reduce the enjoyment of the space. These spray solutions can also leave wet surfaces, potentially harming electronics, books, or other supplies in the area.

One solution to more efficiently producing spray over an area is electrostatic sprayers. Electrostatic sprayers produce a charged droplet at the tip of a nozzle. Depending on the use, these charged droplets may or may not be partially or completely neutralized. Typical applications for electrostatic sprayers without means for discharging or partially discharging the aerosol include paint sprayers or insecticide sprayers. Sprayers have been used to apply liquid formulations to crops, trees, and other plants as well as spraying of pesticides in and around the home. More specifically, electrostatic sprayers have been developed to atomize pesticides for application on crops.

Electrostatic delivery systems can also be used to spray an electrically charged fluid, such as a disinfectant, onto surfaces in order to eliminate bacteria and viruses. In an electrostatic delivery system, a solution is atomized by a high-pressure air stream as it passes through an electrode inside a nozzle. Charged particles are thereby induced onto droplet surfaces of the solution to form electric field charge within the spray plume of the solution. The electrostatic charge causes the droplets to cling to a surface, increasing the likelihood that the disinfectant will cover and clean the surface. Existing electrostatic delivery systems are unwieldy and inconvenient, often requiring an electric cord or heavy systems that use either an air compressor or natural gas. These power systems prevent flexible and quick use of the electrostatic delivery system and are expensive. Corded electrostatic delivery systems often prohibit use in applications where an extension cord is cumbersome, slow, or presents a safety concern by introducing a tripping hazard. Therefore, cost and reliance on power cords are two significant obstacles to wider adoption. Further, existing electrostatic delivery systems that are portable fail to provide sufficient spray distance, and droplet size to be effective in many use cases where time is paramount. SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger configured to apply a thin, even coating of disinfectant to a large area using an ultrafme fog of 10 pm droplets. The thin, even coating then dries and is ready for use in a few minutes without any surface preparation time or wiping after application. In embodiments, a portable electrostatic fogger is configured to produce a positively supercharged fog of micro droplets that electromagnetically adhere to surfaces and objects. The portable electric fogger can comprise a nozzle comprising an electrostatic ion ring, a hose comprising a fluid pathway, a wiring pathway, an actuator, and a handle, and a case coupled to the nozzle via the hose. The case can house a removable reservoir configured to contain a fluid, a pump operably coupled to the removable reservoir and configured to propel the fluid from the reservoir to the nozzle via the fluid pathway, an electrostatic module electrically coupled to the electrostatic ion ring via the wiring pathway, and a power supply configured to power the pump and the electrostatic module. In embodiments, the portable electrostatic fogger can be used with a solution of between 3-6% hydrogen peroxide and 94-97% water.

It is contemplated that the present disclosure has applications both inside and outside of homes, businesses, and industrial environments. In addition, the scale of use of the present invention can reach from safely disinfecting large areas to pesticide treatments. The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the subject matter hereof. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Subject matter hereof may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger in a closed position, according to an embodiment. FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger in an open position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a back perspective view of a portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger in an open position, according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front partial view of a portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger in an open position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective partial view of a portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger in an open position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective partial view of a portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger in an open position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective partial view of a nozzle of a portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front partial view of a portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger in an open position, according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a front perspective partial view of a portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger in an open position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective partial view of a portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger in an open position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective partial view of a portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger in an open position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective partial view of a portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger in an open position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective partial view of fluid transport lines connected to a duplex pump, according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective partial view of fluid transport lines connected to a reservoir, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective partial view of wiring of a portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger in an open position, according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 is side partial profile view of a portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger in a closed position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16 is close-up partial profile view of a pressure equalizer, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17 is top-down partial profile view of a portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger in an open position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 18 is side profile view of a portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger in an open position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a top-down partial view of a fluid housing connector, according to an embodiment. FIG. 20 is a top-down partial view of a wiring housing connector, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a back profile view of a portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger with a retracted extendable pull handle, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a back profile view of a portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger with an extended extendable pull handle, according to an embodiment.

While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to FIG. 1, portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger 100 is depicted in a closed position, according to an embodiment. Portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger 100 is configured to electrically charge and atomize a fluid for spraying onto a surface and generally comprises case 102, lift handle 104, latches 106, hose 108, and hose handle 120. Hose 108 is comprised of fluid tube 110 connected to case 102 via fluid housing connector 112 and wiring tube 114 connected to case 102 via wire housing connector 116. Fluid tube 110 and wiring tube 114 are coupled along the length of hose 108 by fasteners 118. In embodiments, hose 108 can be varying lengths. Hose handle 120 comprises nozzle 122 and activation means 124. Activation means 124 can comprise a trigger or other actuator, such as a switch or button, and is ergonomically positioned so that a user can actuate the trigger with his or her finger when the other fingers are wrapped around hose handle 120. In embodiments, latches 106 can be of the type described in US Patent No. 8,267,464.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-B, portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger 100 is depicted in an open position, according to an embodiment. Case 102 generally comprises two panels pivotally coupled by at least one hinge and includes side handle 126, extendable pull handle 128, back support 130, back straps (not shown), and wheels 132. Case 102 is appropriately sized to be held, worn, or rolled by a user. In embodiments, back support 130 and back straps allow a user to wear portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger 100 as a backpack during use.

Further, wheels 132 and extendable pull handle 128 allow portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger 100 to be pulled behind the user during operation. In embodiments, case 102 is both water-tight and crush-proof. It should be appreciated that the size and shape of case 102 can vary.

Referring to FIG. 3-5, case 102 generally houses reservoir 134, fluid transport lines 136, pump 138, power supply 140, battery charger 142, electrostatic module 144, and controller 146.

In embodiments, reservoir 134 is a disposable collapsible container configured to be replaced. The disposable collapsible container can create an air tight seal that prevents refilling of reservoir 134. In other embodiments, an opening is located on reservoir 134 and is covered by a cap that can removably cover the opening. In such embodiments, reservoir 134 may be refilled when the cap is removed.

In embodiments, pump 138 is fluidly coupled to fluid within reservoir 134 via fluid transport lines 136 such that pump 138 can cause a pressure differential to draw fluid from reservoir 134 into fluid tube 110. In embodiments, pump 138 is a duplex pump configured to generate high fluid pressure necessary to provide a fine mist by compressing the fluid molecules.

In embodiments, power supply 140 can be removably attached to case 102. Power supply 140 can be a rechargeable battery configured to provide power to pump 138, electrostatic module 144, and controller 146. In embodiments, power supply 140 can be a 12 volt battery. Battery charger 142 is operably coupled to power supply 140 to provide precision charging, battery maintenance, and act as a battery desulfator. In embodiments, battery charger 142 can alert a user of a bad battery, high voltage for the selected charge mode, reverse polarity, and dangerous temperatures.

Electrostatic module 144 is configured to electrostatically charge an item, such as electrodes, ring, and/or tube. Referring to FIG. 6, electrostatic module 144 is electrically connected to electrostatic ion ring 148 of nozzle 122 via wiring through wire tube 114. The electrostatic ion ring 148 surrounds the interior perimeter of nozzle 122. The ring can comprise a copper ring around the nozzle with an insulator to isolate the ion charge from shorting out thru the nozzle. Referring to FIG. 7, portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger 200 is depicted in an open position, according to an embodiment. Portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger 200 comprises case 202, latches 206, fluid transport lines 236, pump 238, power supply 240, battery charger 242, electrostatic module 244, and controller 246. In embodiments, portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger 200 comprises substantially the same elements as portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger 100 in a different orientation.

Referring to FIGS. 8-9, portable disinfecting fogger 200, and particularly wiring within case 202 and wire housing connector 216, is depicted, according to an embodiment. In embodiments, battery fuel gauge 250 can provide a user with a visual indication of the charge remaining in power supply 240. Referring to FIGS. 10-11, pump 238 and battery charger 242 housed within case 202 are depicted. In embodiments, battery charger comprises charging cord 252.

Referring to FIG. 12, the connection between fluid transport lines 236 and pump 238 is depicted. Referring to FIG. 13, the connection between fluid transport lines 236 and reservoir 234 is depicted. Referring to FIG. 14, wiring connected to battery 240 is depicted.

Referring to FIG. 15, the side of case 202, including latches 206, side handle 226, and pressure equalizer 254, is depicted. A close-up of pressure equalizer 254 is depicted in FIG. 16. In embodiments, pressure equalizer 254 equalizes any atmospheric pressure difference that might inhibit opening of case 202 while remaining water-proof. Referring to FIG. 17, the top of case 202 is depicted. In embodiments, case 202 comprises lift handle 204, extendable pull handle 228, fluid housing connector 212, wire housing connector 216, and battery fuel gauge 250. A close-up of extendable pull handle 228 is depicted in FIG. 18, according to an embodiment. A close-up of fluid housing connector 212 is depicted in FIG. 19, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 21-22, the back of case 202, and particularly extendable pull handle 228 is depicted, according to an embodiment.

In operation, the portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger vaporizes disinfectant fluid into a fine mist of atomized droplets and charges these droplets with an extremely high electrostatic “positive” charge. These supercharged moisture droplets, carrying disinfectant, electromagnetically repel each other and are drawn to surfaces and objects which naturally carry an earth ground “negative” charge. The droplets even reverse direction and fight gravity as they are attracted to; wrap around; and evenly coat direct, indirect, and hidden surfaces. The portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger applies disinfectant so thin and comprehensively that it requires no wiping, uses less disinfectant fluid than conventional spraying methods, and dries instantly.

As a rule, smaller droplets carrying a higher static charge have more effective electrostatic pull and more resistance to gravity. With powerful high PSI facilitated from the duplex pump, the portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger produces 10 pm sized droplets, lessening the effect of gravity and increasing electrostatic pull effectiveness. The portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger also produces vast spray reach, surface coverage, and rapid application and dry times, all with less surface moisture.

Smaller droplet sized mist results in more contact points along surfaces and increased surface attraction, providing dramatic improvements over mists with larger sized droplets. The 10 mih sized droplets when combined with high pressure of the portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger enables the spray to reach from 4 to 12 feet, occupying space quicker. This speed is further added to by the rapid drying process of the thin coat of disinfectant. High turnover areas, such as hotels, gyms, and schools require a quick system to effectively protect their guests which the portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger provides.

Cost reductions are realized from disinfecting labor reduction, disinfectant consumption reduction, lower moisture impact on surfaces and electronics, and quicker disinfecting turn-around time for buildings and vehicle use. Electrostatic spraying is also far more effective as it dramatically lessons the dependence on the person doing the disinfecting, providing superior coverage and more consistent results.

In embodiments, an optimal disinfecting solution for use with the portable electrostatic disinfecting fogger is a 3-6% hydrogen peroxide solution. Such a solution can have no scent, color and leaves no residue. Further, use of such a hydrogen peroxide formula requires no preparation by the user, simplifying the cleaning process. When sprayed in a fine mist, the hydrogen peroxide solution does not harm electronics or leave a chemical trace.

Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions. Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted. Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.

Claims

1. A portable electrostatic fogger configured to produce a positively supercharged fog of micro droplets that electromagnetically adhere to surfaces and objects, comprising: a nozzle comprising an electrostatic ion ring; a hose comprising a fluid pathway, a wiring pathway, an actuator, and a handle; and a case coupled to the nozzle via the hose, the case housing: a removable reservoir configured to contain a fluid, a duplex pump operably coupled to the removable reservoir and configured to propel the fluid from the reservoir to the nozzle via the fluid pathway, an electrostatic module electrically coupled to the electrostatic ion ring via the wiring pathway, and a power supply configured to power the pump and the electrostatic module.

2. The portable electrostatic fogger of claim 1, wherein the fluid is a solution between 3- 6% hydrogen peroxide and 94-97% water.