Method and apparatus for transporting air to buildings

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for enhancing the air quality in buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around a building drops to unacceptable levels. Preferably, relatively uncontaminated (i.e. clean) air is retrieved from a remote location and transported to one or more buildings using, for example, a pipeline, a ship, a truck or any other suitable method. The air is provided to the one or more buildings to enhancing the air quality in the buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around a building drops to unacceptable levels.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for providing air to a building that is exposed or potentially exposed to air of a reduced air quality, the method comprising the steps of: 
 transporting air to the building from a remote location that has enhanced air quality; and    providing the transported air into the building.    
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the air is transported via a pipeline.  
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2  wherein the pipeline includes one or more air movers for moving the air through the pipeline.  
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 2  wherein the pipeline extends a substantial distance from the building.  
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 4  wherein the pipeline extends greater than one mile from the building.  
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 4  wherein the pipeline extends greater than five mile from the building.  
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 2  wherein the pipeline is part of a pipeline system that extends out in multiple directions from the building.  
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the air is transported at least in part via a ship.  
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the air is transported at least in part via a truck.  
     
     
         10 . A method for providing air to a number of buildings in a city, the method comprising the steps of: 
 transporting air to the city from a location outside of the city; and    providing the transported air into one or more of the buildings in the city.    
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 10  wherein the air is transported via a pipeline.  
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 11  wherein the pipeline includes one or more air movers for moving the air through the pipeline.  
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 11  wherein at least a portion of the pipeline is underground.  
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 10  wherein the air is transported at least in part via a ship.  
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 14  wherein the ship sails out into a body of water to collect the air, and transports the air to the city.  
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 14  wherein the air is compressed in the ship when collected.  
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 10  wherein the air is transported at least in part via a truck.  
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 17  wherein the truck drives out of the city to collect the air, and transports the air to the city.  
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 17  wherein the air is compressed in the truck when collected.  
     
     
         20 . A system for providing air to a number of buildings in a city, the system comprising: 
 a pipeline for transporting air to the city from a location outside of the city; and    means for providing the transported air to one or more of the buildings in the city.    
     
     
         21 . A system according to  claim 20 , wherein the means for providing the transported air to one or more of the buildings includes one or more feeder conduits.  
     
     
         22 . A system according to  claim 21 , wherein the means for providing the transported air to one or more of the buildings includes one or more valves.  
     
     
         23 . A system according to  claim 21 , wherein the means for providing the transported air to one or more of the buildings includes one or more fans.  
     
     
         24 . A system according to  claim 20 , wherein the means for providing the transported air to one or more of the buildings is activated when a chemical and/or biological attack is detected and/or suspected.  
     
     
         25 . A system according to  claim 20 , wherein the means for providing the transported air to one or more of the buildings maintains a positive air pressure in an interior of the one or more buildings.  
     
     
         26 . A system for providing air to a building that is exposed or potentially exposed to air of a reduced air quality, the system comprising: 
 air transporting means for transporting air to the building from a remote location that has enhanced air quality; and    means for providing the transported air into the building.    
     
     
         27 . A ship for transporting air, the ship comprising: 
 one or more holds for holding air;    one or more compressors for compressing air into the one or more holds; and    one or more valves for releasing the compressed air from the one or more holds.    
     
     
         28 . A ship according to  claim 27  wherein the one or more holds include an air bladder.  
     
     
         29 . A ship according to  claim 28  wherein the air bladder is supported by the holds of the ship.  
     
     
         30 . A ship according to  claim 27  further comprising a decontamination system to decontaminate the ship.  
     
     
         31 . A truck for transporting air, the truck comprising: 
 a tank for holding air;    one or more compressors for compressing air into the tank, the one or more compressors having a chemical and/or biological sensor on a compressor air inlet, whereby the compressor ceases to provide air into the tank if the sensor detects a chemical and/or biological agent; and    one or more valves for releasing the compressed air from the tank.    
     
     
         32 . A tanker truck trailer for transporting air, the tanker truck trailer comprising: 
 a tank for holding air;    one or more compressors for compressing air into the tank; and    one or more valves for releasing the compressed air from the tank.