Airborne pathogen extraction system

Abstract

An airborne pathogen extraction system that provides for continuous airborne pathogen particle extraction from a specifically targeted area in a room or a specifically targeted area proximate to a user. The pathogenic particles are filtered and/or disinfected before the air is returned proximate to the originating location, or are directed an area away from the user(s). The airborne pathogen extraction systems and methods lower the chances of contagion or infection from airborne pathogens, such as viruses.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An airborne pathogen extraction system comprising:
 an extraction nozzle having a nozzle body defining a plurality of air extraction openings fluidly connected to an inner volume of the nozzle body; and   an air disinfection unit fluidly connected to the inner volume of the extraction nozzle through an overhead hanging air hose;   wherein the air disinfection unit is configured to generate negative air pressure in the air hose to cause air to flow from an exterior of the extraction nozzle through the plurality of air extraction openings, into the inner volume of the nozzle body, into the overhead hanging air hose, and then to the air disinfection unit.   
     
     
         2 . The airborne pathogen extraction system according to  claim 1 , wherein the overhead hanging air hose allows for movement of a user of the extraction nozzle within an area determined by a length of the overhead hanging air hose. 
     
     
         3 . The airborne pathogen extraction system according to  claim 1 , wherein the overhead hanging air hose is coiled and inherently extendable. 
     
     
         4 . The airborne pathogen extraction system according to  claim 1 , wherein the extraction nozzle is an extraction nozzle face shield. 
     
     
         5 . An airborne pathogen extraction system comprising:
 an extraction nozzle face shield having a nozzle body defining a plurality of air extraction openings fluidly connected to an inner volume of the nozzle body; and   an air disinfection unit fluidly connected to the inner volume of the extraction nozzle face shield through an air hose;   wherein the air disinfection unit is configured to generate negative air pressure in the air hose to cause air to flow from an exterior of the extraction nozzle face shield through the plurality of air extraction openings, into the inner volume of the nozzle body, into the air hose, and then to the air disinfection unit.   
     
     
         6 . The airborne pathogen extraction system according to  claim 5 ,
 wherein the extraction nozzle face shield having a connection tube fluidly connecting the inner volume with a connector;   wherein the connector is configured to repeatedly connect to and disconnect from the air hose; and   wherein the connector is configured to fluidly connect the inner volume to the air hose when connected to the air hose.   
     
     
         7 . The airborne pathogen extraction system according to  claim 5 , wherein the inner volume and the plurality of air extraction openings are arranged about a central face shield element of the extraction nozzle face shield. 
     
     
         8 . An airborne pathogen extraction system comprising:
 a plurality of extraction nozzles each having a nozzle body defining a plurality of air extraction openings fluidly connected to an inner volume of the nozzle body;   an air disinfection unit fluidly connected to each inner volume of the plurality of extraction nozzles through a respective air hose;   a controller; and   one or more pressure sensors connected to the controller, each pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure indicative of each extraction nozzle of the plurality of extraction nozzles being in use or not in use;   wherein the air disinfection unit is configured to generate negative air pressure in each respective air hose to cause air to flow from an exterior of each extraction nozzle through the plurality of air extraction openings, into the inner volume of the nozzle body, into the respective air hose, and then to the air disinfection unit; and   wherein the controller is configured to control the air disinfection unit to generate a predetermined level of the negative air pressure based on a number of the extraction nozzles being determined as being in use based on data provided to the controller by the one or more pressure and/or flow rate sensors.   
     
     
         9 . The airborne pathogen extraction system according to  claim 8 , wherein the controller is configured to control the air disinfection unit to generate the predetermined level of negative air pressure by operatively controlling a variable frequency drive of an airflow generating means. 
     
     
         10 . The airborne pathogen extraction system according to  claim 8 , wherein the controller is configured to control the air disinfection unit to generate a high negative air pressure when the controller determines that a number of the plurality of extraction nozzles in use is above a first threshold, and wherein the controller is configured to control the air disinfection unit to generate a low negative air pressure when the controller determines that the number of the plurality of extraction nozzles in use is below a second threshold. 
     
     
         11 . The airborne pathogen extraction system according to  claim 8 , wherein the controller is configured to compensate for an aggregated section of the system to be fluidly connected or disconnected from the rest of the system.