HK1092408A - Microbicidal air filter - Google Patents

Description

Microbicidal air filter

Technical Field

The present invention relates to air filters, and more particularly to microbicidal air filters.

Background

In environments where high air purity is required, such as hospitals and houses of people with severe allergic reactions to environmental allergens, it is important to remove pathogens and the above allergens from the air. Generally, during air filtration, or in the case of a facemask, during breathing, a device in the form of a facemask or air duct filter filters out particulate matter. The mask and air duct filter temporarily trap pathogens and allergens and particulate matter such as dust on the surface of the filter material. Once the filter reaches a threshold limit, or after a single use, the filter is typically discarded, or in some cases, the filter is cleaned and used again. There are a number of filter device designs, examples of which are as follows:

U.S. Pat. No.1,319,763 entitled "air Filter for wall air conditioner" issued 10/28/1919 to Drew;

U.S. Pat. No.3,710,948 to Sexton, 1/16 of 1973, entitled "self-contained pocket Filter";

U.S. Pat. No.3,779,244, issued to Weeks on 12/18/1973 and entitled "Disposable face mask respirator";

U.S. Pat. No.3,802,429, issued to Bird on 9/4/1974, entitled "surgical mask";

U.S. Pat. No.4,197,100, Drew, entitled "Filter element for Filter", 4/8/1980;

U.S. Pat. No.4,798,676 to Matkovich, 1/17/1989, entitled "Low pressure drop bacterial Filter and method";

U.S. Pat. No.5,525,136 to Rosen, entitled "Mat-pressed multimedia air Cleaner", 1996, 6/11;

U.S. Pat. No.5,747,053, entitled "antiviral Filter air Cleaner filled with tea essence", granted Nashimoto 5.5.1998; and

U.S. Pat. No.5,906,677 to Dudley, 5.25.1999, entitled "Electrostatic supercharger Screen";

the above design has a number of important drawbacks. Disadvantageously, in the above-described designs, removal of the dirty filter or mask after use may result in the immediate diffusion of unfixed pathogens or particles into the air near the user, which may be dangerous to the user if inhaled. In addition, these designs do not fix pathogens in the air and kill them in situ. Some designs incorporate a sticky material in the filter material to trap particulate matter. Some designs incorporate complex filter arrangements within the filter core that may not be practical in air ducts or in face masks. In some cases, glass fibers are used as part of the filter media, which can be harmful to humans if located near their noses and mouths. In one design, the cotton rolls impregnated with the disinfectant appear to be located in an air duct for fogging up the room to maintain humidity. The use of such wet disinfectants may be harmful to people in the vicinity of the disinfectant or may not be suitable for use in a mask.

Moreover, the advantages of the present invention will be in part apparent from a consideration of the drawings and a careful consideration of the following description.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention alleviates the difficulties and disadvantages of the prior art by providing a microbicidal air filter which entraps and kills pathogenic microorganisms on a novel immobilization network or fiber. To accomplish this, the fibers include an antimicrobial agent within their structure (impregnating the fibers) that substantially kills microorganisms and retains them within the fiber body. This significantly reduces or substantially eliminates the problem of having to remove the microorganisms from the filter after use and during disposal. Advantageously, the filter can be used as a mask or air circulation conduit, typically as a post-filter or downstream filter, and can capture and kill a variety of microorganisms. Desirably, the fibers may be made of a material that enables the filter to be cleaned and reused without significant loss of filter antimicrobial activity.

Accordingly, in a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a microbiocidal air filter for use with an air passageway, the air filter comprising: an immobilization network having a volume of at least one microbiocidal substance substantially filling the network sufficient to substantially immobilize, retain, and kill microorganisms suspended in a volume of air moving through said air passageway, said immobilization network being substantially permeable to said air.

Accordingly, in a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a microbiocidal air filter for use with an air passageway comprising: an immobilization network having an amount of at least one antimicrobial substance substantially filling the network sufficient to substantially immobilize, retain and substantially inhibit the growth of microorganisms suspended in an amount of air moving through said air passageway, said immobilization network being substantially permeable to said air.

Accordingly, in a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a microbicidal mask comprising: first and second air permeable screen elements secured together along respective peripheral edges, the screen elements defining a gap therebetween, the screen elements being configured and dimensioned to fit over and be secured over a user's nose and mouth; an air permeable immobilization network positioned in and substantially filling the gap, the immobilization network having an amount of at least one antimicrobial substance substantially filling the network sufficient to substantially immobilize, retain, and kill microorganisms suspended in a volume of air moving through the network.

Accordingly, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a microbicidal mask comprising: first and second air permeable screen elements secured together along respective peripheral edges, the screen elements defining a gap therebetween, the screen elements being configured and dimensioned to fit over and be secured over a user's nose and mouth; an air permeable immobilization network positioned in and substantially filling the gap, the immobilization network having an amount of at least one antimicrobial substance substantially filling the network sufficient to substantially immobilize, retain and substantially inhibit the growth of microorganisms suspended in a volume of air moving through the network.

Accordingly, in a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a microbiocidal air duct filter for use in an air circulation system, said air duct filter comprising: first and second air permeable screen elements secured together along respective peripheral edges, said screen elements defining a gap therebetween, the screen elements being configured and dimensioned to fit and be secured to an air duct; an air permeable immobilization network positioned in and substantially filling the gap, the immobilization network having an amount of at least one antimicrobial substance substantially filling the network sufficient to substantially immobilize, retain, and kill microorganisms suspended in a volume of air moving through the network.

Accordingly, in a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a microbiocidal air duct filter for use in an air circulation system, said air duct filter comprising: first and second air permeable screen elements secured together along respective peripheral edges, the screen elements defining a gap therebetween, the screen elements being configured and dimensioned to fit and be secured to the air duct; an air permeable immobilization network located substantially between said first and second screen elements, said immobilization network having substantially impregnated therein an amount of at least one antimicrobial substance sufficient to substantially immobilize, retain and substantially inhibit the growth of microorganisms suspended in a volume of air moving through said network.

Drawings

In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements throughout. In the drawings, there is shown in the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a filter;

FIG. 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a mask with the filter;

FIG. 2a is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a mask;

FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a filter in a frame;

FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the filter with a prefilter;

FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the air circulation system with a filter;

FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of an alternative filter for use in the system of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of an alternative filter for use with the system shown in FIG. 5, showing the sutures as fastening components;

FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of an alternative filter for use with the system shown in FIG. 5, showing rivets as fastening members; and

fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of fig. 7.

Detailed Description

For purposes of simplicity of explanation and not limitation, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Definition of

The term "microorganism" or "microbial" as used herein means a microorganism, including but not limited to: bacteria, protozoa, viruses, molds, and the like. Also included in this definition are dust mites.

The term "antimicrobial agent" as used herein means a compound that inhibits, prevents, or destroys the growth or reproduction of microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, viruses, molds, and the like. Examples of microbicides for use herein include antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antifermentation and anti-dust mite agents, or any combination thereof.

The term "antibacterial agent" as used herein means a compound that inhibits, prevents the growth of, or kills bacteria.

The term "antiviral agent" as used herein means a compound that inhibits, prevents the growth of, or kills a virus.

The term "mold inhibitor" as used herein means a compound that inhibits, prevents the growth of, or kills mold.

The term "anti-fermentation agent" as used herein means a compound that inhibits, prevents the growth of, or kills yeast.

The term "anti-dust mite agent" as used herein means a compound that inhibits, prevents the growth of, or kills dust mites.

The term "microbicidal" as used herein means the inhibiting, growth-arresting or killing properties of any of the above "agents" used alone or in combination with one another.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a microbiocidal air filter is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. Broadly, the filter 10 includes an air permeable stationary screen 12, an air permeable first screen 14 and an air permeable second screen 16. The first screen 14 and the second screen 16 merely serve to support the screen 12 and define a work area 18. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the fixed screen 12 can be used independently of the screens 14 and 16.

The web 12 comprises a mesh of fibers 20, and the fibers 20 may be non-woven or woven, depending on whether the desired web is soft or hard (rigid). The web 12 may also comprise yarn, such as cotton, in which fibers may be interwoven. Each fiber 20 includes an amount of at least one antimicrobial agent that completely impregnates the fiber body 20 and is integrally bonded to the fiber body 20, thereby providing a greater concentration of microbiocide over a greater surface area. The fibres 20 are arranged so that they are permeable to air over the entire mesh, typically a thin layer of so-called glass fibre strands, scale-like meshes or the like.

Preferably, the web is a fibrous material. More preferably, the fibrous material is commercially available RHOVOL' A.S +^TM，RHOVYL’As^TM，THERMOVYL-ZCB^TM，THERMOVYL-MXB^TMAnd via TRICLOSAN^TMTreated PVC organic fibers.

RHOVYL’A.S.+^TM，RHOVYL’As^TM，THERMOVYL-MXB^TMAnd THERMODYL-ZC B^TMAre fibrous materials that have inherent antimicrobial activity. In particular, RHOVOL' As^TMFiber and THERMOVOL-ZCB^TMThe fiber contains an antimicrobial agent which is either incorporated into the fiber body or impregnated into the fiber body, but RHOVOL' A.S +^TMFiber antibacterial agent, RHOVOL' A.S +^TMFiber and THERMODYL-MXB^TMThe fiber also contains a mite removing agent, an anti-dust mite agent. TRICLOSAN^TMIs an antimicrobial agent that reduces the growth of microorganisms, or kills microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, and molds.

The fibre material used is pure (100%) or is a mixture of at least 30% by volume with other kinds of fibres in woven or non-woven fabrics and meets the requirements of Individual Protective Equipment (IPE). The fibrous material may also have other characteristics including, but not limited to, non-flammability, chemical resistance, flame suppression, thermal insulation, and moisture control.

Preferably, the antimicrobial agent includes an antibacterial agent, an antiviral agent, an anti-dust mite agent, a mildewproof agent, and a fermentation preventive agent.

Preferably, the antimicrobial agent is TRICLOSAN^TM。

Preferably, the anti-dust mite agent is benzyl benzoate.

Generally, the fibrous material has a porosity in the range of about 0.1 μm to about 3 μm, although this will depend on the size of the microorganism to be retained.

Generally, the fibrous material has a density of between 2 grams per square foot (2 gr/ft)²) To 30 grams per square foot (30 gr/ft)²) A density in the range between. More preferably, the density is about 10 grams per square foot (10 gr/ft)²)。

As best shown in fig. 2, the filter 10 may be part of a mask 24 that is often used by hospital workers and the like, and may or may not be expandable (soft masks) and they are sometimes used in areas with pre-filtered air. Screens 14 and 16 are generally joined about peripheral edge 22 and define a gap 23 between the screens and peripheral edge 22. Mesh 12 may be attached to one of the screens described above to provide a physical barrier to particulate matter, and more importantly, pathogenic microorganisms. The mesh 12 may be implemented using VELCRO^TMFasteners, sutures, adhesives, etc. are attached to either filter screen 14 or 16, or in a separate portable mask 24 worn in front of the nose/mouth area of the individual. The front face of the face mask 24, the face mask screen 25, acts as a primary filter, positioned upstream of the mesh 12, to pre-filter the air by removing particulate matter and microorganisms from the air passing along the air path, as indicated by the arrows.

Alternatively, as best shown in fig. 2a, the mesh 12 may be located between a front screen 25 and a rear screen 27, such as a commercially available filter mask, establishing a bi-directional filtration system in the gap 23 of the mask 24, as indicated by the arrows. The front screen 25 may include slits 29 to allow the mesh 12 to be inserted into the gap 23. This type of mask 24 may be useful for people who are infected by breathing and who still wish to work, but do not want to infect others by exhaling breaths with a pathogenic microorganism infection.

Screen elements 14, 16 may be of various sizes and shapes and may be simple typical flexible or semi-flexible type screens, as shown in fig. 1, made of aluminum, nylon, thermoplastic materials, fiberglass-like materials (not generally recognized by mask applications), fabric-like fibers, or the like. As shown in fig. 3, the screen elements 14, 16 and the mesh 12 may be supported by a rigid frame 26, such as a standard aluminum screen frame, which is divided into two sections 28, 30 and formed integrally with the screen elements 14, 16, respectively, to ensure rigidity and ease of installation. The fastening components 32 may be used to removably attach the two screen elements 14, 16 to the compressed mesh 12 sandwiched therebetween to prevent air passing therethrough from moving the mesh 12. The securing member 32 may be a pivoting retainer that pivots on one of the portions 28, 30 to retain the other portion thereon. Alternatively, as best shown in FIG. 4, any existing rigid screen 34 of air filter 36 may also be used.

Referring now to fig. 5 and 6, filter 10 is shown installed in air duct 38 downstream of air filter 36 and upstream of air heating system 40 (the arrows shown in fig. 5 show the air passages) such that air passing through mesh 12 is pre-filtered. The frame 26 not only substantially encloses the screen elements 14, 16, but also includes intermediate stiffening rods 42 which serve to divide the screen elements 14, 16 into a plurality of smaller sub-elements 44, thereby trapping the mesh 12 intermediate the two elements 14, 16. Alternatively, as best shown in FIG. 6, the frame 26 is a thin metal rod to which the screen members 14, 16 are attached, with reinforcing rods 42 to provide additional support to the screen members 14, 16 and the mesh 12, and to provide the sub-members 44 described above.

Referring now to fig. 5,7, 8 and 9, other types of fastening components 32 are shown. One preferred type of fastening component 32 includes a plurality of stitches 46 that may be arranged in a variety of patterns, such as wavy lines or straight lines. Stitches 46 are passed through web 12 and divide web 42 into sub-portions 44 as previously described. Alternatively, as best shown in FIG. 8, the fastening components 32 may also include rivets 48 that pass through the web 12.

Examples of the invention

The invention is illustrated in further detail by the following non-limiting examples.

Example 1

Measurement of microbicidal and filterable capacities of rigid and soft masks

As shown in table 1, two masks of the present invention were compared with commercially available masks 1, 2, 3 for their antimicrobial and retentive ability against bacteria and mold of various panel sizes 4, 5, 6, 7. The NB rigid and soft masks used in examples 1 and 2 were equipped with a mask containing TRICLOSAN^TMA web 12 of PVC organic fibers. NB soft face mask made of a composition containing 76% w/w of THERMOYL-ZCB^TMFibers and 24% w/w polyester (although it could be of any other type of fiber such as cotton or the like), double-sided textile-like fibers stitched to each other at their peripheries, in which fibers the web 12 is positioned (see figure 2a above). The NB rigid mask was made of two existing commercially available dust masks, one embedded in the other, containing TRICLOSAN^TMIs positioned between the two face masks.

The air pollution chambers 5, 8, 9 are used to measure the filtering capacity of the mask containing the mesh. The chamber includes a perforated vial containing a predetermined amount of lyophilized microorganisms. The air chamber is mounted on a microbiological air sampler. The test mask was mounted on the interface of the contaminated air chamber and the air sampler. A negative pressure is created within the air chamber that moves the lyophilized microorganisms toward the mask. The culture medium is positioned downstream of the mask in order to detect any penetration of the mask.

TABLE 1

Microorganisms	Size (mum)	Filtration efficiency (%)
					NBRM	NBSM	3M*
		Bacteria
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)	0.2-0.7×1.0-10				100	100	95
		Proteus (Proteusspp.)	0.4-0.8×1-3	100				100
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pseudomonas aureginosa)	0.5-1.0×1.5-5				100	100
		Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus)	0.5×1.5	100				100
Streptococcus pneumoniae (Streptococcus pneumniae)	0.5-1.5				100	100

Haemophilus influenzae (Haemophilus fluenze)	1	100	100
					Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax)	1-1.5×3-5	100	100
Mould fungus
				Acremonium strictum (Acremonium strictum)	3.3-5.5(7)×0.9×1.8	100	100	96
Aspergillus versicolor (Aspergillus versicolor)	2-3.5	100	100
				Penicillium griseofulvum (Penicillium griseofulvum)	2.5-3.5×2.2-2.5	100	100
New Fusarium fischeri (Neosartorya fischeri)	2×2.5	100	100

NBRM (rigid face mask)

NBSM ═ Soft face mask

Data from technical specification²

Example 2

Measurement of filtered Small particles

The three masks of example 1 were tested for filtration capacity for two particulate materials of 0.3 μm particle size using essentially the same equipment as in example 1. The cartridge capture membrane is positioned downstream of the air pump, in which case it captures particulates that pass through the membrane. The air pump establishes a negative pressure downstream of the mask. Two particulate materials selected were sodium chloride and dioctyl phthalate.

TABLE 2

Particulate matter

Size (mum)

Filtration efficiency (%)

		NBRM	NBSM	3M*
					Sodium chloride (NaCl)	0.3	100	100	95
Dioctyl phthalate (DOP)	0.3	100	100

NBRM (rigid face mask)

NBSM ═ Soft face mask

Data from technical specification²

Example 3

Determination of the microbicidal and filterability of filters of ventilation systems

The measurement of the installation in indoor ventilation system shown in FIG. 3 with RHOVOL' A.S +^TMMicrobicidal capacity of the filters of the fibrous examples after 0, 7, 14 and 21 days. The results are shown in tables 3 to 6 below.

After the above time, the filter was removed and the Simpson method was used¹⁰The filters were analyzed. The fibrous material (1g) of each filter was diluted with demineralized sterile water (9mL) and then serially diluted.

The total amount of bacteria, yeast and mold was calculated using a blood cell count method. After serial dilution of the cultures in the appropriate medium, the total number of live bacteria, yeasts and moulds was determined. Aerobic live bacteria were cultured in soy agar (TSA, Quelab Corp.), while yeast and molds were cultured in HEA (hydroxyethyl acrylate) supplemented with gentamicin (0.005% p/v) and oxytetracycline (0.01% p/v) to limit bacterial growth. A pH of 4.8+/-0.2 for HEA allows spore germination and mycelium growth. After the incubation period, a colony-meter (Accu-Lite) was used^TMFisher corporation) to perform the calculation of microbial colonies. The morphological type of the bacterial colonies was identified by gram staining (see table 5).

For yeast and mold calculations, each macroscopically distinct mold colony was identified by sex and/or species using a microscope.

Method of using adhesive tape¹¹To prepare a mold slide. This technique maintains the structural integrity of the mold by securing the mold to the adhesive side of the tape. Once collected, the mold was stained with lactophenol and observed at 10x and 40x magnification. The key information is obtained by identifying the key information 12, 13, 14,15 to identify moulds. In this experiment, only colonies that produced spores were identified.

Table 3: bacterial filtration

After filtration	Calculated bacteria (UFC/g)
				Time (days)	Living thing	Is not alive	Total of
0	6000(3.43％)	169000(96.57％)	175000(100％)
				7	9000(2.75％)	318000(97.25％)	327000(100％)
14	27000(2.21％)	1193000(97.79％)	1220000(100％)
				21	70000(1.88％)	3650000(98.12％)	3720000(100％)

Table 4: fungus filtration

After filtration	Calculated bacteria (UFC/g)
				Time (days)	Can be alive	Is not alive	Total of
0	29000(11.74％)	218000(88.26％)	247000(100％)
				7	110000(10.19％)	970000(89.81％)	1080000(100％)
14	230000(8.75％)	2400000(91.25％)	2630000(100％)
				21	1640000(7.24％)	21000000(92.76％)	22640000(100％)

Table 5: identification of bacterial morphology types

After filtration (days)	Morphological types of bacteria
		0	78.4% Gram-positive Cocci (Cocci Gram positive) 21.6% Gram-negative bacilli (Rod Gram negative)
7	84.3% Gram-positive Cocci (Cocci Gram positive) 15.7% Gram-negative bacilli (Rod Gram negative)
		14	86.7% Gram-positive Cocci (Cocci Gram positive) 13.3% Gram-negative bacilli (Rod Gram negative)
21	88.9% Gram-positive Cocci (Cocci Gram positive) 11.1% Gram-negative bacilli (Rod Gram negative)

Table 6: identification of mould species

After filtration (days)	Mould species
		0	Aspergillus niger (Aspergillus niger), Cladosporium cladosporioides (Cladosporium cladosporioides), Cladosporium cercosporium (Cladosporium herbarum), Penicillium (Penicillium sp.), Yeast (yeasts)
7	Aspergillus niger (Aspergillus niger), Cladosporium cladosporioides (Cladosporium cladosporioides), Cladosporium cercosporium (Cladosporium herbarum), Penicillium (Penicillium sp.), Yeast (yeasts)
		14	Alternaria alternata (Alternaria alternata), pedicellus et pericarpium citri reticulatae (Arthrinium sp.), Aspergillus niger (Aspergillus niger), Cladosporium sp.), Geotrichum sp (Geotrichum sp.), Penicillium sp., Yeast (yeasts)

21	Aspergillus niger (Aspergillus niger), Cladosporium cladosporioides (Cladosporium cladosporioides), Cladosporium cercosporium (Cladosporium herbarum), Penicillium (Penicillium sp.), Yeast (yeasts)

Discussion of the related Art

To date, commercially available masks have been hampered by their inability to capture and kill over 95% of microorganisms. Studies of microbiocidal meshes in the form of filters in masks and ventilation systems of the present invention have shown significant improvements in capture and microbiocidal efficiency (tables 1-6).

Tables 1 and 2 show the inclusion of TRICLOSAN as a particulate filter, an antibacterial and an antifungal filter^TMEfficiency of the PVC organic fiber of (1). The microbicidal and particulate filtering capabilities of both soft and rigid masks are 100% compared to those of commercially available masks (95% -96%).

Tables 3-6 show the high level of efficiency of the antimicrobial and filtration capabilities of the filters of the present invention. In particular, the inventors have demonstrated in tables 3 and 4 that the combined antibacterial, antifungal and barrier abilities are all 100%.

In addition, the inventors have shown that: several different bacterial morphology types as shown in table 5 were captured on the filter, with 96.6% of the total bacteria (78.4% and 21.6% of bacteria in the gram-positive cocci and gram-negative bacilli species, respectively) present on the filter fibers after day zero (0). 98.1% of the total bacteria (88.9% and 11.1% of bacteria of the gram-positive cocci and gram-negative bacilli species, respectively) were present on the filter fibers after twenty-one (21) days. This indicates that the efficiency of the filter continues to be maintained over an extended period of time. As shown in table 6, up to twenty-one days, a number of pathogenic molds were identified on the filters of the present invention.

If desired, the filter can be cleaned and reused without significant loss of the above-described capabilities (results not shown).

Whether the filter is located in the above-described mask or the filter is a ducted filter of the circulatory system, a key feature of the filter is the ability of the filter to secure, retain and kill or inhibit the growth of a wide variety of microorganisms that contact the web 12 of fibers 20. The air is either pre-filtered (in the case of a circulatory system) or breathed by the user through a mask, which often includes residual microorganisms that have passed through the primary filter or that the filter has failed to immobilize the microorganisms. In situations where a person is using the face mask of the present invention and has an upper respiratory infection, such as influenza, tuberculosis, anthrax, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), etc., further infection of others can be significantly reduced or substantially eliminated. Similarly, air contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms can be filtered before entering the nose and mouth area of the user. The arrows in fig. 2, 2a and 5 show the flow of air, in which the air contaminated with microorganisms is shown hatched, while the arrows without hatching show clean, filtered air.

References (incorporated herein by reference)

1. National institute of occupational safety and health, NIOSH respiratory department of decisionlogic, cincinnati, ohio: department of health and human service, public health service, CDC (center for disease control), 1987: 13-9; DHHS publication No. (NIOSH) 87-108.

2.TB Respiratory Protection Program In Health Care FacilitiesAdministrator′s Guide，(http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/99～143.html)。

3.3M Canadian health care: une protection ability impact reset, 3M _ 2002

MMWR (us centers for disease control morbidity and mortality weekly report): laboratory Performance Evaluation of N95 Filter Facepiece reagents, 1996 (1998.12.11).

5.Edwin H.Lennette，Albert Balows，William J.Hausler，Jr.H.JeanShadomy，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。

Fradkin A (1987), Sampling of microbiological contaminants In air, In: sampling and catalysis for atmospheric measurements, ASTM Special technology Press, 957: 66-77.

9.42CFR part 84: respiratory protection devices (http:// www.cdc.gov/niosh/pt84abs2. html).

Samson, RA.1985, Air sampling methods for biological assays, working paper of the Stachys and welfare division of Canada and working group of indoor Air, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A1L 2.

Koneman, w.e. and g.d. roberts.1985 practical laboratory biology, third edition, Williams & Wilkins press, barredim, maryland.

Domsch, K.H., W.Gams and T.H.Anderson.1980, Compsiumof soil fungi, academic Press, London.

Larone, D.H.1987.medical import future. A guide identification, New York, Elsevier scientific publishing Co., Ltd.

Malloch, d.1981, Moulds, the theory, the differentiation and differentiation, toronto: university of Toronto Press, page 97.

St-Germain, G. and R.C. Summerbell 1996, Champincignafilterntex d' int ert formal: caracte ristiques et identification, Star publishing Co., Belmont, Calif.

Claims (66)

1. A microbicidal air filter (10) for use with an air passageway, the air filter (10) comprising:

an immobilization network (12) having substantially impregnated therein an amount of at least one antimicrobial substance sufficient to substantially immobilize, retain and kill microorganisms suspended in a volume of air moving through said air passageway, said immobilization network (12) being substantially permeable to said air.

2. The filter (10) of claim 1, wherein the immobilization network (12) comprises a plurality of fibers (20) arranged in a mesh defining a plurality of air spaces between the fibers (20).

3. The filter (10) according to claim 2, wherein each of the fibers (20) has a fiber body, and the antimicrobial agent is integrally bonded with the fiber body.

4. The filter (10) according to claim 3, wherein the fibers (20) are tightly woven or loosely woven.

5. The filter (10) according to claim 4, wherein the fibers (20) are selected from the group consisting of: RHAVOL' A.S +^TMFibrous materials, RHOVOL' As^TMFibrous material, THERMOVOL-ZCB^TMFibrous material, THERMOVOL-MXB^TMFibrous material and textured yarn^TMTreated PVC organic fibers.

6. The filter (10) according to claim 3, wherein the antimicrobial agent is selected from the group consisting of: antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, anti-dust mite agents, antifungal agents and anti-fermentation agents.

7. Filter (10) according to claim 6, wherein the microbicide is TRICLOSAN^TM。

8. The filter (10) according to claim 7, wherein the microbicide is benzyl benzoate.

9. The filter (10) of claim 1, wherein the air is pre-filtered.

10. The filter (10) of claim 1, wherein the air filter (10) is a mask (24) structured and dimensioned to fit over and be secured adjacent the nose and mouth of the user.

11. The filter (10) of claim 1, wherein the air filter (10) is an air duct filter structured and dimensioned for installation in an air duct system (40).

12. A microbicidal air filter (10) for use with an air passageway, the air filter (10) comprising:

an immobilization network (12) having substantially impregnated therein an amount of at least one antimicrobial substance sufficient to substantially immobilize, retain and substantially inhibit the growth of microorganisms suspended in a volume of air moving through said air passageway, said immobilization network (12) being substantially permeable to said air.

13. The filter (10) of claim 12, wherein the immobilization network (12) comprises a plurality of fibers (20) arranged in a mesh defining a plurality of air spaces between the fibers (20).

14. The filter (10) according to claim 13, wherein each of the fibers (20) has a fiber body, and the antimicrobial agent is integrally bonded with the fiber body.

15. The filter (10) according to claim 14, wherein the fibers (20) are tightly woven or loosely woven.

16. The filter (10) according to claim 15, wherein the fibers (20) are selected from the group consisting of: RHAVOL' A.S +^TMFibrous materials, RHOVOL' As^TMFibrous material, THERMOVOL-ZCB^TMFibrous material, THERMOVOL-MXB^TMFibrous material and textured yarn^TMTreated PVC organic fibers.

17. The filter (10) according to claim 14, wherein the antimicrobial agent is selected from the group consisting of: antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, anti-dust mite agents, antifungal agents and anti-fermentation agents.

18. The filter (10) according to claim 17, wherein the antimicrobial agent is TRICLOSAN^TM。

19. The filter (10) according to claim 18, wherein the antimicrobial agent is benzyl benzoate.

20. The filter (10) of claim 12, wherein the air is pre-filtered.

21. The filter (10) of claim 12, wherein the air filter (10) is a mask (24) configured and dimensioned to fit over and be secured adjacent the nose and mouth of the user.

22. The filter (10) of claim 12, wherein the air filter (10) is an air duct filter configured and dimensioned for installation in an air duct system (40).

23. A microbicidal mask (24) comprising:

first and second air permeable screen elements (14, 16) secured together along respective peripheral edges (22), the screen elements (14, 16) defining a gap (23) therebetween, the screen elements (14, 16) being configured and dimensioned to fit over the nose and mouth of a user and to be secured thereto;

an air permeable immobilization network (12) positioned in the gap (23) and substantially filling the gap (23), the immobilization network (12) having an amount of at least one antimicrobial substance substantially filling the network sufficient to substantially immobilize, retain and kill microorganisms suspended in a volume of air moving through the network (12).

24. The facemask (24), according to claim 23, in which said immobilization network (12) includes a plurality of fibers (20) arranged in a mesh defining a plurality of air spaces between said fibers (20).

25. The facemask (24), according to claim 24, in which each of said fibers (20) has a fiber body and said antimicrobial agent is bonded to said fiber body.

26. The facemask (24), according to claim 25, in which said fibers (20) are tightly woven or loosely woven.

27. The facemask (24), according to claim 26, in which said fibers (20) are selected from the group consisting of: RHAVOL' A.S +^TMFibrous materials, RHOVOL' As^TMFibrous material, THERMOVOL-ZCB^TMFibrous material, THERMOVOL-MXB^TMFibrous material and textured yarn^TMTreated PVC organic fibers.

28. The facemask (24), according to claim 25, in which said antimicrobial agent is selected from the group consisting of: antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, anti-dust mite agents, antifungal agents and anti-fermentation agents.

29. The mask (24) according to claim 28, wherein the antimicrobial agent is TRICLOSAN^TM。

30. The facemask (24), according to claim 28, in which said antimicrobial agent is benzyl benzoate.

31. The mask (24) according to claim 23, wherein the air is pre-filtered.

32. The mask (24) according to claim 23, wherein the air permeable first screen element (14) includes a slit (29) positioned therein of sufficient size to allow the immobilization network (12) to be positioned in the gap (23).

33. A microbicidal mask (24) comprising:

first and second air permeable screen elements (14, 16) secured together along respective peripheral edges (22), the screen elements (14, 16) defining a gap (23) therebetween, the screen elements (14, 16) being configured and dimensioned to fit over the nose and mouth of a user and to be secured thereto;

an air permeable immobilization network (12) positioned in the gap (23) and substantially filling the gap (23), the immobilization network (12) having an amount of at least one antimicrobial substance substantially filling the network sufficient to substantially immobilize, retain and inhibit the growth of microorganisms suspended in a volume of air moving through the network (12).

34. The facemask (24), according to claim 33, in which said immobilization network (12) includes a plurality of fibers (20) arranged in a mesh defining a plurality of air spaces between said fibers (20).

35. The facemask (24), according to claim 34, in which each of said fibers (20) has a fiber body and said antimicrobial agent is bonded to said fiber body.

36. The facemask (24), according to claim 35, in which said fibers (20) are tightly woven or loosely woven.

37. The facemask (24), according to claim 36, in which said fibers (20) are selected from the group consisting of: RHAVOL' A.S +^TMFibrous materials, RHOVOL' As^TMFibrous material, THERMOVOL-ZCB^TMFibrous material, THERMOVOL-MXB^TMFibrous material and textured yarn^TMTreated PVC organic fibers.

38. The facemask (24), according to claim 35, in which said antimicrobial agent is selected from the group consisting of: antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, anti-dust mite agents, antifungal agents and anti-fermentation agents.

39. The mask (24) according to claim 38, wherein the microbicide is TRICLOSAN^TM。

40. The facemask (24), according to claim 38, in which said microbicide is benzyl benzoate.

41. The mask (24) according to claim 33, wherein the air is pre-filtered.

42. The mask (24) according to claim 33, wherein the air permeable first screen element (14) includes a slit (29) positioned therein of sufficient size to allow the securement mesh (12) to be positioned in the gap (23).

43. Microbicidal air duct filter (10) for use in an air circulation system (40), the air duct filter (10) comprising:

first and second air permeable screen elements (14, 16) secured together along respective peripheral edges (22), said screen elements (14, 16) being configured and dimensioned to fit within and be secured within an air duct (38);

an air permeable immobilization network (12) located substantially between said first and second screen elements (14, 16), said immobilization network (12) having an amount of at least one antimicrobial substance substantially impregnated therein sufficient to substantially immobilize, retain and kill microorganisms suspended in a volume of air moving through said network (12).

44. The air duct filter (10) of claim 43, wherein the securing mesh (12) includes a plurality of fibers (20) arranged in a mesh defining a plurality of air spaces between the fibers (20).

45. The air duct filter (10) of claim 44, wherein each of the fibers (20) has a fiber body with the antimicrobial agent bonded thereto.

46. The air duct filter (10) of claim 45, wherein the fibers (20) are tightly woven or loosely woven.

47. The air duct filter (10) of claim 46, wherein the fibers (20) are selected from the group consisting of: RHAVOL' A.S +^TMFibrous materials, RHOVOL' As^TMFibrous material, THERMOVOL-ZCB^TMFibrous material, THERMOVOL-MXB^TMFibrous material and textured yarn^TMTreated PVC organic fibers.

48. The air duct filter (10) of claim 45, wherein the microbiocide is selected from the group consisting of: antibacterial, antiviral, anti-dust mite, antifungal, and anti-fermentation agents.

49. The air duct filter (10) of claim 48, wherein the microbiocide is TRICLOSAN^TM。

50. The air duct filter (10) of claim 48, wherein the antimicrobial agent is benzyl benzoate.

51. The air duct filter (10) of claim 43, wherein a fastening member (32) connects the first and second air permeable screen elements (14, 16) together to sandwich the securing mesh (12) therebetween.

52. The air duct filter (10) of claim 51, wherein the fastening component (32) includes a frame (26) for connecting the first and second screen elements (14, 16) together.

53. The air duct filter (10) of claim 52, wherein the fastening component (32) further comprises a plurality of stitches (46) positioned through the securing mesh (12) thereby dividing the securing mesh (12) into sub-portions (44).

54. The air duct filter (10) of claim 43, wherein the air is pre-filtered.

55. Microbicidal air duct filter (10) for use in an air circulation system (40), the air duct filter (10) comprising:

first and second air permeable screen elements (14, 16) secured together along respective peripheral edges (22), said screen elements (14, 16) being configured and dimensioned to fit within and be secured within an air duct (38);

an air permeable immobilization network (12) located substantially between said first and second screen elements (14, 16), said immobilization network (12) having a quantity of at least one antimicrobial substance substantially impregnated therein which substantially immobilizes, retains and substantially inhibits the growth of microorganisms suspended in a volume of air moving through said network (12).

56. The air duct filter (10) of claim 55, wherein the securing mesh (12) includes a plurality of fibers (20) arranged in a mesh defining a plurality of air spaces between the fibers (20).

57. The air duct filter (10) of claim 56, wherein each of the fibers (20) has a fiber body with which the microbiocide is associated.

58. The air duct filter (10) of claim 57, wherein the fibers (20) are tightly woven or loosely woven.

59. The air duct filter (10) of claim 58, wherein the fibers (20) are selected from the group consisting of: RHAVOL' A.S +^TMFibrous materials, RHOVOL' As^TMFibrous material, THERMOVOL-ZCB^TMFibrous material, THERMOVOL-MXB^TMFibrous material and textured yarn^TMTreated PCV organic fiber.

60. The air duct filter (10) of claim 57, wherein the antimicrobial agent is selected from the group consisting of: antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, anti-dust mite agents, antifungal agents and anti-fermentation agents.

61. According to claimThe air duct filter (10) of claim 48, wherein the antimicrobial agent is TRICLOSAN^TM。

62. The air duct filter (10) of claim 60, wherein the antimicrobial agent is benzyl benzoate.

63. The air duct filter (10) of claim 55, wherein a fastening member (32) connects the first and second air permeable screen elements (14, 16) together to sandwich the securing mesh (12) therebetween.

The air duct filter (10) of claim 63, wherein the fastening component (32) includes a frame (26) for connecting the first and second screen elements (14, 16) together.

65. The air duct filter (10) of claim 64, wherein the fastening component (32) further includes a plurality of stitches (46) positioned through the securing mesh (12) to divide the securing mesh (12) into sub-portions (44).

66. The air duct filter (10) of claim 55, wherein the air is pre-filtered.