DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)

&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10, Rule 13]

1.: TITLE OF THE INVENTION
A SYSTEM FOR MULTI-LEVEL DISINFECTION OF AIR FLOWING THROUGH AN AIR-COOLING DEVICE

2. APPLICANT
a) Name : Bajaj Electricals Ltd.
b) Nationality : Indian
c) Address : 45/47, Veer Nariman Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400001, Maharashtra, India

3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER OF PERFORMING THE SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a system for multi-level disinfection of air flowing through an air cooling device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system which enables disinfection of air flowing at different levels in the air cooling device, i.e. at a level of air entry, at a further level when air is flowing inside the air cooling device, and at a still further level when air is exiting the air cooling device.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION:
[002] Multiple studies have highlighted that air cooling devices such as air coolers are breeding ground for microbes and microorganisms, namely microbes such as bacteria and virus. Especially, such microbes can be found on cooling pads of the air cooling devices. Hence, it is important to clean and/or replace the cooling pads which harbor optimal conditions for microbial growth. Microbes such as bacteria, virus, fungi, grow in moist and cool environment and breed multiple times every few minutes. Hence, frequent cleaning of the cooling pad, or any such other part of the cooling device, is most impractical. Moreover, it is generally too late by when a user realizes that microorganism or microbial growth has occurred on the cooling pad of the cooling device.

[003] In absence of frequent cleaning of the cooling pads, rich and fertile medium for microorganism or microbial growth flourishes on the cooling pad. As such, when air enters the air cooling device through the cooling pad, the microorganisms or microbes are carried straight towards an outlet and further blown out along with cooled air. Thereby, the cooled air which is blown out of the air cooling device contains large concentration of microorganisms or microbes. As the air cooling device is switched ON, a first or initial blow of the cooled air that exits the air cooling device is therefore most contaminated having harmful microorganisms or microbes which are known to result in allergies, cold and other microorganisms related illnesses/diseases. Further, the microorganisms or microbes produce unpleasant odors, cause discoloration of the surfaces, create biofouling or produce mildew and cause various health problems.

[004] The prior art discloses systems for disinfecting air flowing through the air cooling devices. Some systems make use of a micro fine net which enables filtration of the microorganisms. Nonetheless, the micro fine net only filters the microorganisms and do not destroy them completely. Even if the highest level of filtration is achieved by the micro fine net, still a possibility of some microorganisms or microbes from escaping out along with the cooled air cannot be disregarded.

[005] Many efforts have been made in the prior art towards evolving various products related to systems for disinfecting air flowing through air cooling devices. One such example has been disclosed in the US Patent no. US4031180A, which discloses a water evaporative cooling system. However, it fails to disclose any anti-microbial feature incorporated within the cooling pad, thereby suggesting that the cooling pad used therein would be susceptible to microorganism or microbial growth. Other examples include adding chemicals to water tanks and cooling pads such that air and water that are entering and/or exiting the cooling devices get disinfected in good measure. However, using such chemicals can also be harmful when it is inhaled by the user as the chemicals get mixed with the cooled air which is blown out of the air cooling device.

[006] Moreover, there is a need for an air disinfecting system for an air cooling device which shall destroy the microorganisms that are bred on the cooling pad. More particularly, problem of at least some microbes or microorganisms from escaping the air cooling device cannot be disregarded. Hence, there is need for a system for disinfecting air flowing through the air cooling device, wherein air can be disinfected at every level, i.e. at level of air entry, at level when air is inside the air cooling device, and at a level when air is exiting the air cooling device for ensuring that no microbes or microorganisms escape from the cooled air blowing out of the air cooling device.

[007] Therefore, there is need for a solution wherein at least one of the above drawbacks seen in the prior art can be obviated.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[008] In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems, the present invention as per an embodiment provides a system for multi-level disinfection of air flowing through an air cooling device, the system comprising: a cooling pad; a photochromatically activeable metal oxide dispersed in the cooling pad; a photochromatic light source emits photochromatic light to activate the photochromatically activeable metal oxide; and an air flow path defined between the cooling pad and an air outlet device receives photochromatic light from the photochromatic light source installed above the air flow path.

[009] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the photochromatically activeable metal oxide is in form of nano particles made of zinc oxide.

[010] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the cooling pad comprises a stack having a plurality of nonwoven fabric, wherein a resin is applied on a base of the nonwoven fabric, and the photochromatically activeable metal oxide in form of the nano particles mixed with essential oil are physically dispersed in the resin.

[011] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the photochromatic light source emits photochromatic light as a light sheet or a light curtain angled between 90° and 170° to air flowing through the air flow path.

[012] As per still another embodiment of the present invention, the air outlet device is an air blowing device or an air blower.

[013] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the air outlet device is molded to comprise a polymer compounded resin between 2% v/v and 4% v/v of silver oxide or zinc oxide nano particles, an UV resistance additive between 1.5% v/v and 2% v/v, and microencapsulated powder additive between 1% v/v and 5% v/v.

[014] As per one more embodiment of the present invention, the photochromatic light source emits photochromatic light to disinfect water stored in a water reservoir below the system, wherein the water reservoir supplies water to the cooling pad.

[015] As per other embodiment of the present invention, the water reservoir has an auxiliary photochromatic light source to emit photochromatic light for disinfecting water stored in the water reservoir.

[016] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the photochromatic light source or the auxiliary photochromatic light source emit ultraviolet (UV) light from an LED or a lamp or a combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[017] Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of various components that make up a system for multi-level disinfection of air flowing through an air cooling device, as per an embodiment of the present invention.

[018] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an air cooler having a system for multi-level disinfection of air flowing through an air cooling device assembled therein, as per an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[019] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

[020] The subject matter is now described regarding the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like features/elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It may be evident; however, that such matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well–known structures are shown in diagram form to facilitate describing the invention.

[021] Referring to the accompanying Figs. 1 and 2,a system (100, 200) for multi-level disinfection of air flowing through an air cooling device (D) as per an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cooling pad (110, 210); a photochromatically activeable metal oxide dispersed in the cooling pad (110, 210); a photochromatic light source (120, 220) emits photochromatic light to activate the photochromatically activeable metal oxide; and an air flow path (130, 230) defined between the cooling pad (110, 210) and an air outlet device (120, 220) receives photochromatic light (L) from the photochromatic light source (120, 220) installed above the air flow path (130, 230).In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cooling pad (110, 210) is fitted inside a back cover (B) of the air cooling device (D). The back cover (B) is fitted on backside of a front cover (F) to create a hollow enclosure (not shown), wherein the entire system (100, 200) as per an embodiment of the present invention is housed inside the hollow enclosure (not shown).

[022] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the photochromatically activeable metal oxide is in form of nano particles made of zinc oxide. As per another embodiment of the present invention, the cooling pad (110, 210) comprises a stack having a plurality of nonwoven fabric, wherein a resin is applied on a base of the nonwoven fabric, and the photochromatically activeable metal oxide in form of the nano particles mixed with essential oil are physically dispersed in the resin. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nonwoven fabric is a paper sheet. As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the photochromatic light source (120, 220) emits photochromatic light (L) as a light sheet or a light curtain angled between 90° and 170° to air flowing through the air flow path (130, 230). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light sheet (L) or the light curtain (L) is angled between 90° and 170° to air flowing through the air flow path (130, 230), so that air can receive maximum exposure with photochromatic light (L). As per preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air outlet device (140, 240) is an air blowing device or an air blower. As per still another embodiment of the present Invention, the air outlet device (140, 240) is molded to comprise a polymer compounded resin between 2% v/v and 4% v/v of silver oxide or zinc oxide nano particles, an UV resistance additive between 1.5% v/v and 2% v/v, and microencapsulated powder additive between 1% v/v and 5% v/v. In another embodiment of the present invention, the photochromatic light source (120, 220) emits photochromatic light (L) to disinfect water (W) stored in a water reservoir (150, 250) below the system (100, 200), wherein the water reservoir (150, 250) supplies water (W) the cooling pad (110, 220) for cooling the cooling pad (110, 210).

[023] As per a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water reservoir (150, 250) has an auxiliary photochromatic light (160, 260) source to emit photochromatic light (L) for disinfecting water (W) stored in the water reservoir (150, 250). In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the photochromatic light source (120, 220) emits photochromatic light (L) to pass through the air flow path (130, 230) for disinfecting air flowing there through, as well as for disinfecting water (W) stored in the water reservoir (150, 250), both at same time. Hence, separate auxiliary photochromatic light source (160, 260) may not be required in the alternate embodiment of the present invention, thereby offering additional space.

[024] The photochromatic light source (120, 220) or the auxiliary photochromatic light source (160, 260) emit ultraviolet (UV) light from an LED or a lamp or a combination thereof, in yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[025] The system (100, 200) for multi-level disinfection of air flowing through an air cooling device (D) as per an embodiment of the present invention enables disinfection of air at different levels in the air cooling device (D), i.e. at a level of air entry, at a further level when air is flowing inside the air cooling device (D), and at a still further level when air is exiting the air cooling device (D).Still referring to Figs. 1 and 2,during its working, the system (100, 200) according to an embodiment of the present invention is switched on. Therefore, the air outlet device (140, 240) which comprises a fan sucks air such that air containing microorganisms or microbes begin flowing through the back cover (B) to enter the cooling device (D). As the air is entering the cooling device (D), air has to flow through the cooling pad (110, 210) into which the photochromatically activeable metal oxide is dispersed. Due to photochromaticlight (L) emitted by the photochromatic light source (120, 220), the photochromatically activeable metal oxide which is dispersed in the cooling pad (110, 210) is activated. Hence, owing to activation of the photochromatically activeable metal oxide, the microorganisms or microbes that are entering the air cooling device (D) are destroyed. In this way, air is disinfected at the level of air entry in the air cooling device (D).

[026] Once air passes through the cooling pad (110, 210), there is every possibility that some microorganisms or microbes may have escaped there through. Therefore, as air reaches the air flow path (130, 230), the photochromatic light (L) which is emitted by the photochromatic light source (120, 220), passes through the air flow path (130, 230), thereby disinfecting air passing through the air flow path (130, 230). More particularly, the photochromatic light (L) breaks DNA sequence of the microorganisms or microbes, thereby destroying the same. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the photochromatic light (L) that is form of the light sheet (L) or the light curtain (L) is angled between 90° and 170° to air flowing through the air flow path (130, 230). Hence, air is exposed to photochromatic light (L) for prolonged period, thereby effectively destroying the microorganism or microbes. In this way, air is disinfected at the further level while flowing through the air flow path (130, 230) inside the air cooling device (D).

[027] Furthermore, possibility that air could still contain remnants of microorganisms or microbes that may exit out of the air cooling device (D), cannot be disregarded. In order to deal with remnants microorganisms or microbes, the air outlet device (140, 240) is molded to comprise a polymer compounded resin between 2% v/v and 4% v/v of silver oxide or zinc oxide nano particles, an UV resistance additive between 1.5% v/v and 2% v/v, and microencapsulated powder additive between 1% v/v and 5% v/v. Due to presence of silver oxide nano particles or zinc oxide nano particles (or any other suitable metal oxide) which is introduced in the air outlet device (140, 240) during its molding process, air which is blown out of by the air outlet device (140, 240) comes in contact with such metal oxide and remnants of microorganisms or microbes are completely destroyed. In this way, air is disinfected at the still further level while exiting out the air cooling device (D).

[028] The present invention as per an embodiment of the present invention is capable of disinfecting air at three levels at least, i.e.at a level of air entry, at a further level when air is flowing inside the air cooling device (D), and at a still further level when air is exiting the air cooling device (D). Advantageously, the system (100, 200) as per an embodiment of the present invention allows complete disinfection of microorganisms or microbes at multi-levels and no microorganisms or microbes blown out of the air cooling device (D), thereby ensuring healthy air available to the user. The harmful microorganisms or microbes which are known to result in allergies, cold and other microorganisms related illnesses/diseases are therefore destroyed or reduced to very large extent. Further, the microorganisms or microbes which produce unpleasant odors, cause discoloration of the surfaces, create biofouling or produce mildew and cause various health problems, are also destroyed in the system (100, 200) for disinfecting air flowing through the air cooling device (D) as per an embodiment of the present invention. As the microorganisms or microbes are destroyed on the cooling pad (110, 210), hence problem of frequently changing or replacing the cooling pad (110, 210) is addressed, as concentration of microorganisms or microbes on the cooling pad (110, 210) does not occur.

EXAMPLE
[029] A test conducted to as certain percentage (%) reduction of total bacterial count (TBC) in air delivery and compare the same for the specimens, which are as follows:
A. Specimen 1 (Prior art): An air cooling device without any provision to disinfect air flowing there through; and
B. Specimen 2 (Present invention): An air cooling device containing the system for multi-level disinfection of air flowing there through, wherein the said system is as per an embodiment of the present invention.

[030] Unit: The TBC is measured in the unit of Colony Forming Unit (CFU).

[031] Procedure/methodology of the test: Initially, both specimens are maintained in switched OFF condition and the TBC in nearby air are determined. Thereafter, both specimens are maintained in switched ON condition, and the TBC in the air flowing through both the specimens are determined. The percentage (%) reduction of TBC in the air delivery during switched OFF and ON conditions is calculated. Finally, the percentage (%) reduction of total bacterial count (TBC) in air delivery determined for both the specimens are compared for ascertaining which specimen has higher percentage (%) reduction of TBC. These steps are repeated periodically, namely on day 1 of use of both specimens, followed by days 3 and 5 of use of both the specimens.

[032] Results: The results obtained upon conducting the test as per the above described methodology is tabulated, which is as follows:

SPECIMEN 1 (PRIOR ART)
DAY
TOTAL BACTERIAL COUNT (TBC) IN NEARBY AND FLOWING THROUGH SPECIMEN 1 MEASURED IN COLONY FORMATION UNIT (CFU) PERCENTAGE (%) REDUCTION TBC
SWITCHED OFF SWITCHED ON
1 35 31 11.4 (X)
3 128 117 8.6 (Y)
5 141 135 4.3 (Z)

SPECIMEN 2
(AN AIR COOLING DEVICE WITHOUT ANY PROVISION TO DISINFECT AIR FLOWING THERETHROUGH)
DAY
TOTAL BACTERIAL COUNT (TBC) IN NEARBY AND FLOWING THROUGH SPECIMEN 1 MEASURED IN COLONY FORMATION UNIT (CFU) PERCENTAGE (%) REDUCTION OF TBC
SWITCHED OFF SWITCHED ON
1 42 8 81.0 (X’)
3 137 28 79.6 (Y’)
5 153 26 83.0 (Z’)

DIFFERENCE IN PERCENTAGE (%) REDUCTION OF TOTAL BACTERIAL COUNT (TBC) IN AIR DELIVERY
PERCENTAGE (%) REDUCTION OF TBC FOR BOTH SPECIMENS DIFFERENCE
SPECIMEN 2
(PRESENT INVENTION) SPECIMEN 1
(PRIOR ART)
81.0 (X’) 11.4 (X) 69.6 (X’ – X)
79.6 (Y’) 8.6 (Y) 71 (Y’ – Y)
83.0 (Z’) 4.3 (Z) 78.7 (Z’ – Z)
VERY HIGH VERY LOW

[033] CONCLUSION OF THE TEST: From the above results, it is concluded that percentage (%) reduction of the total bacterial count (TBC) in the air delivery of the Specimen 2 is much higher than the Specimen 1. The above results also suggest that difference between the percentage (%) reduction of the total bacterial count (TBC) for both the specimens is between a broad range between 69 % and 79 %. Therefore, the Specimen 2 which contains the system for multi-level disinfection of air flowing there through as per an embodiment of the present invention, exhibits a technical advancement over the existing knowledge or prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100, 220 – A system for multi-level disinfection of air flowing through an air cooling device
110, 210 – Cooling pad
120, 220 – Photochromatic light source
130, 230 – Air flow path
140, 240 – Air outlet device
150, 250 – Water reservoir
160, 260 – Auxiliary photochromatic light source
L – Photochromatic light
W – Water
D – Air cooling device
F – Front cover
B – Back cover
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100, 200) for multi-level disinfection of air flowing through an air cooling device (D), the system comprising:
a cooling pad (110, 210);
a photochromatically activeable metal oxide dispersed in the cooling pad (110, 210);
a photochromatic light source (120, 220) emits photochromatic light to activate the photochromatically activeable metal oxide; and
an air flow path (130, 230) defined between the cooling pad (110, 210) and an air outlet device (140, 240) receives photochromatic light (L) from the photochromatic light source (120, 220) installed above the air flow path (130, 230).

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the photochromatically activeable metal oxide is in form of nano particles made of zinc oxide.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the cooling pad (110, 210) comprises a stack having a plurality of nonwoven fabric, wherein a resin is applied on a base of the nonwoven fabric, and the photochromatically activeable metal oxide inform of the nano particles mixed with essential oil are physically dispersed in the resin.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the photochromatic light source (120, 220) emits photochromatic light (L)as a light sheet or a light curtain angled between 90° and 170° to air flowing through the air flow path (130, 230).

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air outlet device (140, 240) is an air blowing device or an air blower.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 5, wherein the air outlet device (140, 240)is molded to comprise a polymer compounded resin between 2% v/v and 4% v/v of silver oxide or zinc oxide nano particles, an UV resistance additive between 1.5% v/v and 2% v/v, and microencapsulated powder additive between 1% v/v and 5% v/v.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the photochromatic light source (120, 220) emits photochromatic light (L) to disinfect water (W) stored in a water reservoir (150, 250) below the system (100, 200), wherein the water reservoir (150, 250) supplies water to the cooling pad (110, 220).

8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the water reservoir (150, 250) has an auxiliary photochromatic light (160, 260) source to emit photochromatic light (L) for disinfecting water (W) stored in the water reservoir (150, 250).

9. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 8, wherein the photochromatic light source (120, 220) or the auxiliary photochromatic light source (160, 260)emit ultraviolet (UV) light from an LED or a lamp or a combination thereof.