Importance

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Abstract

The invention addresses the problem of air filtration and decontamination as required immediately for the COVID-19 pandemic but also will be useful in a variety of applications. Air (1) to the apparatus (100) enters and passes through an optional pre-filter (2) and through a one-way air “check” valve (3). The incoming air (1) then enters the counter-flow heat exchange path (4) and proceeds towards the heating chamber (6). As air enters the heating chamber (6), it immediately encounters heating elements (7). Upon encountering the heating chamber (6), the incoming air, which has been pre-heated by the exiting air, is heated to the desired temperature and exits via the return path (5). Upon completing the path through the exit path for the air, the air is now cooled to the desired exit temperature, for example within a few degrees of the incoming air, and is at a temperature suitable to exit (11) and be delivered to a user. This air may not have the virus removed from it, but the virus will be rendered harmless at this point. The invention is applicable in other contexts. For example, the operation of these systems can generally be reversed to decontaminate air including air exhaled by a user. This may be used in conjunction with a mask worn by a patient or an isolation chamber at least partially enclosing a patient, e.g., a patient room(s) or a tent erected over a patient gurney or bed.

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First Claim