Method and device for purifying ambient air and surfaces

A method for purifying ambient air and/or surfaces, said method comprising the steps of:

• positioning at least three matrices about an ultraviolet bulb such that the resulting photocatalytic reaction is maximized;
• disposing the matrices and the ultraviolet bulb within a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet;
• drawing air into the housing by way of the air inlet;
• drawing air drawn into the housing proximate the matrices and the ultraviolet bulb such that the air is subjected to the photocatalytic reaction;
• forcing air subjected to the photocatalytic reaction from the housing by way of the air outlet;
• and
• wherein said step of positioning includes holding the matrices in position with separate cell frame structures connected together to form a cell cavity about the ultraviolet bulb such that the matrices substantially encompass the ultraviolet bulb and such that a photocatalytic surface of each of the matrices is exposed to ultraviolet light radiated by the ultraviolet bulb to the extent that a photocatalytic reaction occurs at the photocatalytic surface of each of the matrices, the photocatalytic reaction being maximized when the ultraviolet light saturates the photocatalytic surface of each of the matrices.

A purifying device, said purifying device comprising:

• a purifying cell comprising:
• a cell frame defining a plurality of separate frame structures connected together and a cell air inlet, the cell air inlet allowing air to enter said cell frame;
• an ultraviolet bulb radiating ultraviolet light;
• an electrical coupler in electrical communication with said ultraviolet bulb;
• a first matrix having a first photocatalytic surface exposed to the ultraviolet light such that a photocatalytic reaction occurs;
• a second matrix having a second photocatalytic surface exposed to the ultraviolet light such that a photocatalytic reaction occurs;
• a third matrix having a third photocatalytic surface exposed to the ultraviolet light such that a photocatalytic reaction occurs;
• and
• a fourth matrix having a fourth photocatalytic surface exposed to the ultraviolet light such that a photocatalytic reaction occurs;
• whereby said connected plurality of frame structures of said cell frame holds said first matrix, said second matrix, said third matrix, and said fourth matrix about said ultraviolet bulb such that said first matrix, said second matrix, said third matrix, and said fourth matrix substantially encompass said ultraviolet bulb and such that the potential photocatalytic reaction at the first photocatalytic surface, the second photocatalytic surface, the third photocatalytic surface, and the fourth photocatalytic surface is fully realized, air entering said cell frame by way of the cell air inlet being subjected to the combined photocatalytic reaction;
• and
• a housing receiving said purifying cell such that said purifying cell is removeably secured within said housing, said housing defining an air inlet and an air outlet, said housing including a fan drawing ambient air into said housing by way of the air inlet, into said purifying cell by way of the cell air inlet, from the purifying cell by way of said first matrix, said second matrix, said third matrix, and said fourth matrix, and from said housing by way of the air outlet, said housing including a power connector in electrical communication with a power source, said electrical coupler of said purifying cell cooperating with the power connector such that said purifying cell is in terminable electrical communication with the power supply.