It is envisioned that
the isolation hood
may ultimately be
used on commercial
flights to prevent
or reduce the spread
of infection onboard
an aircraft.

CSIRO developing
technologies and solutions
in response to COVID-19
One example technology is
a new isolation hood device
developed by CSIRO to reduce
the risk of infectious particle
transmission between individuals
in close proximity (Figure 1).

It is envisioned that the isolation
hood may ultimately be used on
commercial flights to prevent or
reduce the spread of infection
onboard an aircraft. The hood
might also be used to isolate
infected hospital patients or to
help protect vulnerable hospital
patients from infection (Figure 2).

In contrast to some existing isolation
devices such as sealed face masks
or air-tight suits, the CSIRO isolation
hood is configured to provide a
more comfortable experience for the
individual(s). The hood includes a
partially open configuration enabling
a wearer to reach inside the hood,
if necessary. The hood may also
be large enough to enable a wearer
to eat a meal onboard an aircraft
or to isolate an entire restaurant
table from adjacent tables.

Working with our Patent Attorneys,
CSIRO recently filed a patent
application for the novel aspects
of the device. In particular, the
performance of an opening at
the edge of the device which
is configured to limit potentially
infectious air from entering the hood
and also limit potentially infectious
air from escaping the hood, in the
event that the wearer was infected.

CSIRO is now looking for
opportunities to partner
with manufacturers and
end users in scaling up and
using this technology.

Figure 1
Figure 2
3 Figure 3
Duncan Joiner | Senior Associate
BAeroEng (Hons) LLB (Hons), LLM (IP)
duncan.joiner@pof.com.au Inspire October 2020
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial
Research Organisation (CSIRO) is urgently
investigating and developing new technologies
aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19 infection.