The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is urgently investigating and developing new technologies aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19 infection.
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.
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.
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.
