U.S. patent application number 11/659015 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-04 for cleaning and sterilizing apparatus combined with an ultra-violet lamp.
Invention is credited to Dragoljub Perunicic.
Application Number | 20080295271 11/659015 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32960367 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080295271 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Perunicic; Dragoljub |
December 4, 2008 |
Cleaning and Sterilizing Apparatus Combined with an Ultra-Violet
Lamp
Abstract
A cleaning or sterilizing apparatus combined with an UV lamp
consisting of an upright compact vacuum cleaner (26) comprising a
dust container (27) with a transparent bottom (28) and a suction
nozzle (34) incorporated in the bottom (28) and a protective
housing (31) which covers the dust container (27) and which
incorporates a fan (53) with a centrifugal dust filter (54) and an
UV germicidal lamp fixture (14) for destroying micro-organisms on a
surface to be cleaned and inside the dust container (27). The dust
filter (54), which consists of a cylindrical grating (62) with or
without a cylindrical paper filter (63), is mounted to the
cylindrical opening (59) of the fan's impeller (53a) and located
partly outside of the fan's casing (60) but inside the dust
container (27). Rotating at high speed, the fan's impeller (53a)
sucks in the air through the dust filter (54), which throws of dust
particles outward toward the space inside the dust container (27)
preventing clogging, separating particles from the air and
obtaining purification of the air.
Inventors: |
Perunicic; Dragoljub;
(Solna, SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Family ID: |
32960367 |
Appl. No.: |
11/659015 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
July 27, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/YU05/00019 |
371 Date: |
May 28, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/246.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/32 20130101;
A47L 9/16 20130101; A61L 9/20 20130101; A47L 9/1666 20130101; A47L
11/405 20130101; A47L 9/02 20130101; A47L 9/1683 20130101; A47L
7/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/246.3 |
International
Class: |
A47L 7/00 20060101
A47L007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 5, 2004 |
SE |
0401987-3 |
Claims
1.-8. (canceled)
9. A compact vacuum cleaning apparatus comprising, a protective
housing and a dust container detachable connected thereto, an
electrical motor for driving an impeller of a centrifugal fan, a
fan housing having an air outlet and an air inlet, a suction nozzle
and a dust filter, comprising the dust filter is a centrifugal dust
filter connected to and rotating with the fan impeller.
10. A compact vacuum cleaning apparatus comprising, a protective
housing and a dust container detachable connected thereto, an axial
fan with an impeller driven by a fluid stream, a fan housing having
an air outlet and an air inlet, a suction nozzle and a dust filter,
comprising the dust filter is a centrifugal dust filter connected
to and rotating with the fan impeller.
11. A compact vacuum cleaning apparatus according to claim 9,
wherein the suction nozzle is integrated in the bottom of the dust
container and comprising a conducting cylinder having one suction
opening and one opening facing the centrifugal dust filter.
12. A compact vacuum cleaning apparatus according to claim 9,
wherein the fan comprises a number of blades, which are secured
between a circular back-plate and a front-ring plate having an
opening and in that the centrifugal dust filter is fixed to the
edge of said opening of the front-ring plate.
13. A compact vacuum cleaning apparatus according to claim 9,
wherein the centrifugal dust filter comprises a cylindrical grating
in form of an open top cylinder with a plurality of longitudinally
disposed slots.
14. A compact vacuum cleaning apparatus according to claim 9,
wherein the centrifugal dust filter comprises a circular grating
with a plurality of radially disposed slots.
15. A compact vacuum cleaning apparatus according to claim 9,
wherein the cylindrical or circular grating supports and secures a
paper filter which surrounds the grating.
16. A compact vacuum cleaning apparatus according to claim 9,
wherein the centrifugal dust filter protrudes outside the fan
housing.
17. A compact vacuum cleaning apparatus according to claim 9,
wherein it further comprises a UV germicidal lamp mounted parallel
to the cleaning surface and in that the dust container comprises a
UV transparent bottom and non-transparent sides.
18. A compact vacuum cleaning apparatus according to claim 9,
wherein a switch with an automatically releasing arm is arranged to
interrupt the power supply to the UV germicidal lamp when the dust
container and the protective housing are detached from each other.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to conventional vacuum cleaners or
electrically or mechanically driven brooms (sweepers) which are
combined with ultraviolet lamps and more particularly to UV
germicidal lamps having germicidal effect for killing or
inactivating bacteria, viruses and other primitive organisms during
cleaning and UV black-light lamps having black-light effect for
improving visibility of white, luminous, fluorescent particles and
substances also during vacuum cleaning.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] According to the prior art, there are two types of
ultraviolet lamps, UV lamp having germicidal effect or UV
germicidal lamps and UV lamp having black-light effect or UV
black-light lamps, which are relevant to the invention disclosed in
the present application. The UV germicidal lamp is low-pressure
mercury vapour discharge lamp with a tubular glass envelope, which
emits the short-wave ultraviolet radiation with a peak at 253.7 nm
(UV-C) for germicidal action in which killing or inactivating
bacteria, viruses and other primitive organisms and therefore the
lamp has germicidal or sterilizing or disinfecting effect. Lamp
glass filters out the 185 nm ozone-forming line. UV-C can burns
skin and cause eye injury either from direct or reflected
radiation. The UV germicidal lamp requires usage of protection
goggles, glove, skin protection and eyes protection (ordinary
glass) and therefore is not suitable to be used for illumination.
It is understood that the UV lamp fixture incorporates an UV lamp
and all other electrical and electronic parts, a fixture or
armature, a transparent protection cover, reflexive material etc
which are needed to the lamp to work and therefore those parts will
be omitted from the following text.
[0003] According to the prior art, in one embodiment of the
invention disclosed in the patent DE 8807550 U, UV lamp, which is
used for sterilization of micro-organisms, is attached to a
handling tube of a vacuum cleaner and therefore that lamp
illuminates the surface of floor directly with germicidal radiation
and everything around with reflected germicidal radiation from the
cleaning surface. As skin and eyes must be protected from the
germicidal radiation, the UV lamp disclosed in that patent is not
suitable to be used for a purpose of improvement of visibility even
for sterilization without the protection for eyes and skin. In the
claim 3 of the mentioned patent, a point where the UV lamp is
attached to the handling tube is not specified, while in FIG. 3 of
the drawing is shown that the lamp is located in the front of the
handling tube and therefore the lamp could be damaged by the
furniture. Also, in FIG. 3, is obvious that the lamp is without any
protection against indirect radiation which can damage human eyes
and skin.
[0004] In another embodiment of that patent, UV lamp, which is used
for sterilization of micro-organisms, is located inside the suction
nozzle toward the cleaning surface.
[0005] UV germicidal lamps, which are also used inside suction
nozzles of vacuum cleaners, are disclosed in patents no: U.S. Pat.
No. 4,907,316, U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,723 and GB648967. The
incorporation of the UV germicidal lamp inside the suction nozzle
of the vacuum cleaner increases the height and such suction nozzle
can not enter in the narrow space between the floor and the
furniture where the conventional suction nozzle can. As the suction
nozzle often strikes at the furniture, the UV germicidal lamp
incorporated inside the suction nozzle can be disconnected or
easily damaged and therefore such technical problem could be solved
using the UV germicidal lamp which is located in a separate and
attachable housing to the conventional suction nozzle, as disclosed
in one embodiment of the present invention. As the housing of an
upright vacuum cleaner often strikes at the furniture, the UV
germicidal lamp incorporated inside the housing can be disconnected
or easily damaged and therefore such technical problem could be
solved using the UV germicidal lamp mounted to the housing through
shock-absorbers.
[0006] According to the above mentioned patents the UV lamps
radiate the cleaning surface through transparent sheets and
transparent suction nozzles (operating as any other conventional
suction nozzle) and therefore they are not combined with dust
containers. In the patent JP8131522 UV germicidal lamps are used in
the housing of the conventional canister and upright vacuum cleaner
to "radiate the surface to be cleaned, and dust or like so as to
sterilize them".
[0007] According to the prior art, the UV germicidal lamp and a
dust container having a transparent bottom and a dust container
having a transparent suction nozzle are not used in a combination
with a protective housing for preventing reflective radiation, a
security on/off switch for preventing a risk from radiation in "up"
position and a centrifugal dust filter incorporated in the
motor-fan, all as parts of the present invention. The centrifugal
dust filter keeps dust particles with micro-organisms inside the
dust container while the conventional vacuum cleaner keeps
particles with micro-organisms in the dust bag or container and in
the conventional filter. So dust particles with micro-organisms in
the dust container of the present invention can be exposed to
radiation and sterilisation from the UV germicidal lamp all time
while particles with micro-organisms collected in the filter of the
conventional vacuum cleaner can not.
[0008] According to the prior art, the dust container having the
transparent bottom, as the part of an electrically or mechanically
driven broom or sweeper, is not used in a combination with a UV
germicidal lamp.
[0009] According to the prior art disclosed in mentioned patents,
the suction nozzle or the housing of the upright vacuum cleaner
having UV germicidal lamp has no any protection from reflective
radiation from the floor and from a direct radiation if the suction
nozzle or the housing is in "up" position or turned toward the
person who cleans (or others).
[0010] According to the prior art, in the invention disclosed in
the patent DE4206190, the UV germicidal lamp, which surrounding the
handling tube of a vacuum cleaner, conducts radiation through
optical fibres toward the cleaning surface. In such construction
UV-C radiation is not directed toward the handling tube and the UV
germicidal lamp doesn't radiate the air which passing through the
handling tube. Also, that lamp doesn't radiate the cleaning surface
and a dust bag through reflected radiation coming through internal
side of the connecting parts which internal surface is coated with
reflective material, as disclosed in one embodiment of the
invention.
[0011] According to the prior art, a sterilization chamber with or
without a transparent tube, is not used in any combination with a
UV germicidal lamp and the handling tube of a conventional vacuum
cleaner.
[0012] According to the prior art, UV germicidal lamp in the
invention disclosed in the patent U.S. Pat. No. 3,975,790 is used
for a purification of the exhausted air and therefore UV-C
radiation can not destroy the rest of micro-organisms left in the
dust bag and in the conventional filter of a conventional vacuum
cleaner.
[0013] An important part of the vacuum cleaner having the
germicidal lamp is an UV black-light lamp with black-light effect
which simultaneously with the germicidal lamp contributes in
increasing visibility and cleaning efficiency. Those lamps are so
linked to form a single general inventive concept which is a
requirement of unity of the invention. The UV black-light lamp is
low-pressure mercury vapour lamp with phosphor coating on the inner
surface of the fluorescent tube which absorbs the UV-C emitted by
the low pressure mercury arc and emits longer UV wavelengths (UV-A,
between 345 to 400 nm) and therefore is used for black-light effect
which causing fluorescent particles and substances to glow and
white and luminous particles to be seen better.
[0014] UV-A can not burn skin and cause eye injury either from
direct or reflected radiation. The UV black-light lamp can be used
for illumination without protection goggles, glove, skin protection
and eye protection.
[0015] According to the prior art, in one embodiment of the
invention disclosed in the patent DE 8807550 U, UV lamp, which is
used for sterilization of micro-organisms, is attached to a
handling tube of a vacuum cleaner and therefore that lamp
illuminates the surface of floor directly with germicidal radiation
and everything around with reflected germicidal radiation from the
cleaning surface. As skin and eyes must be protected from the
germicidal radiation, the UV lamp disclosed in that patent is not
suitable to be used for a purpose of improvement of visibility
without the protection for eyes and skin. As the construction of
any UV germicidal lamp does not consist of any fluorescent
material, the UV lamp disclosed in that patent can not provide
black-light effect, which causes fluorescent particles and
substances to glow or to be visible and white and luminous
particles and substances to be better visible and therefore such
lamp can not be used for improving visibility of said particles at
the cleaning surface during cleaning.
[0016] According to the prior art, UV black-light lamps with
black-light effect are not used in any combination with the vacuum
cleaners or electrically or mechanically driven broom (with or
without an UV germicidal lamp) to cause white and luminous
particles and substances to be better visible and fluorescent
particles and substances to glow and to be better visible or to be
visible even if they are not visible under normal light and
therefore they are not used for improvement of visibility and
ocular detection of such particles and substances during
cleaning.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The suction nozzle of a vacuum cleaner, which incorporates
an UV germicidal lamp with germicidal effect, strikes often at the
furniture and therefore the lamp could be disconnected or easily
damaged during cleaning and sterilizing. If the suction nozzle of
the vacuum cleaner is lifted or it is not enough protected, the
radiation from the UV germicidal lamp can radiate a cleaning person
causing damage to eyes and skin.
[0018] According to the above, technical problems consists of the
following questions:
[0019] How to protect UV germicidal lamp to be damaged during
cleaning?
[0020] How to provide an additional protection from UV-C radiation
for the person who cleans?
[0021] How to radiate accumulated dust in the dust container and
the cleaning surface at the same time during cleaning?
[0022] How to protect the person who cleans to inhale bacteria and
viruses from the air, which is spread in a room by a vacuum
cleaner?
[0023] How to sterilize the surface in the room in which nobody is
present?
[0024] The answers on the above questions or technical problems,
which the present invention solves, are comprised in novel
characteristic features of the invention as following:
[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the UV
germicidal lamp fixture is located in a protective housing which is
attached, as an independent attachment, at the back of the
conventional suction nozzle. Moving forward, the conventional
suction nozzle strikes at the furniture and therefore it indirectly
protects the lamp inside the protective housing to be damaged. In
addition to shock-absorbing arms which are located between the
protective housing and the conventional suction nozzle amortize
strikes. The protective housing has an inner compartment, which
surrounding the UV germicidal lamp fixture. The lamp fixture is
attached to the ceiling toward the cleaning surface and therefore
the radiation which is reflected from the cleaning surface is
directed toward the space between the inner compartment and the
protective housing preventing leakage of radiation outside and
providing an additional protection. An automatic mechanically
releasing arm of an on/off switch connected to the UV germicidal
lamp fixture disconnects electricity from the lamp fixture when the
protective housing is lifted or when a person who cleans releases
it by putting away the hand from the handle (which incorporates the
releasing arm of the switch) and therefore radiation outside of the
protective housing is avoided.
[0026] In another embodiment of the invention, the UV germicidal
lamp fixture, which is located inside the electrically or
mechanically driven broom or a compact vacuum cleaner, radiates
dust in a dust container and through the transparent bottom of the
dust container radiates the cleaning surface. Bacteria, which are
not destroyed instantly on the cleaning surface, would be destroyed
in the dust container later during cleaning.
[0027] In another embodiment of the present invention, the UV
germicidal lamp fixture, which is located inside a sterilization
chamber, radiates the air or the air with dust which passing
through the sterilization chamber or the transparent handling tube
(if it is installed in the chamber). The exhausted air, which is
going out from the vacuum cleaner, contains sterilized viruses and
bacteria which are harmless to a person who inhales them during
cleaning. The sterilization chamber surrounds the UV germicidal
lamp fixture and the transparent handling tube (if it is
incorporated in the chamber) and provides a protection from
radiation. In this embodiment of the present invention when the
sterilization chamber is used without the transparent tube, the
sterilization chamber which has a larger volume in compare with the
handling tube, can reduce the speed of the air which passing
through the chamber and therefore increase the time of radiation
and sterilization of bacteria, viruses and micro-organisms. The UV
germicidal lamp fixture, which is located in the sterilization
chamber, can indirectly radiate by reflection the cleaning surface
and dust bag if the internal surface of the connecting tubes of the
vacuum cleaner are coated with a reflective material. If an ozone
type UV germicidal lamp fixture is used inside the sterilization
chamber, ozone which is produced by the UV lamp fixture will be
spread on the surface in a room by the vacuum cleaner killing
bacteria and viruses on the surface.
[0028] Due to cloudy, dark days and short days during a winter
period, cleaning is mostly performed under artificial illumination
mostly from ceilings and therefore the cleaning area especially
under tables, beds etc is very bad illuminated. Due to bad
visibility some areas could be left unclean and the cleaning must
be repeated often or an additional cleaning is needed and therefore
technical problems consist of the following questions:
[0029] How to improve visibility of the cleaning area
simultaneously with cleaning and sterilizing? How to improve
visibility at the cleaning area especially under tables, beds etc
during short dark winter days and cloudy days in order to avoid
often cleaning or to use the additional cleaning for example with
water and chemical?
[0030] How to improve control and efficiency of the cleaning?
[0031] How to detect during cleaning fluorescent substances
contained in dry animal urine, hydraulic or regular motor oil etc
which are penetrated in the cleaning surface and which are not
visible under artificial light, germicidal light and daily light?
How to detect cracks on the cleaning surface during cleaning?
[0032] How to protect an UV black-light lamp from damaging during
cleaning?
[0033] How to supply electricity to the UV black-light without
connection to mains?
[0034] The answers on the above questions or technical problems,
which the invention solves, are comprised in the novel
characteristic features of the present invention as follows:
[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, an UV
black-light lamp fixture having black-light effect is located on
the handling tube or broom's stick or suction nozzle from behind so
the suction nozzle strikes at the furniture during movement and
because of that protects the lamp to be damaged. Shock-absorbing
arms absorb shocks of strikes. In each movement of the suction
nozzle or the broom's stick forward, the black-light lamp fixture
illuminates the cleaning area behind the suction nozzle causing the
rest of white, luminous and fluorescent particles, which are not
removed, to glow or to be better visible indicating a need to move
the suction nozzle backward for an addition cleaning of that
surface. The germicidal lamp having sterilizing effect combined
with the UV black-light lamp fixture having black-light effect
during cleaning simultaneously sterilizing and improving visibility
of the cleaning surface especially under tables, beds etc and
during short winter days causing white particles of dust and
accumulated formation of dust, luminous, fluorescent particles and
substances to be much better visible in compare with the
illumination from artificial ceiling light. Due to sterilization
and improved visibility of visible and non-visible particles and
substances contained in dry animal urine, hydraulic or regular
motor oil etc, often cleaning or an addition cleaning is avoided
and the control, quality and efficiency of cleaning are
improved.
[0036] Due to low energy consumption and a standard operating
voltage of the germicidal lamp fixture and the black-light lamp
fixture of the present invention, the lamps in a combination with a
cleaning apparatus can operates on batteries avoiding any
connection to mains by a cable. During vacuum cleaning the
conventional filter system is quickly clogged with dust particles
and therefore the suction efficiency is not sufficient and a
powerful motor-fan is needed for suction. In spite of very high
efficiency of today conventional (HEPA) filters, a very small
percentage of dust, bacteria and viruses, which passing through the
conventional filters, can damage bronchi of lungs due to very high
speed (causing allergy or asthma) and still spread some diseases,
specially if the filters and bags are not changed regularly (and
smell of dust is an indication for that).
[0037] During and after cleaning with powerful vacuum cleaners
airborne bacteria in dust particles fall all around the room on the
surface of the furniture, floors etc. so the surface must be
cleaned with another cleaning method. Conventional vacuum cleaners
comprising conventional filters, powerful fans, dust-bags and cable
connection to the mains are more expensive than the vacuum cleaners
according to the invention. Also, expensive filters (HEPA filters,
which can cost more than the vacuum cleaner) must be changed very
often. The cyclone technology which is combined with conventional
vacuum cleaners is helpful but can not eliminate a need for
expensive conventional filters. Static and vibration filters are
expensive and require frequently cleaning.
[0038] Industrial vacuum cleaners or other similar
apparatus-collectors in the processing industry use conventional
filters for mechanical separation and collection of airborne
particles during or after grinding, sanding, sawing, sweeping and
ventilating. Those filters are also quickly clogged with particles
and the suction efficiency is not sufficient and therefore filters
must be changed frequently.
[0039] Air-conditioners, air-purifiers or other stationary
filtration systems for air purification are not primary designed to
collect airborne dust particles and therefore such systems do not
contain dust containers. Airborne dust particles in a room will not
be removed by mentioned devices and dust particles will fall on the
surface and accumulate there after some time. It requires vacuum
cleaning etc.
[0040] Filtrating of exhausted gases from combustion chambers and
combustion engines is a big problem and require efficient and
inexpensive filtration.
[0041] Concerning the above mentioned, technical problems consist
of the following questions:
[0042] How to eliminate or reduce clogging of the filter?
[0043] How to reduce consumption of power?
[0044] How to improve suction efficiency?
[0045] How to reduce contamination or how to improve filtration of
exhausted gases?
[0046] How to facilitate emptying of a dust container and how to
prevent falling dust particles?
[0047] The answers on the above questions or technical problems,
which the invention solves, are comprised in the novel
characteristic features of the present invention as follows:
[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the impeller of
axial or radial/centrifugal fan of a vacuum cleaner is provided
with a centrifugal dust filter with or without cylindrical filter
made of any filtrating material (paper etc). The centrifugal dust
filter eliminates clogging and therefore a need for very powerful
motor-fan/blower with so strong power to overcome resistance of
conventional filters during three steps filtration (as usually) and
therefore the power or "clean watts" of the smaller
motor-blower/fan with the new type of filter can provide the same
or similar efficiency of cleaning as the conventional vacuum
cleaner. The centrifugal dust filter has much less loss of suction
and the vacuum cleaner can remove twice as much dust as the popular
cylinder cleaners. Air stream of smaller motor-fans/blowers of the
invention can not spread exhaust air with bacteria, particles of
dust etc all around the room as the powerful vacuum cleaners and
therefore cleaning with the new vacuum cleaner does not require the
surface cleaning due to vacuum cleaning. Due to the new filter, the
consumption of power is much less and batteries could last or
operate longer with each charging.
[0049] The long-life clogging-free filter is easy to produce at low
cost. Only one filter is needed for each motor-fan and there is no
need to change filter. Replacement of the conventional filtration
system and the powerful motor-fan with the centrifugal dust filter
and smaller motor-fan, makes the construction of the vacuum cleaner
simple (require smaller tools for production of plastic housing
etc.) and therefore production cost and maintenance of the new
vacuum cleaner is much lower in compare with conventional vacuum
cleaners. The new centrifugal dust filter with or without
cylindrical paper filter, when is used in industrial vacuum
cleaners or collectors for filtration/separation and collection of
airborne particles during grinding, sanding, sawing, sweeping,
vacuum cleaning, ventilating and emitting exhausted gases from
combustion chambers and combustions engines, eliminates or reduces
clogging and therefore a need for a powerful motor-blower with a
strong power to overcome resistance of conventional filters (as a
subject of clogging) during filtration and therefore the power or
"clean watts" of the smaller motor-blower/fan can provide the same
or similar efficiency.
[0050] In another embodiment of the present invention, at least two
vacuum cleaners are stationary located at different location in the
room. From one place, each vacuum cleaner through centrifugal dust
filter sucks in the air with airborne dust particles and
micro-organisms contained in the room and therefore prevent that
particles fall and to be accumulated on the surface in the room.
The vacuum cleaner preferably operates all time or non-stop
collecting airborne dust particles and micro-organisms. Such vacuum
cleaner or "self-operating vacuum cleaner" it doesn't require any
man power for operation of cleaning except to empty the dust
container from time to time.
[0051] The centrifugal dust filter, which is used in a
filtration/separation of particles in exhausted gases from any
combustion chamber and combustion engine, is provided with a
heat-resident grating. The centrifugal fan, the dust container and
the protective cover of the exhausting chamber are also made from
heat-resident material.
THE BEST MODE TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION
[0052] In FIGS. 1a and 1b is disclosed a compact vacuum cleaner
(26) in a combination with an UV germicidal lamp fixture (14), as
one embodiment of the present invention, which is provided with a
centrifugal dust filter (54) mounted on a centrifugal fan's
impeller (53a) and with a dust container (27) having a transparent
bottom (28) and non-transparent sides (29). The dust container
(27), which is supported by four wheels (30), is covered with an
attachable protective housing (31). The UV germicidal lamp fixture
(14) and the centrifugal fan (53) for sucking in the air are
attached to the ceiling of the protective housing (31) toward the
dust container (27). A handling stick (33) is attached to the
protective housing (31). A transparent or non-transparent suction
nozzle (34) is incorporated in the transparent bottom (28) of the
dust container (29), which is transparent for ultraviolet UV-C
rays. The tubular UV germicidal lamp fixture (14) is located
parallel to the long side of the protective housing (31) radiating
the cleaning area which is determined by the protective housing
(31). The radiation which is reflected from the cleaning surface is
directed toward the space between the protective housing (31) and
the non-transparent sides (29) of the dust container (27)
preventing leakage of radiation outside. The radiation from the UV
germicidal lamp fixture (14) through the transparent bottom (28)
destroys bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms on the
cleaning surface during movement of the vacuum cleaner (26) and
inside the dust container (27) all the time during cleaning. If
some bacteria and viruses are not destroyed instantly on the
cleaning surface they would be destroyed in the dust container (27)
later on during cleaning. An automatic mechanically releasing arm
(19) of an on/off switch (20) connected to the UV germicidal lamp
fixture (14) disconnects electricity from the lamp fixture (14)
when the protective housing (31) is lifted "up".
[0053] If the transparent suction nozzle (34) is not incorporated
in the bottom (28), a connecting tube (72), a handling tube and a
hose can connect a conventional suction nozzle (8) with the vacuum
cleaner (26). It means that the UV germicidal lamp fixture (14) in
the compact vacuum cleaner (26) does not radiate the cleaning
surface but it sterilizes the air with bacteria and viruses which
are sucked in the dust container (27).
[0054] In FIGS. 2a and 2b is disclosed the compact vacuum cleaner
(26) in a combination with an UV germicidal lamp fixture (14), as
another embodiment of the present invention, which is provided with
a dust container (27) and with a centrifugal dust filter (54)
mounted on a fan's impeller (53a). The dust container (27) is
covered with a protective housing (31) having the centrifugal fan
(53) for sucking in the air. The tubular UV germicidal lamp fixture
(14) is mounted to the protective housing (31) radiating the area
determined by the protective housing (31) and the dust container
(27).
[0055] A conducting cylinder (32), which is located in the dust
container (27) with its opening (55) toward the centrifugal dust
filter (54), separates the dust container (27) from the air stream
which is sucked in by the centrifugal fan (53) from the opening
(66) of the suction nozzle (34). The radiation from the UV
germicidal lamp fixture (14) destroys bacteria, viruses and other
micro-organisms inside the dust container (27) all the time. An
automatic mechanically releasing arm (19) of an on/off switch (20)
connected to the UV germicidal lamp fixture (14) disconnects
electricity from the UV germicidal lamp fixture (14) when the
attachable dust container (27) is separated from the protective
housing (31) to avoid radiation outside of the protection housing
(31).
[0056] The above embodiment is used for mechanical separation of
particles in industrial vacuum cleaners or other similar apparatus
used in processing industries for filtration/separation and
collection of airborne particles during grinding, sanding, sawing,
sweeping, vacuum cleaning, ventilating and emitting exhausted gases
from combustion chambers and combustions engines.
[0057] In FIGS. 3a-3f is disclosed the centrifugal dust filter (54)
which is mounted to the impeller (53a) or to the rotor of the
centrifugal or axial fan (53) or to the shaft of the motor (52).
The centrifugal dust filter (54) comprising a circular or
cylindrical grating (62) or net with or without a circular or
cylindrical paper (or another type of) filter (63), which is used
for dust bags. The cylindrical grating (62) is in a shape of an
open top cylinder like a squirrel cage or a cylinder or cone with a
plurality of longitudinally disposed slots. The grating (62)
consists of number of bars with gaps or slots there between. The
fan' impeller (53a) sucks in the air trough those gaps or
slots.
[0058] The grating (62) can be secured at the cylindrical opening
(59) of the impeller's ring circular front-plate (58) of the
centrifugal fan (53) or to the ends of impeller's blades of the
axial fan (53a) or on the rotor's or motor's shaft which drives the
fan's impeller.
[0059] The grating (62) supports the paper (or another kind) filter
(63) if any and prevents that the fan's impeller (53a) sucks in
dust particles. The centrifugal dust filter (54) is located in a
line with or outside the cylindrical inlet (64) of the fan's casing
(60) but inside the dust container (22). The cylindrical casing
(60) of the fan (53) has an air outlet (61) which is located
outside the dust container (22). The centrifugal fan's impeller
(53a) having blades (56) secured between a circular back-plate (57)
and a ring circular front-plate (58). The circular front-plate (58)
has at its centre a cylindrical opening (59) for sucking in the
air. The centrifugal fan's impeller (53a) is located in a
cylindrical casing (60), which is mounted to the ceiling of the
protective housing (31). The cylindrical inlet (64) of the casing
(60) is toward the dust container (27).
[0060] The impeller (53a) of the centrifugal or axial fan (53),
rotating at high speed, sucks in the air through the grating (62)
with or without the paper filter (63) on it. Due to the centrifugal
force, dust particles or another kind of particles are thrown
outward from the grating (62) or the paper filter (63) toward the
room inside the dust container (27).
[0061] The centrifugal fan' impeller (53a) and the grating (62) can
make the air stream spinning, so dust particles, which are subject
to centrifugal force, are thrown out from the air toward the room
inside the dust container. The higher the speed of the impeller,
the higher is the centrifugal force. The conducting cylinder (32)
directs and separates the air stream from the rest of the dust
container (27). The centrifugal dust filters (54), in a new
production of conventional vacuum cleaners having dust bags, could
stop (in another dust chamber) fine particles of dust which passing
through conventional dust bags improving the purification of air.
The air purification with a mechanical separation of dust particles
from the air by the paper filter (63) eliminates a need for
expensive filters or other methods of purification (through water
etc) to meet requests from people who are allergic on dust or
asthmatic. The centrifugal dust filter (54) is used for mechanical
separation of particles in industrial vacuum cleaners or other
similar apparatus used in processing industries for filtration or
separation and collection of airborne particles during grinding,
sanding, sawing, sweeping, vacuum cleaning, ventilating and
emitting exhausted gases from combustion chambers or engines.
[0062] In FIGS. 4a-4c is disclosed another embodiment of the
invention in which one or both parts of the conventional handling
tube of the vacuum cleaner (1) is replaced with a sterilizing
chamber (36) or with sterilizing chamber (36) having a transparent
handling tube (35). The sterilizing chamber (36) consisting of a
non-transparent tube (37) which top opening is used for inserting
and securing a circular top cover (38) or the cylindrical inlet
(64) of cylindrical casing (60) of a centrifugal fan (53) when the
chamber (36) is used as a dust container (27). The bottom opening
of the non-transparent tube (37) is used for inserting and securing
a circular bottom cover (40). The circular top cover (38)
comprising a hole (39) for inserting the tube of flexible hose
(42). The circular bottom cover (40) comprising a hole (41) for
inserting a conventional handling tube (8) or the suction nozzle
tube (51). The UV germicidal lamp fixture (14; 44), which is
located longitudinally inside the tube (37) of the sterilizing
chamber (36), is attached to shock-absorbers (6a). The speed of the
air flow which is sucked in by the vacuum cleaner (1) is reduced
inside the sterilizing chamber (36) due to increased volume
providing a longer time of exposure of bacteria, viruses and
micro-organisms to radiation and sterilization. The sterilizing
chamber (36) having the transparent handling tube (35) conducts the
air or the air with dust through the transparent handling tube
(35), which is transparent for UV-C rays, from the conventional
handling tube (8) or the tube of suction nozzle (51) or directly to
the tube of flexible hose. The tubular UV germicidal lamp fixture
(14; 44) radiates inside the sterilizing chamber (36) or inside the
sterilizing chamber (36) and the transparent handling tube (35).
The UV germicidal lamp fixture (14; 44) and the transparent
handling tube (35) if any are surrounded by the non-transparent
tube (37) of the sterilizing chamber (36) and the top and bottom
cover (38; 40) which are non-transparent for UV-C rays avoiding
radiation. The radiation from the UV germicidal lamp fixture (14)
destroys bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms contained in
the air and the dust which passing through the sterilizing chamber
(36) or the transparent handling tube (35). The UV germicidal lamp
fixture (14) can indirectly radiate by reflection the cleaning
surface if the inner surface of other components, which conducting
the air, are coated with reflective material.
[0063] Ozone, which is produced by the radiation from the ozone
type UV germicidal lamp fixture (44) in the air passing through the
transparent handling tube (35) or the sterilizing chamber (36), is
dragged out by the vacuum cleaner (1) into a room destroying
bacteria and viruses on the room's surface. The tubular ozone type
UV germicidal lamp fixture (44) is activated or inactivated by a
motion sensor or a wireless remote control set (46;47;48) through
an on/off switch (45) connected to the ozone UV germicidal lamp
fixture (44) providing a safe usage of such lamp fixture (44) in a
combination with the vacuum cleaner (1) avoiding the usage of a
long cable.
[0064] In FIGS. 5a and 5b is disclosed one embodiment of the
invention which comprising a protective housing (15) and a
germicidal lamp fixture (14) having sterilizing effect. The
protective housing (15) comprising an inner compartment (17) which
surrounds the lamp fixture (14). The lamp (14) radiates the
cleaning surface which reflects rays toward the space between the
inner compartment (17) and the protective housing (15) preventing
leakage of radiation outside. The UV germicidal lamp fixture (14)
is located parallel to the long side of the protective housing (15)
and transversal to the direction of movement. The fixture (14) is
located toward and parallel to the cleaning surface equally
radiating that surface in the area which is determined by the
protective housing (15). The protective housing (15) is supported
with at least two wheels (18), which are located in the space
between the inner compartment (17) and the protective housing (15).
The protective housing (15) is attached to the suction nozzle (4)
of the compact vacuum cleaner (26). The suction nozzle (4) protects
the protective housing (15) and the lamp inside the lamp fixture
(14) to be damaged because the suction nozzle (4) of the vacuum
cleaner strikes directly at the furniture or walls during movement
forward. The shock-absorbers (16a) absorb shocks which the suction
nozzle (4) makes striking at the furniture avoiding damages of the
lamp and the lamp fixture (14). An automatic mechanically releasing
arm (19) of an on/off switch (20) can be used to disconnect
electricity from the lamp and the lamp fixture (14) when the
protective housing (15) is in "up" position avoiding the outside
radiation. Radiation from the UV germicidal lamp fixture (14)
destroys micro-organisms on the cleaning surface during
cleaning.
[0065] In FIGS. 6a and 6b is disclosed another embodiment of the
invention comprising an electrically or mechanically driven broom
(sweeper) (2) combined with an UV germicidal lamp fixture (14). The
broom's housing (5) is provided with the tubular UV germicidal lamp
fixture (14) having sterilizing effect, which is attached to the
ceiling of the broom's housing (5) and which is parallel to the
long side of the broom's housing (5) and transversal to the
direction of broom's movement. A conventional dust container of the
broom (2) is replaced with a dust container (22) which consists of
non-transparent sides (23) and a transparent bottom (24), which is
transparent for ultraviolet germicidal UV-C rays or radiation. The
UV germicidal lamp fixture (14) radiates toward the cleaning
surface through the transparent bottom (24) during cleaning
radiating the cleaning area which is determined by the broom's
housing (5). The radiation which is reflected from the cleaning
surface is directed toward the space between the broom's housing
(5) and the non-transparent sides (23) of the dust container (22)
preventing leakage of radiation outside. Radiation from the UV
germicidal lamp fixture (14) through the transparent bottom (24)
during movement destroys bacteria, viruses and other
micro-organisms on the cleaning surface and inside the dust
container (22) all the time during cleaning. Some bacteria and
viruses which are not destroyed instantly on the cleaning surface
would be destroyed in the dust container (22) during cleaning. An
automatic mechanically releasing arm (19) of an on/off switch (20)
connected to the UV germicidal lamp fixture (14) disconnects
electricity from the UV germicidal lamp fixture (14),when the
broom's housing (5) is in "up" position providing a protection from
radiation.
[0066] In FIGS. 7a and 7b (the claim 8) is disclosed another
embodiment of the invention in which the UV black-light lamp
fixture (3) is attached to the suction nozzle (4) of the vacuum
cleaner (1) through two shock-absorbing arms (6). The arms (6) have
shock absorbers (6a) located between arm strips (6b). The ends of
the arm strips (6b) are mounted to the suction nozzle (4) on one
side and to wheels (7) on another side,
[0067] The absorbers (6a) absorb shocks which the suction nozzle
(4) makes during striking at furniture during cleaning. The UV
black-light lamp fixture (3), which is located parallel to the long
side of the suction nozzle (4), is attached from behind the suction
nozzle (4). The suction nozzle (4), which is located in the front
of the lamp (3), protects the lamp fixture (3) to be damaged when
the suction nozzle (4) strikes at the furniture during movement
forward. The UV black-light lamp fixture (3) during cleaning
illuminates the cleaning area behind the suction nozzle (4) in each
movement of the suction nozzle (4) forward causing the rest of
white, luminous and fluorescent particles or substances (which are
not removed) to glow or to be better visible indicating if any need
to move the suction nozzle (4) backward for an addition cleaning.
The tubular UV black-light lamp fixture (3) is located toward and
parallel to the cleaning surface improving visibility at the
cleaning surface along the length of the lamp (3) which is
transversal to the direction of movement during cleaning. The UV
black-light lamp fixture (3) is located at a height which allows to
a person who cleans to see the illuminated surface and to use the
handling tube (8) of the vacuum cleaner (1) in a position which is
parallel relative to the cleaning surface during cleaning the
narrow space between the floor and the furniture.
[0068] In FIGS. 8a-8d (the claim 9) is disclosed another embodiment
of the invention in which the tubular UV black-light lamp fixture
(3) is attached parallel or transversal to the handling tube (8) of
the vacuum cleaner (1) while the compact black-light lamp fixture
(9) is attached parallel and longitudinally to the handling tube.
The UV black-light lamp fixture (3) is attached from behind the
handling tube (8) and therefore located from behind the suction
nozzle (4) too. The suction nozzle (4), which is in the front
relative to the lamp fixture (3), protects the lamp fixture (3) to
be damaged when the suction nozzle (4) strikes directly at the
furniture during movement forward. The UV black-light lamp fixture
(3) is attached to the handling tube (8) with at least one
shock-absorbing connecting element (10), which consists of a plate
(11) which one part has a hole (12) for inserting the handling tube
(8) in it and another part which is attached through an shock
absorber (6a) to the tubular lamp fixture (3) or a socket (13) of
the compact lamp fixture (9). The connecting element (10) rotates
around the handling tube (8) if it is forced. The shock-absorbers
(6a) absorb shocks, which are transferred through the handling tube
(8) from the suction nozzle (4), which strikes at the furniture.
Shock-absorbers (6a) reduce risks of the lamp fixture's (3; 9)
damages. The UV black-light lamp fixture (3; 9) during cleaning
illuminates the cleaning area behind the handling tube (8) in each
movement of the handling tube (8) forward causing the rest of
white, luminous and fluorescent particles or substances (which are
not removed) to glow or to be better visible indicating if any need
to move the handling tube (8) backward for an addition cleaning.
The tubular UV black-light lamp fixture (3), which is located
transversal to the handling tube (8), is located toward and
parallel to the cleaning surface and parallel to the long side of
the suction nozzle (8) illuminating the cleaning surface along the
length of the lamp fixture (3) which is transversal to the
direction of movement during cleaning. The UV black-light lamp
fixture (3) and the compact UV black-light lamp fixture (9) which
is attached parallel to the handling tube (8) emitting black light
toward the cleaning surface improving visibility.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0069] FIGS. 1a-1d illustrate a top view of a dust container (27)
and a laterally cross-section view of a compact vacuum cleaner (26)
consisting of an UV germicidal lamp fixture (14), a centrifugal fan
(53) with a centrifugal dust filter (54) and the dust container
(27) with a transparent bottom (28).
[0070] In FIGS. 1a and 1c is shown the dust filter (54) which has
the grating (62) in the line with the cylindrical inlet (64) and
another one which has the grating (62) outside the cylindrical
inlet (64). Both dust filters (54) have the paper filter (63).
[0071] FIGS. 2a & 2b illustrate laterally cross-section vies of
compact vacuum cleaners (26) one having a centrifugal fan (53) and
another one having axial fan (53). Both fans having the centrifugal
dust filters (54) with gratings (62) are used as separators and
collectors.
[0072] FIGS. 3a-3f illustrate a laterally cross-section and top
view of the grating (62) in the line and outside the cylindrical
inlet (64) belong to the centrifugal-radial and axial fans
(53).
[0073] FIGS. 4a-4c illustrate laterally cross-section views of
sterilization chambers (36).
[0074] FIG. 4a shows the sterilization chamber (36) having an UV
germicidal lamp fixture (14), as an attachment to a handling tube
(8). FIG. 4b illustrates the sterilization chamber (36) having a
transparent handling tube (35) and an ozone type UV germicidal lamp
fixture (44). FIG. 4c illustrates sterilization chamber (36) having
a centrifugal fan (53) with a cylindrical centrifugal dust filter
(54) and an UV germicidal lamp fixture (14). The sterilization
chamber (36) is used as a dust container (27) simultaneously.
[0075] FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate a laterally cross-section and a
bottom view of an attachment to a suction nozzle (4) of a vacuum
cleaner (1) having an UV germicidal lamp fixture (14).
[0076] FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate a laterally cross-section and a
bottom view of an electrically or mechanically driven broom (2)
having an UV germicidal lamp fixture (14) and a dust container (22)
having a transparent bottom (24).
[0077] FIGS. 7a and 7b (the claim 8) illustrate a laterally and a
top view of an attachment to a suction nozzle (4) of a vacuum
cleaner (1) having an UV black-light lamp fixture (3).
[0078] FIGS. 8a and 8d (the claim 9) illustrates laterally views of
attachments to handling tubes (8) In which tubular or compact (with
a reflector) UV black-light lamp fixtures (3, 9) are located
parallel to the handling tubes (8).
[0079] FIGS. 8b and 8c (the claim 9) illustrate a laterally and a
top view of an attachment in which the tubular UV black-light lamp
fixture (3) is located transversal to the handling tube (8).
[0080] 1. A cleaning or sterilizing apparatus combined with UV lamp
comprising an upright compact vacuum cleaner (26), an UV germicidal
lamp fixture (14) having sterilizing effect and a centrifugal fan
(53) having a centrifugal dust filter (54) and an electrical motor
(52), wherein the clean-air type multi stage suction centrifugal
fan's impeller or the centrifugal fan's impeller (53a) comprising a
number of pairs of blades (56) secured between a circular
back-plate (57) and a front-plate (58), wherein the circular
front-plate (58) has at its centre a cylindrical opening (59),
wherein the centrifugal fan's impeller (53a) is located in a
cylindrical fan's casing (60) having an air outlet (61) and a
cylindrical inlet (64), wherein the cylindrical casing (60) is
mounted to the ceiling of the protective housing (31),
characterized in that the compact vacuum cleaner (26) comprising a
dust container (27) having a transparent bottom (28) and
non-transparent sides (29), which is supported by four wheels (30)
and covered with an attachable protective housing (31) having the
centrifugal fan (53) for sucking in the air and in that a
transparent suction nozzle (34) is incorporated in the transparent
bottom (28) of the dust container (27), which is transparent for
the short-wave ultraviolet radiation and in that the tubular UV
germicidal lamp fixture (14) is mounted to the ceiling of
protective housing (31) toward and parallel to the cleaning surface
and longitudinally positioned to the protective housing (31)
radiating the cleaning area determined by the protective housing
(31) and in that the space between the protective housing (31) and
the non-transparent sides (29) of the dust container (27)
preventing that the radiation which is reflected from the cleaning
surface under the dust container (27) is seen by a person who
cleans and in that a conducting cylinder (32), which is located in
the dust container (27) with its opening (55) toward the
centrifugal dust filter (54), separates the dust container (27)
from the air stream which is sucked in by the centrifugal fan (53)
from the opening (66) of the suction nozzle (34) and in that during
movement of the vacuum cleaner (26) the radiation from the UV
germicidal lamp fixture (14) through the transparent bottom (28)
destroys bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms on the
cleaning surface and inside the dust container (27) all the time
during cleaning so if some bacteria and viruses are not destroyed
instantly on the cleaning surface they would be destroyed in the
dust container (27) later on during cleaning and in that an
automatic mechanically releasing arm (19) of an on/off switch (20)
connected to the UV germicidal lamp fixture (14) disconnects
electricity from the UV germicidal lamp fixture (14) when the
protective housing (31) is lifted up from the dust container (27)
to be emptied avoiding radiation outside of the protection housing
(31).
[0081] 2. A cleaning or sterilizing apparatus combined with UV lamp
comprising a compact vacuum cleaner (26a), an UV germicidal lamp
fixture (14) having sterilizing effect and a centrifugal or axial
fan (53) having a centrifugal dust filter (54) which is driven by a
motor (52) or the air or fluid stream, characterized in that the
compact vacuum cleaner (26a) comprising a dust container (27) which
is covered with an attachable protective housing (31) having the
fan (53; 53b) for sucking in the air and in that the tubular UV
germicidal lamp fixture (14) is longitudinally mounted to the
ceiling of protective housing (31) radiating the area determined by
the protective housing (31) and the dust container (27) and in that
a conducting cylinder (32), which is located in the dust container
(27) with its opening (55) toward the centrifugal dust filter (54),
separates the air stream, which is sucked in by the fan (53), from
the rest of the dust container (27) and in that the radiation from
the UV germicidal lamp fixture (14) destroys bacteria, viruses and
other micro-organisms inside the dust container (27) and in that an
automatic mechanically releasing arm (19) of an on/off switch (20)
connected to the UV germicidal lamp fixture (14) disconnects
electricity from the UV germicidal lamp fixture (14) when the
protective housing (31) is lifted up.
[0082] 3. The cleaning or sterilizing apparatus according to claim
1 or 2 characterized in that the impeller (53a) of the fan (53)
comprising the centrifugal dust filter (54), which consists of a
circular or cylindrical grating (62) with or without a circular or
cylindrical paper filter (63) and in that the circular or
cylindrical grating (62), which supports and secures the circular
or cylindrical paper filter (63), is secured in the cylindrical
opening (59) of the fan's impeller (53a) and in that the
centrifugal dust filter (54) is in the line with or outside the
cylindrical inlet (64) and in that the fan's impeller (53a)
rotating at high speed sucks in the air through the grating (62)
and the paper filter (63) while particles of dust coming at the
grating (62) with or without the paper filter (63) are thrown by a
centrifugal force outward toward the room in the dust container
(27) passing through the space between the dust filter (54) and the
opening (55) of the conducting cylinder (32) which conducts the air
from the suction nozzle (34) toward the centrifugal dust filter
(54) separating the air stream from the dust container (27) and in
that the centrifugal dust filter (54) which prevents that any dust
particles go outside from the vacuum cleaner (26) is used for the
air purification during cleaning with the vacuum cleaner (1;26)
with or without a conventional dust bag and in that the centrifugal
dust filter (54) is used for mechanical separation of particles in
industrial vacuum cleaners or other similar apparatus used in
processing industries.
[0083] 4. A cleaning or sterilizing apparatus combined with UV lamp
comprising a vacuum cleaner (1) and an UV germicidal lamp fixture
(14) having germicidal or disinfecting effect or an ozone type UV
germicidal lamp fixture (44) emitting the short-wave ultraviolet
radiation which produces ozone having germicidal or disinfecting
effect, characterized in that one or both parts of the conventional
handling tube of the vacuum cleaner (1) is replaced with a
sterilizing chamber (36) or with sterilizing chamber (36) having a
transparent handling tube (35) and in that the sterilizing chamber
(36) consisting of a non-transparent tube (37) which top opening is
used for inserting and securing a circular top cover (38) or the
cylindrical inlet (64) of cylindrical casing (60) of a centrifugal
fan (53) with a dust filter (54) and in that the bottom opening of
the non-transparent tube (37) is used for inserting and securing a
circular bottom cover (40) and in that the circular top cover (38)
comprising a hole (39) for inserting the tube of flexible hose (42)
and in that the circular bottom cover (40) comprising a hole (41)
for inserting the conventional handling tube (8) or the tube of
suction nozzle (51) and in that the UV germicidal lamp fixture (14;
44), which is located longitudinally inside the tube (37) of the
sterilizing chamber (36), is attached to shock-absorbers (6a) and
in that the speed of the air which is sucked in by the vacuum
cleaner (1) is reduced inside the sterilizing chamber (36) due to
increased volume providing a longer time of exposure of bacteria,
viruses and micro-organisms to radiation and sterilization and in
that the sterilizing chamber (36) having the transparent handling
tube (35) conducts the air or the air with dust through the
transparent handling tube (35), which is transparent for UV-C rays,
from the conventional handling tube (8) or the tube of suction
nozzle (51) or directly to the tube of flexible hose (42) and in
that the tubular UV germicidal lamp fixture (14; 44) radiates
inside the sterilizing chamber (36) or inside the sterilizing
chamber (36) and the transparent handling tube (35) and in that the
UV germicidal lamp fixture (14;44) and the transparent handling
tube (35) if any are surrounded by the non-transparent tube (37) of
the sterilizing chamber (36) and the top and bottom cover (38;40)
which are non-transparent for UV-C rays avoiding radiation and in
that the radiation from the UV germicidal lamp fixture (14)
destroys bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms contained in
the air or the air with dust which passing through the sterilizing
chamber (36) or the transparent handling tube (35) and in that the
UV germicidal lamp fixture (14) can indirectly radiate by
reflection the cleaning surface if the inner surface of other
components conducting the air are coated with reflective material
and in that ozone, which is produced by the radiation from the
ozone type UV germicidal lamp fixture (44) in the air passing
through the transparent handling tube (35) or the sterilizing
chamber (36), is dragged out by the vacuum cleaner (1) into a room
destroying bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms on the
surface of the room and in that in absence of anybody the tubular
ozone type UV germicidal lamp fixture (44) is activated or
inactivated by a motion sensor or a wireless remote control set
(46;47;48) through an on/off switch (45) connected to the ozone
type UV germicidal lamp fixture (44) providing a safe usage of such
lamp fixture (44) in a combination with the vacuum cleaner (1)
avoiding the usage of a long cable and its installation every time
when a purification of air is needed.
[0084] 5. A cleaning or sterilizing apparatus combined with UV lamp
comprising a vacuum cleaner (1) or an electrically or mechanically
driven broom (2) and an UV germicidal lamp fixture (14) having
germicidal or sterilizing effect, characterized in that the tubular
UV germicidal lamp fixture (14) is located inside a protective
housing (15) which is attached at the back the suction nozzle (4)
of the vacuum cleaner (1) or to the broom's housing (5) with two
shock-absorbing arms (16) and in that the suction nozzle (4) or the
broom's housing (5), which is in the front of the protective
housing (15) protects the lamp fixture (14) to be damaged striking
directly at the furniture during movement forward and in that the
shock-absorbers (16a) absorb shocks which the suction nozzle (4)
makes striking at the furniture avoiding damages of the lamp
fixture (14) and in that the protective housing (15) comprising an
inner compartment (17) surrounding the lamp fixture (14) which is
attached to the ceiling toward the cleaning surface and therefore
the radiation which is reflected from the cleaning surface is
directed toward the space between the inner compartment (17) and
the protective housing (15) preventing leakage of radiation outside
and in that the protective housing (15) is supported with at least
two wheels (18), which are located in the space between the inner
compartment (17) and the protective housing (15) and in that the UV
germicidal lamp fixture (14) inside the protective housing (15) is
located parallel to the long side of the suction nozzle (4) or the
housing of broom (5) and toward and parallel to the cleaning
surface equally radiating that surface in the area which is
determined by the protective housing (15) and in that an automatic
mechanically releasing arm (19) of an on/off switch (20), which is
incorporated in a handle (21) and connected to the UV germicidal
lamp fixture (14), is used to disconnect electricity from the lamp
fixture (14) when a person who cleans releases it by the hand
avoiding the radiation outside of the protective housing (15).
[0085] 6. A cleaning or sterilizing apparatus combined with UV lamp
comprising an electrically or mechanically driven broom (2) and an
UV germicidal lamp fixture (14) having germicidal or disinfecting
effect, characterized in that the tubular UV germicidal lamp
fixture (14), which is attached to the ceiling of the broom's
housing (5), is parallel to the long side of the broom's housing
(5) and transversal to the direction of movement of the broom (2)
and in that a conventional dust container of the broom (2) is
replaced with a dust container (22) which consists of
non-transparent sides (23) and a transparent bottom (24), which is
transparent for ultraviolet germicidal UV-C rays or radiation and
in that the UV germicidal lamp fixture (14) radiates toward the
cleaning surface through the transparent bottom (24) during
cleaning radiating the cleaning area which is determined by the
broom's housing (5) and in that the radiation which is reflected
from the cleaning surface is directed toward the space between the
broom's housing (5) and the non-transparent sides (23) of the dust
container (22) preventing leakage of radiation outside and in that
radiation from the UV germicidal lamp fixture (14) through the
transparent bottom (24), during movement, destroys bacteria,
viruses and other micro-organisms on the cleaning surface and
inside the dust container (22) all the time during cleaning and in
that if some bacteria and viruses are not destroyed instantly on
the cleaning surface they would be destroyed in the dust container
(22) later on during cleaning and in that as an additional
protection from radiation, an automatic mechanically releasing arm
(19) of an on/off switch (20) connected to the UV germicidal lamp
fixture (14) disconnects electricity from the UV germicidal lamp
fixture (14) when the broom's housing (5) is lifted.
[0086] 7. The cleaning or sterilizing apparatus combined with UV
lamp according to any of claims 1, 4-6 characterized in that the UV
germicidal lamp fixture (14) having germicidal or sterilizing
effect is used during cleaning in a combination with the vacuum
cleaner (1) or electrically or mechanically driven broom (2) for
sterilizing bacteria, viruses and other primitive organisms in the
air or the air with dust passing through a transparent handling
tube (35) or the sterilizing chamber (36), or in the air and dust
contained in the dust container (27) having a transparent bottom
(28), or on the cleaning surface which comes behind the suction
nozzle (4) or the broom's housing (S) avoiding the usage of
chemical for sterilization of the cleaning area and in that UV
germicidal lamp fixture (14) having germicidal action in the air
with dust passing the transparent handling tube (35) or the
sterilizing chamber (36) is used to prevent that a person who
cleans, inhales alive viruses and bacteria which are sucked in from
the cleaning surface and spread all over a room by a vacuum cleaner
(1) during cleaning.
[0087] 8. The cleaning or sterilizing apparatus combined with UV
lamp according to any of claims 1, 4-6 characterized in that the UV
black-light lamp fixture (3) having black-light effect is attached
to the suction nozzle (4) of the vacuum cleaner (1) or to the
broom's housing (5) through two shock-absorbing arms (6) having
shock absorbers(6a) between arm strips (6b), which ends are mounted
to the suction nozzle (4) or to the housing (5) on one side and to
wheels (7) on another side absorbing shocks which the suction
nozzle (4) or the broom's housing (5) makes striking at furniture
during cleaning and in that the UV black-light lamp fixture (3) is
attached from behind the suction nozzle (4) or the broom's housing
(5) and parallel to the long side of the suction nozzle (4) or the
broom's housing (5) and in that the suction nozzle (4) or the
broom's housing (5), which is in the front of the lamp (3) protects
the lamp fixture (3) to be damaged striking directly at the
furniture during movement forward and in that the UV black-light
lamp fixture (3) during cleaning illuminates the cleaning area
behind the suction nozzle (4) or the broom's housing (5) in each
movement of the suction nozzle (4) or the broom's housing (5)
forward causing the rest of white, luminous and fluorescent
particles or substances (which are not removed) to glow or to be
better visible indicating if any need to move the suction nozzle
(4) or the broom's housing (5) backward for an addition cleaning
and in that the tubular UV black-light lamp fixture (3) is located
toward and parallel to the cleaning surface improving visibility at
the cleaning surface along the length of the lamp (3) which is
transversal to the direction of movement during cleaning and in
that the UV black-light lamp fixture (3) is located at a height
which allows to a person who cleans to see the illuminated surface
and to use the handling tube (8) of the vacuum cleaner (1) in a
position which is parallel relative to the cleaning surface during
cleaning the narrow space between the floor and the furniture.
[0088] 9. The cleaning or sterilizing apparatus combined with UV
lamp according to any of claims 1, 4-6 characterized in that the
tubular UV black-light lamp fixture (3) having black-light effect
is attached parallel or transversal to the handling tube (8) of the
vacuum cleaner (1) while the compact black-light lamp fixture (9)
is attached parallel to the handling tube (8) and in that the UV
black-light lamp fixture (3) is attached from behind the handling
tube (8) and therefore located from behind the suction nozzle (4)
too and in that the suction nozzle (4) which is in the front of the
lamp fixture (3) protects the lamp fixture (3) to be damaged
striking directly at the furniture during movement forward and in
that the UV black-light lamp fixture (3) is attached to the
handling tube (8) with at least one shock-absorbing connecting
element (10), which consists of a plate (11) which one part has a
hole (12) for inserting the handling tube (8) in it and another
part which is attached through an shock absorber (6a) to the
tubular lamp fixture (3) or a socket (13) of the compact lamp
fixture (9) and in that the connecting element (10) rotates around
the handling tube (8) if it is forced avoiding damages and in that
the shock-absorbers (6a) absorb shocks which are transferred
through the handling tube (8) from the suction nozzle (4) striking
at the furniture avoiding damages of the lamp fixture (3; 9) and in
that the UV black-light lamp fixture (3; 9) during cleaning
illuminates the cleaning area behind the handling tube (8) in each
movement of the handling tube (8) forward causing the rest of
white, luminous and fluorescent particles or substances (which are
not removed) to glow or to be better visible indicating if any need
to move the handling tube (8) backward for an addition cleaning and
in that the tubular UV black-light lamp fixture (3), which is
located transversal to the handling tube (8), is located toward and
parallel to the cleaning surface and parallel to the long side of
the suction nozzle (8) illuminating the cleaning surface along the
length of the lamp fixture (3) which is transversal to the
direction of movement during cleaning and in that the UV
black-light lamp fixture (3) and the compact UV black-light lamp
fixture (9) which is attached parallel to the handling tube (8)
emitting black light toward the cleaning surface improving
visibility.
[0089] 10. The cleaning or sterilizing apparatus combined with UV
lamp according to claim 8 or 9 characterized in that a method for
improving visibility consists of an illumination of the cleaning
surface during each movement of the suction nozzle (4) of a vacuum
cleaner (1) or broom's housing (5) of the cleaning apparatus
forward with the black-light lamp fixture (3) which causes that the
rest of white, luminous and fluorescent particles or substances,
which are not removed behind the suction nozzle (4) or broom's
housing (5), to glow or to be visible or better visible indicating
if any need to move the suction nozzle (4) or broom's housing (5)
backward for an addition cleaning and in that the UV black-light
lamp fixture (3) is used during cleaning in a combination with the
cleaning apparatus having a germicidal lamp fixture (14) for
sterilizing and improving visibility causing fluorescent particles
and substances to glow and to be visible or better visible and
white and luminous particles and substances to be better visible on
the cleaning surface and in that the UV black-light lamp fixture
(3) is used for control of the cleaning surface behind the suction
nozzle (4) or broom's housing (5) indicating if the cleaning should
be repeated or not and therefore repeatedly cleaning of the same
cleaning section can be avoided and in that the UV black-light lamp
fixture (3) is used in a combination with the cleaning apparatus
with or without a germicidal lamp fixture (14) during cleaning
and/or sterilizing for detection of fluorescent substances
contained in dry urine of animal, hydraulic or regular motor oil,
milk, yogurt, blood, fibre, semen etc. which are not removed from
the cleaning surface with the cleaning apparatus indicating that
the cleaning should be done with another method and in that the UV
black-light lamp fixture (3) is used in a combination with the
cleaning apparatus with or without a germicidal lamp fixture (14)
during cleaning and/or sterilizing for detection of cracks on a
floor or a roof detecting a rest of previously applied fluorescent
particles which was drawn by capillary action into cracks and
therefore could not be removed by the cleaning apparatus and in
that the UV black-light lamp fixture (3) is used in a combination
with the cleaning apparatus with or without a germicidal lamp
fixture (14) during cleaning and/or sterilizing for inspection of
the surface of the floor before lacquering or painting and in that
the UV black-light lamp fixture (3) is used in a combination with
the cleaning apparatus with or without a germicidal lamp fixture
(14) for surveying whether the surface of the floor is thoroughly
covered by transparent coating or lacquer which was previously
mixed with a fluorescence substance, as non-coated or non-lacquered
parts of the surface do not fluoresce and in that the UV
black-light lamp fixture (3) is used during cleaning and/or
sterilizing in a combination of a kickboard or scooter or bicycle
with the cleaning apparatus or the cleaning and sterilizing
apparatus for increasing speed of the cleaning of the long
corridors of hospitals, hotels, airports, industrial and public
area etc.
* * * * *