U.S. patent application number 14/703386 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-20 for portable antimicrobial ultra violet sterilizer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ster-O-Wave, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ster-O-Wave, LLC. Invention is credited to Kenneth L. Campagna.
Application Number | 20150231288 14/703386 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42981107 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150231288 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Campagna; Kenneth L. |
August 20, 2015 |
PORTABLE ANTIMICROBIAL ULTRA VIOLET STERILIZER
Abstract
The present invention relates to a sterilization unit consisting
of a cubical enclosure which uses a sequenced supply of ozone and
ultraviolet radiation in the C band (UVC) wave length to sterilize.
In use, an article to be sterilized is positioned atop a glass
plate mounted between two sources of UVC radiation sources and
ozone is first supplied to the enclosure for a period of 15 seconds
to 60 minutes followed by a supply of UVC radiation for a period of
15 seconds to 60 minutes.
Inventors: |
Campagna; Kenneth L.;
(Hilton, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ster-O-Wave, LLC |
Hilton |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ster-O-Wave, LLC
Hilton
NY
|
Family ID: |
42981107 |
Appl. No.: |
14/703386 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13606180 |
Sep 7, 2012 |
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14703386 |
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12761859 |
Apr 16, 2010 |
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13606180 |
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61171346 |
Apr 21, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
422/24 ;
250/455.11; 422/186.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 2/24 20130101; A61L
2202/16 20130101; A61L 2/202 20130101; A61L 2/10 20130101; A61L
2202/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61L 2/10 20060101
A61L002/10; A61L 2/20 20060101 A61L002/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 17, 2010 |
US |
PCT/US10/31527 |
Claims
1. A method of sterilization comprising: (a) providing a housing
with a chamber, wherein the chamber has one or more compartments;
(b) providing one or more components configured to emit UVC
radiation or generate ozone or both, wherein the UVC radiation and
the ozone are confined within the one or more compartments of the
chamber; (c) providing an article for sterilization; (d) exposing
the article first to the ozone; and (e) exposing the article to the
UVC radiation after the ozone exposure.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the chamber is an airtight
chamber.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the article is capable of fitting
within the chamber.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the ozone exposure is for at
least 15 seconds at about 0.25 g/hr to about 10 g/hr.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the UVC radiation exposure is for
at least 15 seconds after the ozone exposure, and wherein the UVC
radiation exposure is at about 100 .mu.W/cm.sup.2 to about 800
.mu.W/cm.sup.2, and wherein the ozone concentration is no greater
than 0.05 ppm within the airtight chamber following the UVC
exposure, and further wherein the medical grade sterilization
occurs in the absence of ozone heating.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the UVC radiation is emitted at a
.lamda. of about 254 nm and the ozone is emitted at a .lamda. of
about 185 to 200 nm.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more compartments are
separated by a shelf composed of silica, quartz, glass or sapphire,
and wherein the shelf transmits at least 55% of the UVC
radiation.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein one or more interior corners of
the chamber are curved, and wherein the curvature possesses a
radius to width, height, or depth of the airtight chamber of about
0.0026 to 0.1.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more components do
not emit UVA or UVB radiation.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more components are
positioned at an inner-top and an inner-bottom surface of the
airtight chamber as ozone lamps or UVC lamps or both.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the exposing of step (d) or step
(e) or both occurs for less than 1 minute.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the medical grade sterilization
occurs in the absence of one or more parameters selected from the
group consisting of water, steam, liquid spray washing,
condensation, drying, superheated gas, damp heat, pressures greater
than about 1 atm, temperatures greater than 50.degree. C., metal
corrosion, chemical sterilization and caustic vapors.
18. The method of claim 1 further comprising: providing UVC or
ozone test strips or both.
19. The method of claim 1 further comprising: washing the article
with an antimicrobial solution prior to the exposing of step
(d).
20. A medical grade sterilizer comprising: an enclosure with one or
more compartments, wherein the one or more compartments have one or
more curved interior corners such that the curvature possesses a
radius to width, height, or depth of the one or more compartments
of about 0.0026 to about 0.1; one or more detachable components
configured to emit UVC radiation or ozone or both, wherein the UVC
radiation and the ozone are confined within the one or more
compartments of the medical grade sterilizer, and wherein the ozone
concentration is no greater than 0.05 ppm within the enclosure
following sterilization.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM AND RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This divisional patent application claims the benefit of
priority from provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 61/171,346
filed Apr. 21, 2009, U.S. Ser. No. 12/761,859 filed Apr. 16, 2010
and PCT/US10/031527 filed Apr. 17, 2010. Said applications are
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to sterilizing systems, and
more particularly, to a portable antimicrobial ultraviolet
sterilizer for inactivating bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions,
viroids and spores.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] The use of portable sterilizing devices is known in the
prior art. By way of illustration, medical facilities generally
sterilize equipment by using autoclaves having a pressurized steam
and superheated water process. This process is commonly used in
microbiology, medicine, body piercing, veterinary science,
dentistry, podiatry and metallurgy. Autoclaves are also used in
curing carbon-fiber composite parts and rubber parts and for the
treatment and sterilization of waste.
[0006] This steam sterilization process requires many steps and
resources.
[0007] A typical sterilization procedure using an autoclave
requires distilled water, sterilization or biohazard bags,
germicidal liquid spray wash, ultra sonic bathing and drying by air
compressors.
[0008] Drawbacks of these autoclaves include high energy
consumption, time waste due to multiple step disinfecting
sequences, environmentally toxic and costly harsh germicidal
chemicals, and the deteriorating effects of the steam process on
stainless steel surfaces. There are also well known safety risks
attendant with high power and high pressure machinery such as
autoclaves, namely, where the water inside the autoclave has
managed to become superheated, the pressure gauge may not indicate
the presence of steam even though the temperature may be
significantly higher than the local boiling point for water. If the
autoclave is opened in this state and the superheated water is
disturbed, a steam explosion becomes possible. This phenomenon can
easily produce fatal burns to people in the vicinity of the
explosion.
[0009] Other inherent limitations of this prior art technology
exist because damp heat is used, and thus heat labile products
(such as some plastics) cannot be sterilized this way or they will
melt. Some paper or other products that may be damaged by the steam
must also be sterilized another way.
[0010] The prior art sterilization systems such as steam
autoclaving, even at increased temperatures, and ethylene oxide gas
are not effective to prevent the transmission of prions and viroids
via medical and surgical equipment. Current sterilization methods
for heat-resistant instruments involves at least a four step
process of immersion in hypochlorite followed by autoclaving,
followed by a wash and rinse and then routine sterilization
methods. Autoclaving generally involves immersion in a sodium
hydroxide solution. This has well known drawbacks since
hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide may be corrosive to some
instruments, such as gold-plated instruments. There is also
associated damage to the autoclaves caused by the sodium hydroxide.
Autoclaving involves high pressure with steam to attain high
temperatures. There is condensate formation during the cycle and
hazardous substances such as sodium hydroxide condensate in the
autoclave that causes corrosion. Some sterilizer manufacturers have
stated that this will void their warranty. Additionally,
autoclaving with sodium hydroxide poses hazards to operators as a
result of the caustic vapors.
[0011] UV sterilization is known for use and sterilizing all
manners of objects, and is used in purification and disinfection of
water, air and surface. Throughout the years ultraviolet technology
has become well established as a method of choice for its
effectiveness, economy, safety, speed, ease of use, and because the
process is free of by-products. UV sterilization is a rapid
sterilization method, without the use of heat or chemicals.
However, this process has not been reduced in practice to a readily
accepted device and method for common usage.
[0012] UV sterilizers take many shapes and forms, and offer a
variety of features. While these prior art UV sterilizers are
presumably adequate for their intended purposes, none of these
prior art devices are configured adequately to a portable device or
applications that can be used as commercial medical grade
sterilization units that replace conventional autoclaves or for low
cost portable home units.
[0013] Therefore, there is a need for a new UV sterilization system
platform to expand on the prior art, and in particular, a system
that provides a portable unit that can be adapted to many
applications and overcome the limitations of the prior art. This
technology will have a dramatic impact upon public health in third
world countries.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a portable sterilization unit consisting of an enclosure which uses
an ultra violet radiation in the C band wave length to sterilize
objects and surfaces by inactivating bacteria, viruses, fungi,
prions, viroids and spores. The sterilization program sequentially
irradiates articles with UV radiation at a wavelength that creates
ozone (preferably 185 nm) followed by irradiation with germicidal
UVC radiation wavelengths (preferably 253-255 nm). Although the
invention is not so limited, an embodiment of the enclosure
defining a cubical or generally airtight rectangular shaped chamber
will be described in greater detail to illustrate the inventive
concepts.
[0015] To facilitate access to the interior of the chamber for
insertion of the objects to be sterilized, there is provided an
entrance door on one or more faces of the cubical structure. There
is also provided a shelf formed of silica or quartz glass or
sapphire plate disposed substantially in the central portion of the
enclosure's interior compartment. Mounted in the interior of the
chamber is at least one ozone lamp that spans substantially the
full length of the interior of the chamber.
[0016] Preferably, at least an elongated UVC lamp spanning
substantially the entire width of the chamber is used. More
preferably, at least two elongated UVC lamps are used and disposed
opposing one another such that one lamp is mounted on an upper
portion of the chamber and a second lamp is mounted on a lower
portion of the chamber below the glass plate shelf. Even more
preferably, two elongated UVC lamps are mounted in an upper portion
of the chamber and four elongated UVC lamps are mounted on a lower
portion of the chamber below the glass plate shelf.
[0017] To sterilize, an object is placed on a silica or quartz
glass or sapphire plate shelf in the interior of the chamber. The
door is then closed. The ozone lamp is electrically powered and
emits UV radiation in the interior of the chamber at 185 nm to
create ozone gas in the chamber. Then, the UVC lamps are
electrically powered and emit UVC radiation at 253.7 nm in the
interior of the chamber. Any DNA based organisms on the objects
being sterilized are destroyed and rendered harmless. It is further
noted that using UVC type radiation in a self contained portable
enclosure could be considered "green," environmentally safe, and
controlled with no adverse effects or residuals.
[0018] Therefore, the purpose of the present invention is to
present a UV sterilization system that has none of the
disadvantages of prior art.
[0019] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a UV sterilizer that minimizes or greatly reduces the power
requirements of a sterilization system.
[0020] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a UV sterilizer that minimizes or greatly reduces the multiplicity
of steps and time requirements of the sterilization system.
[0021] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a UV sterilizer that eliminates, minimizes or greatly reduces the
resource requirements of the sterilization system.
[0022] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a UV sterilizer that minimizes or greatly reduces the pressure
requirements of the sterilization system.
[0023] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a UV sterilizer that can be used with heat liable products and
paper products.
[0024] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a UV sterilizer that can be operated by a hand crank.
[0025] It is yet another object of this invention to provide a UV
sterilizer that is economical from the viewpoint of the
manufacturer and consumer, is susceptible of low manufacturing
costs with regard to labor and materials, and which accordingly is
then susceptible of low prices for the consuming public, thereby
making it economically available to the buying public.
[0026] Whereas there may be many embodiments of the present
invention, each embodiment may meet one or more of the foregoing
recited objects in any combination. It is not intended that each
embodiment will necessarily meet each objective.
[0027] Thus, having broadly outlined the more important features of
the present invention in order that the detailed description
thereof may be better understood, and that the present contribution
to the art may be better appreciated, there are, of course,
additional features of the present invention that will be described
herein and will form a part of the subject matter of the claims
appended to this specification. In this respect, before explaining
at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited in its application to
the details of construction and the arrangements of the components
set forth in the following description or illustrated in the
drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and
of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to
be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein
are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as
limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The invention will be described by reference to the
specification and the drawings, in which like numerals refer to
like elements, and wherein:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a top left front perspective view of a portable
antimicrobial ultraviolet sterilizer according to the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a top right front perspective view of the portable
antimicrobial ultraviolet sterilizer of FIG. 1 with the entrance
door open and showing the interior of a sterilizing chamber.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a top right front perspective view of the portable
antimicrobial ultraviolet sterilizer of FIG. 1 with the entrance
door removed to further illustrate dimensions of the sterilizing
chamber and the printer of FIG. 1 removed to further illustrate the
support slide assembly used to hold the printer.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a partially transparent left side orthogonal view
of the portable antimicrobial ultraviolet sterilizer of FIG. 1
illustrating the spatial relationships of UVC lamps, an ozone lamp
and a glass shelf of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a partial orthogonal view of a curved corner of
FIG. 1 illustrating the use of a curved corner between a chamber's
entrance door and its adjacent walls.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of one preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting a present novel method used
in a sterilization session to destroy or render harmless any DNA
based organisms on objects being sterilized.
[0036] The drawings are not to scale, in fact, some aspects have
been emphasized for a better illustration and understanding of the
written description.
PARTS LIST
[0037] 2 sterilizer [0038] 3 sterilizer housing [0039] 4 ozone lamp
[0040] 5 parts compartment [0041] 6 UVC lamp [0042] 8 chamber
[0043] 10 ceiling of chamber [0044] 12 floor of chamber [0045] 14
side wall of chamber [0046] 16 glass shelf upon which an article
being sterilized is placeable [0047] 18 stainless steel pin [0048]
20 printer [0049] 22 support slide assembly for printer [0050] 24
display [0051] 26 interior socket for receiving UVC wand [0052] 28
exterior socket for receiving UVC wand [0053] 30 user input/output
interface [0054] 32 ozone lamp operation monitor [0055] 34 UVC lamp
operation monitor [0056] 36 door state switch [0057] 38 door lock
solenoid [0058] 40 controller [0059] 42 memory [0060] 44 clock
[0061] 46 power selector [0062] 48 wall power [0063] 50 manual
power generator [0064] 52 battery [0065] 54 entrance door [0066] 56
width of chamber [0067] 58 height of chamber [0068] 60 depth of
chamber [0069] 62 curved corner [0070] 63 radius of curved corner
[0071] 66 power switch [0072] 70 front wall of sterilizer [0073] 72
cancel switch [0074] 74 step of turning on ozone lamp [0075] 76
step of turning on UVC lamps [0076] 78 step of checking whether
condition met to advance to step of turning on UVC lamps [0077] 80
step of checking whether condition met to advance to step of
sterilization session complete [0078] 82 step of checking whether
condition met to advance to step of sterilization session
incomplete
DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN THIS SPECIFICATION
[0079] The term Ultraviolet C is abbreviated as UVC and used
throughout the document. UVC generally refers to radiation of
wavelengths ranging from 280 nm to 100 nm and energy per photon
ranging from 4.43 to 12.4 eV. Also, the term rectangular is
understood to include the case where all sides of the geometric
shape are of equal length, also known as an equilateral rectangle
or a square.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0080] FIG. 1 is a top left front perspective view of a portable
antimicrobial ultraviolet sterilizer. FIG. 2 is a top right front
perspective view thereof with the entrance door open and showing
the interior of a sterilizing chamber 8. Referring to FIGS. 1 and
2, a portable sterilizer 2 according to the present invention
comprises a housing 3 which forms two compartments, a parts
compartment 5 that houses electronic and electrical components and
the chamber 8 that is used for the actual sterilization process.
The parts compartment 5 houses operative and functional components
of the unit such as a printer 20, ballasts, lamp holders, sockets,
micro switches, blower motor, ballasts, cooling fan, power supply,
wiring and circuit fuses.
[0081] The chamber 8 is a generally rectangular cavity having a
ceiling 10, a floor 12 opposingly disposed to the ceiling 10 and
four side walls 14 defining a spatial volume sufficient for
irradiating an object by direct contact with UVC wavelengths. The
chamber 8 is preferably rectangular and is formed of plastic,
metal, stainless steel or other material that is opaque to UV
radiation and conducive to reflecting or scattering UV radiation
within the chamber 8.
[0082] While the chamber 8 may also be made spherical, a
rectangular chamber is more easily manufactured using conventional
manufacturing techniques than a spherical chamber. When a
rectangular chamber is used, the applicant discovered that it is
advantageous to provide curved corners in order to enhance
scattering of ultraviolent radiation within the chamber 8.
[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the chamber walls are formed of
304-308 grade stainless steel. The chamber's interior surfaces are
preferably highly polished mirror finish stainless steel to reflect
and scatter the UVC radiation within the chamber 8. In another
embodiment, the interior surface is coated with highly reflective
white paint coating.
[0084] The size of the chamber 8 may vary depending upon the
application, however, in most embodiments, the size will be such
that the unit is portable. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1,
the sterilizer approximates the size of a conventional microwave
oven. Typical embodiments comprise a chamber volume ranging from
about 1500 cubic inches to about 2500 cubic inches, preferably from
about 1700 cubic inches to about 1900 cubic inches.
[0085] To facilitate access to the interior of the chamber 8 for
insertion of the objects to be sterilized, there is provided an
entrance door 54 on one or more walls of the chamber 8. In one
embodiment, the entrance door 54 is hingeably connected to an edge
of the chamber 8 and secured using a magnetic latch on an opposing
edge. In another embodiment, the entrance door 54 is secured using
a mechanical latch, solenoid or electric magnetic coil. For ease of
description, this side wall 14 provided by the entrance door 54
will be referenced as the front, however, it is to be understood
that any side may contain an entrance door or even several walls of
the chamber 8 may feature an entrance door 54. The entrance door 54
preferably contains a door gasket (not depicted) to create and
maintain a seal when the door is in the closed position. In one
embodiment, a handle is affixed to the entrance door 54 to
facilitate easy opening of the door 54 by a user. As will be
appreciated, any size or configuration of handle may be used.
[0086] On the exterior of the chamber 8, preferably on the
sterilizer front wall 70, is disposed such display and user
input/output interface as may be desired for operation of the
sterilizer. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, there is provided
a visual display 24 and a user input/output interface 30. In one
embodiment, the user input/output interface 30 comprises a key pad
or touch pad for receiving and transmitting user input to the
controller 40 and a communicating means to a device operably
connected to the user input/output interface 30. In an embodiment
not shown, the communicating means comprises a wireless terminal
capable of transmitting data wirelessly from the controller to a
device operably connected to the controller or from the device to
the controller. The display is configurable to display any number
of indicators relating to the operation of the sterilizer.
[0087] In one embodiment, a value is displayed to indicate the
usage hours of each UVC and ozone lamp in the sterilizer, a value
is displayed to indicate the progress of a sterilization session
and a value is displayed to indicate whether a sterilization
session has been completed. All such indications aid a user in
knowing when to change a UVC and/or ozone lamp and perform other
periodic maintenance or testing activities and whether a
sterilization session was complete and/or successful in sterilizing
the articles. In another embodiment not shown, an analog or digital
timer dial is provided and is operably connected to the controller.
As the timer dial is turned, a sterilization session is started. As
the timer dial stops, the active sterilization session is
terminated. When a timer dial is provided, the timer dial is
preferably one that allows for 0-60 minutes to indicate the
duration of a sterilization session. It is to be appreciated that
other equivalent user interfaces may be used to set a sterilization
timer. The user input/out interface and visual display may also be
located on other portions of the sterilizer.
[0088] There are also provided a power (on-off) switch 66 and an
operation indicator 68 (for example a light) to indicate when the
unit is in operation. Alternatively, an operator indicator is
digitally displayed on the display 24 in lieu of using a separate
operation indicator. In the on state, the power switch 66 connects
the controller and all components operably connected to it and all
lamps to a power source. In the off state, the power switch 66
removes the controller and all components operably connected to it
and all lamps from the power source.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 2, an exterior socket 28 allows a UVC wand
to be operably connected to the sterilizer for external use. A UVC
wand may be connected to a wall socket directly. However, a UVC
wand that is connected to the sterilizer receives the benefit of
operating using a program set in the sterilizer. This is especially
useful for surfaces which cannot be contained within the chamber 8,
such as, for example, shelves, chairs, tables, equipment and the
like. When used with the exterior socket, the UVC wand allows
surfaces to be treated by waving the wand over the surface. The
wand is preferably coupled with a half moon safety shield to
protect the user from UVC radiation during use.
[0090] An interior socket 26 allows a UVC wand to be operably
connected to the interior of the chamber 8 for supplemental UVC
radiation. A UVC wand is most beneficially used on an object to be
sterilized if the object is generally elongated and has a narrow
lumen which the radiation of the UVC lamps 6 may not sufficiently
reach. Placing the wand in the lumen provides direct UVC radiation
to these surfaces to maximize the sterilization effects.
[0091] FIG. 3 is a top right front perspective view of the portable
antimicrobial ultraviolet sterilizer of FIG. 1 with the entrance
door 54 removed to further illustrate dimensions of the sterilizing
chamber and the printer of FIG. 1 removed to further illustrate the
support slide assembly used to hold the printer 20 of FIG. 2. FIG.
4 is a partially transparent left side orthogonal view of the
portable antimicrobial ultraviolet sterilizer of FIG. 1
illustrating the spatial relationships of UVC lamps 6, an ozone
lamp 4 and a glass shelf 16 of the present invention. Mounted in
the interior of the chamber 8 is at least one UVC lamp 6 that spans
substantially the full width 56 of the chamber 8. Preferably, as
depicted in FIG. 4, six functionally equivalent and elongated UVC
lamps 6 are used. Two are substantially aligned with the width 56
of the chamber and disposed substantially symmetrically about the
depth 60 and width 56 of the ceiling 10 and provide combined
working UV power output of at least 8 watts. Four are substantially
aligned with the width 56 of the chamber and disposed substantially
symmetrically about the depth 60 and width 56 of the floor 12 and
provide combined working UV power output of at least 16 watts.
Other lamp shapes (such as U-shaped) and mounting locations may be
used as long as radiation is directed such that all portions of the
chamber 8 receive UVC radiation. In one embodiment, the width 56,
depth 60 and height 58 are preferably about 15 inches, 12 inches
and 12 inches, respectively. However, other suitable dimensions can
be used provided that the output requirements defined elsewhere
herein of the ozone and UVC lamps are met.
[0092] The low pressure UVC lamps are most effective, because they
emit most of the radiant energy in the germicidal wavelength of
253.7 nm to 254.3 nm in the UVC and germicidal part of the
spectrum. The ozone lamp, preferably a high or very high ozone
lamp, emits a radiation below 200 nm, and preferably at 185 nm,
which wavelengths produce ozone. Ozone has deodorizing properties
and is in itself a bactericidal and fungicidal agent. This gaseous
ozone contacts surfaces of the equipment that are difficult or
impossible to contact with the UVC waves, getting into hollow
portions, small cavities, crevices and other apertures where
microbes, fungi, yeast, viruses and other germs may be hosted.
[0093] Preferably, as depicted in FIG. 4, an elongated ozone lamp 4
is disposed substantially centrally on the ceiling and parallel to
and substantially spanning the width 56 of the chamber 8. Other
ozone lamp shapes and mounting locations may also be used provided
that the object to be sterilized is fully exposed to ozone
generated by such an ozone lamp.
[0094] There is also provided a shelf 16 formed of silica or quartz
glass or sapphire plate disposed substantially centrally in the
chamber 8 and/or between the two groups of UVC lamps on the ceiling
10 and on the floor 12 with the shelf's 16 plane substantially
parallel to the ceiling 10 or floor 12. Referring to FIG. 4, the
shelf 16 is supported by one or more stainless steel pins 18 or
other mounting means known in the art. The silica or quartz glass
or sapphire plate is of a grade that allows at least 50%
transmission of UVC short wave radiations, preferably at least 55%
transmission. A silica or quartz glass or sapphire plate must be
used because ordinary window glass passes about 90% of the light
above 350 nm, but blocks over 90% of the light below 300 nm, the
wavelength of the UVC lamp radiation. Though unintendedly, the
glass plate effectively divides the chamber 8 into two portions,
i.e., an upper portion and a lower portion. In use, an object to be
sterilized is disposed on the upper portion. Preferably, an ozone
lamp 4 is beneficially disposed on the upper portion of the chamber
8, enabling ozone generated by the ozone lamp 4 to penetrate
openings of the object to be sterilized.
[0095] FIG. 5 is a partial orthogonal view of a curved corner of
the chamber 8 of FIG. 2, illustrating the use of a curved corner
between the entrance door 54 and one of its adjacent walls, for
example, the ceiling 10. Curved corners promote reflection and
scattering of UVC radiation and reduce the number of UVC lamps
required to provide sufficient UVC radiation coverage within the
chamber 8. Curved corners also reduce the number of surfaces
(walls) on which UVC lamps are required, thereby simplifying the
design of the sterilizer and reducing associated manufacturing and
maintenance costs. As depicted, a curved corner 62 is formed on the
ceiling 10 of the chamber 8 such that when the entrance door 54 is
closed, a side wall 14 is formed, continuing the profile formed by
the curved corner 62 of the ceiling 10 onto a vertical side wall
14. The radius of the curved corner is defined by the relationship
where the ratio of the radius to the width 56 of the chamber 8,
height 58 of the chamber 8 or depth 60 of the chamber 8 preferably
ranges from 0.0026 to 0.1. In one preferred embodiment, the radius
is about 0.25 inches.
[0096] The UVC lamps 6 use an ultra violet radiation in the
short-wave ultraviolet radiation, in the "C" band (100 to 280
nanometers) to sterilize objects and surfaces by inactivating
bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, viroids and spores. At
wavelengths below 254 nm, UV-C (UVC) is also referred to as UVGI
(ultraviolet germicidal irradiation). Ultraviolet Germicidal
Irradiation (UVGI) is a term used by Federal Agencies such OSHA,
NIOSH and the CDC when referring to UVC at 253.7-254.3 nm. UVC
penetrates the outer structure of the cell and alters the DNA
molecule, preventing replication and causing cell death.
Specifically, UVC light at 253-254 nm causes damage to the nucleic
acid of microorganisms by forming covalent bonds between certain
adjacent bases in the DNA. The formation of such bonds prevents the
DNA from being unzipped for replication, and the organism is unable
to reproduce. In fact, when the organism tries to replicate, it
dies.
[0097] The present invention is effective in killing prions, in
particular prion glycoproteins. Thus, the present device and method
provide an effective microbiocidal treatment against transmittable
prion diseases that occur in humans and animals. As an illustrative
example, the present invention kills the prions associated with the
transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) known more commonly
as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (mad cow disease) in cattle, and scrapie in sheep.
These prions are also suspected to cause Alzheimer's disease and
other brain plaque conditions. As another illustrative example, the
present invention also kills the viroids associated with Hepatitis
D.
[0098] The combination of ozone and UVC radiation treatment at the
dosage mentioned elsewhere in the specification is capable of
inactivating microorganisms such as prion, viroids, SARS, AIDS,
HIV, e-coli, Agrobacterium lumefaciens b 5, Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(Environ. Strain) 1,2,3,4,5,9, Bacillus anthracis 1,4,5,7,9
(anthrax veg.), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Lab. Strain) 5,7, Bacillus
anthracis Spores (anthrax spores), Pseudomonas fluorescens 4,9,
Bacillus megatherium Sp. (veg) 4,5,9, Rhodospirillum rubrum 5,
Bacillus megatherium Sp. (spores) 4,9, Salmonella enteritidis
3,4,5,9, Bacillus paratyphosus 4,9 Salmonella paratyphi (Enteric
Fever) 5,7, Bacillus subtilis 3,4,5,6,9, Salmonella Species 4,7,9,
Bacillus subtilis Spores 2,3,4,6,9, Salmonella typhimurium 4,5,9
Clostridium tetani, Salmonella typhi (Typhoid Fever) 7, Clostridium
botulinum Salmonella, Corynebacterium diphtheriae 1,4,5,7,8,9,
Sarcina lutea 1,4,5,6,9, Dysentery bacilli 3,4,7,9, Serratia
marcescens 1,4,6,9, Eberthella typhosa 1,4,9, Shigella
dysenteriae-Dysentery 1,5,7,9, Escherichia coli 1,2,3,4,9, Shigella
flexneri-Dysentery 5,7, Legionella bozemanii 5, Shigella
paradysenteriae 4,9 Legionella dumoffill 5, Shigella sonnei 5,
Legionella gormanil 5, Spirillum rubrum 1,4,6,9, Legionella
micdadei 5, Staphylococcus albus 1,6,9, Legionella longbeachae 5,
Staphylococcus aureus 3,4,6,9, Legionella pneumophila
(Legionnaire's Disease), Staphylococcus epidermidis 5,7, Leptospira
canicola-Infectious Jaundice 1,9, Streptococcus faecaila 5,7,8,
Leptospira interrogans 1,5,9, Streptococcus hemolyticus
1,3,4,5,6,9, Micrococcus candidus 4,9, Streptococcus lactis
1,3,4,5,6, Micrococcus sphaeroides 1,4,6,9, Streptococcus
pyrogenes, Mycobacterium tuberculosis 1,3,4,5,7,8,9, Streptococcus
salivarius, Neisseria catarrhalis 1,4,5,9, Streptococcus viridans
3,4,5,9, Phytomonas tumefaciens 1,4,9, Vibrio comma (Cholera) 3,7,
Proteus vulgaris 1,4,5,9,Vibrio cholerae 1,5,8,9, Aspergillus
amstelodami, Oospora lactis 1,3,4,6,9, Penicillium chrysogenum,
Aspergillus flavus 1,4,5,6,9, Aspergillus glaucus 4,5,6,9,
Penicillium digitatum 4,5,6,9, Aspergillus niger (breed mold)
2,3,4,5,6,9, Penicillium expansum 1,4,5,6,9, Mucor mucedo,
Penicillium roqueforti 1,2,3,4,5,6, Mucor racemosus (A & B)
1,3,4,6,9, Rhizopus nigricans (cheese mold) 3,4,5,6,9, Chlorella
vulgaris (algae) 1,2,3,4,5,9, Giardia lamblia (cysts) 3, Blue-green
Algae, Nematode Eggs 6, E. hystolytica, Paramecium 1,2,3,4,5,6,9,
Adeno Virus Type III 3, Influenza 1,2,3,4,5,7,9, Bacteriophage
1,3,4,5,6,9, Rotavirus 5, Coxsackie, Tobacco Mosaic 2,4,5,6,9,
Infectious Hepatitis 1,5,7,9, Baker's Yeast 1,3,4,5,6,7,9,
Saccharomyces cerevisiae 4,6,9, Brewer's Yeast 1,2,3,4,5,6,9,
Saccharomyces ellipsoideus 4,5,6,9, Common Yeast Cake 1,4,5,6,9,
Saccharomyces sp. 2,3,4,5,6,9.
[0099] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of one preferred embodiment of the
present invention. A controller 40 is provided to control
operations of the sterilizer 2. A user Input/Output interface 30
functionally connected to the controller 40 is further provided to
receive inputs from a user or a device and send outputs to the user
or the device. By way of example and not limitation, the device is
a keypad, touch pad, computer, a monitor, an MP3 player, MP4
player, a digital display, an ipod, an ipad, a finger print reader,
a security card reader, an entry code reader, a smart phone and the
like. A display 24 functionally connected to the controller 40 is
provided to display the result of a sterilization session or
communicate other pertinent information from the controller to a
walk-up user. A printer 20 functionally connected to the controller
40 is provided to receive and provide a printout of the result
corresponding to a sterilization session if requested. A power
switch 66 is provided to enable or halt all operations of the
sterilizer 2. A door state switch 36 functionally connected to the
controller is provided to indicate whether the entrance door 54 is
open. In the off state, the power switch 66 removes power from all
components of the sterilizer, thereby halting all activities
including programming of the sterilizer. When the door state switch
36 indicates an opened entrance door 54, the user may still program
the controller in order to set a sterilizing program.
[0100] There are provided six UVC lamps 6 and an ozone lamp 4 that
are operably connected to the controller 40. A UVC lamp operation
monitor 32 functionally connected to the controller 40 is further
provided to detect proper operation of the UVC lamps 32 and it
provides an indication to the controller 40 whether the UVC lamps
are functioning properly. An example parameter monitored by the
lamp operation detector 32 is the amount of electrical current at
an electrical potential the UVC lamps 6 source to function at the
level expected to provide proper sterilization. If the electrical
current at the electrical potential received by the UVC lamps 6
deviates from a predetermined range, a fault condition is issued by
the UVC lamp operation monitor 32 and received by the controller
40. Similarly, an ozone lamp operation monitor 34 functionally
connected to the controller 40 is further provided to detect the
proper operation of the ozone lamp 4. If the electrical current at
an electrical potential received by the ozone lamp 4 deviates from
a predetermined range, a fault condition is issued by the ozone
lamp operation monitor 34 and received by the controller 40. In one
embodiment, the controller 40 further communicates the fault
condition to a remote server which then specifies the failure and a
need for service.
[0101] The controller 40 further comprises a memory 42 and a clock
44. The result of a sterilization session may be saved in the
memory 42 for later retrieval. A section of the memory 42 is
preferably reserved for long-term storage of sterilization session
data and is erasable only by a trained professional. This long-term
storage facilitates auditing of sterilization session data which
can be traced back for a number of years. In another embodiment,
sterilization session data is additionally transmitted to an
offsite location for storage or notification purposes. The clock 44
enables the controller to perform time-keeping operations such as
providing realtime time stamps to a sterilization session. A
typical sterilization session result comprises an indication
whether a sterilization session runs to completion. A successfully
completed sterilization session is defined as a sterilization
session in which a fault has not occurred during the entire
duration of the sterilization session. A successfully completed
sterilization session however does not necessarily indicate a
successful sterilization session. In the present embodiment, for
each sterilization session, an unused UVC test strip is further
provided and substantially centrally disposed prior to the
commencement of each sterilization session such that the proper
functioning of the UVC lamps can be verified. At the end of the
sterilization session, the evidence of exposure to the UVC lamps on
the UVC test strip is visually read, quantified and compared to a
pre-established standard for sufficient UVC exposure corresponding
to a pass condition. Similarly, in the present embodiment, an
unused ozone test strip is further provided and disposed on the
upper surface of the glass plate 16 prior to the commencement of
each sterilization session such that the proper functioning of the
ozone lamp can be verified. At the end of a sterilization session,
the evidence of exposure to the ozone lamp on the ozone test strip
is visually read, quantified and compared to a pre-established
standard for sufficient ozone exposure corresponding to a pass
condition. A pass condition from both UVC and ozone test strips and
the successful completion of a sterilization session constitute a
successful sterilization session. If a sterilization report is
desired, the visually determined test strips data is entered
manually via the user Input/Output interface 30 such that the
controller 40 can determine whether the sterilization session was
successful and saves such a result to the memory 42.
[0102] Alternatively, an automatic indication of a successful
sterilization session may also be provided by using a UVC detector
and an ozone detector, both functionally connected to the
controller 40. At the end of a sterilization session, the evidence
and level of exposure to the ozone lamp and UVC lamp on the ozone
and UVC test strips are automatically read respectively, quantified
and compared to a their corresponding pre-established standards for
sufficient ozone and UVC exposure respectively corresponding to a
pass condition.
[0103] There is further provided a lock solenoid 38 functionally
connected to the controller 40 for locking the entrance door 54 in
its closed position. For safety reasons, before a sterilization
session can begin, the controller 40 checks whether the entrance
door 54 is closed by receiving a reading from the door state switch
36. If the entrance door 54 is determined to be closed, the lock
solenoid 38 is then activated such that the entrance door 54 is
locked. Upon the completion or cancellation of a sterilization
session, the ozone and UVC lamps are deactivated and the lock
solenoid 38 is deactivated such that the entrance door 54 becomes
unlocked.
[0104] An internal socket 26 functionally connected to the
controller 40 is further provided in the interior of the chamber 8.
The sterilization program set for the UVC lamps 8 is applied to a
UVC wand connected to the internal socket 26. By way of
illustration, U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 20080260601 discloses a UV
sterilizing wand which can be adapted to be powered by plugging its
power cord into the internal socket 26, which patent application is
incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. Such an
additional sterilizing source is most beneficial when an object to
be sterilized has a generally opaque structure consisting of narrow
openings which cannot be easily reachable by using merely the UVC
lamps 6 of the sterilizer 2 according to the present invention.
[0105] An external socket 26 functionally connected to the
controller 40 is further provided on the exterior of the chamber 8.
The sterilization program set for the UVC lamps 8 is applied to a
UVC wand connected to the external socket 28. Alternatively, a
separate sterilization program can be applied. Generally, a wand is
used externally when an object to be sterilized is too big to be
placed within the chamber 8.
[0106] The sterilizer 2 typically receives power from a
conventional AC power source such as a wall power outlet 48.
However, in certain circumstances where wall power is limited,
unavailable or not easily accessible, a battery 52 can be
functionally connected to the controller 40 as an alternative power
source. A power selector 46 is used to selectably allow the user to
select the power source from which to power the sterilizer 2. The
power selector 46 is essentially a manual single pole double throw
switch which selectively connects the wall power 48 or battery 52
to the controller 40. An inverter is provided to convert the
battery DC power to AC power in order to power the controller 40.
It shall be appreciated that other equivalent means of switching
power source may be suitably employed. It shall also be appreciated
that the controller 40 may or may not provide power directly to any
components that require electrical power to run. Conventionally,
power electronics receive their power directly from the power
source and not through a controller. In a preferred embodiment, a
manual power generator 50 is further provided to allow a user to
recharge the battery 52. A manual power generator 50 is essentially
a device that converts human power to electrical power. Though not
required, it is generally a hand crank in the form of a rotary
device is fitted with a handle which can be turned to create DC
power. In this instance, the battery 52 is a rechargeable battery.
It should be appreciated that various other means of generating
power to be stored in the battery 52 are readily available to those
skilled in the art. For instance, electrical energy may
alternatively be generated from solar panels and wind turbines.
[0107] FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting a present novel method used
in a sterilization session to destroy or render harmless any DNA
based organisms on objects being sterilized. To sterilize, an
object is placed on the glass shelf 16 in the interior of the
chamber 8 as depicted in FIG. 2. The entrance door 54 is then
closed. The method comprises step of turning on 74 ozone lamp for a
first predetermined duration of from 15 seconds to 60 minutes,
preferably from 15 to 60 seconds. A timer corresponding to the
predetermined duration is started. At least one ozone lamp 4
capable of producing from at least 0.25 to 10 grams per hour of
ozone is used. In one embodiment, an ozone lamp 4 capable of
emitting UV radiation at wavelength of about 185 nm is used.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the controller 40 checks whether the
timer has expired 78. If the timer has expired, the controller 40
continues to execute the preprogrammed next step. The controller 40
further checks whether an event has occurred that canceled the
current sterilization session 82. For instance, if the ozone lamp
operation monitor 34 detects a fault condition, the sterilization
session will be stopped, rendering the sterilization session
incomplete.
[0108] The method further comprises step of turning on 76 at least
one UVC lamp but preferably six UVC lamps for a second
predetermined duration of from 15 seconds to 60 minutes, preferably
from 15 to 60 seconds. A timer corresponding to the predetermined
duration is started. In a preferred embodiment, at least one UVC
lamp capable of supplying UVC radiation at a wavelength of about
253.7 nm and dosage of from at least 100 to 800 microwatts per
square centimeter at one meter from the UVC lamp is used. Referring
to FIGS. 6 and 7, the controller 40 checks whether the timer has
expired 80. If the timer has expired, the controller continues to
indicate that the sterilization session has been completed. If the
timer continues to run, the controller 40 further checks whether an
event has occurred that canceled the current sterilization session
82. For instance, if the ozone lamp operation monitor 34 detects a
fault condition, the sterilization session will be stopped,
rendering the sterilization session incomplete.
[0109] The ozone molecules formed as a result of the ozone lamp
absorb ultraviolet radiation having wavelengths between 240 and 310
nm. Upon absorbing ultraviolet radiation of wavelength of 254 nm,
each triatomic ozone molecule becomes diatomic molecular oxygen
molecule O.sub.2 plus a free oxygen atom O, thereby reducing the
ozone O.sub.3 concentration to an acceptable level as depicted in
the following chemical reaction.
O.sub.3+(240 nm<radiation<310 nm).fwdarw.O.sub.2+O
[0110] As it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art,
ozone is an oxidative agent which must be avoided when
concentration rises above 0.05 ppm in an indoor environment.
Conventionally, ozone evacuation or treatment becomes necessary
when ozone concentration rises beyond a level capable of producing
health hazards. Such evacuation or treatment requires purpose-built
equipment which adds to the cost of producing such a sterilizer.
Applicant discovered that by sequencing the operation of the ozone
and UVC lamps, production and neutralization of ozone is
accomplished within a sterilization session without requiring
additional steps or equipment. The ozone generated and used in the
sterilization session is completely decomposed to form oxygen
molecules and oxygen atoms, thereby rendering the sterilizer safe
to be handled without additional treatment. At the successful
conclusion of a sterilization session, any DNA based organisms on
the objects being sterilized are destroyed and rendered
harmless.
[0111] In one aspect, the equipment to be sterilized is first
rinsed or immersed in an antimicrobial or biocidal solution.
Preferably, the solution is a non-alcohol based cleaning solution.
In one aspect, the equipment is immersed in a solution prepared
according to the teachings in United States Published Patent
Application 20100006804 to Sakovich et al for "A highly protonated,
supercharged, low pH, non-corrosive composition," which patent
application is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
This product is sold under the trade name Saniphex by Odysseus
Industries, Inc., 8348 Little Road, New Port Richey, Fla.
[0112] What has been disclosed, is a portable antimicrobial
ultraviolet sterilizer for inactivating bacteria, viruses, fungi,
prions, viroids and spores. Obviously, many modifications and
variations of the invention are possible in light of the above
teachings. It is therefore understood that the invention is not to
be limited by the single embodiment shown in the drawings and
described in the description, which are given by way of example and
not of limitation, but only in accordance with the scope of the
appended claims. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate
that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may
readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other
structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several
purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that
the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction
insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
conception regarded as the present invention.
* * * * *