DOOR HANDLE DISINFECTION SYSTEM.

Abstract

Sterilization assemblies and self-sterilizing systems utilizing the same include a support housing, a plurality of light-emitting diodes coupled to the support housing to selectively emit UV radiation to sterilize contaminants, a door handle, and a controller coupled to a power source, and being configured to operate the plurality of light-emitting diodes, selectively supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes based on motion detection within the proximity of the door handle.

Description

DOOR HANDLE DISINFECTION SYSTEM DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION To prevent the spread of bacteria, viruses, germs, and other contaminants between door handles and people, systems have been developed to disinfect them between uses. In some cases, these systems periodically spray the door handles with a liquid chemical solution designed to disinfect them. Other solutions include eliminating the door handle altogether by placing a fixed support on the lower portion of a door for the user to operate with their foot. The aspects and modalities are directed towards sterilization assemblies and self-sterilization systems to disinfect door handles. According to one embodiment, a sterilization assembly comprises a support housing, a plurality of light-emitting diodes coupled to the support housing, the plurality of light-emitting diodes being configured to selectively emit radiation having at least one wavelength between 100 nm and 400 nm, a controller coupled to the plurality of light-emitting diodes, the controller being configured to operate the plurality of light-emitting diodes by selectively supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes, and a power port Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi coupled to a power supply and controller, the port is configured to provide power to the controller. In one example, the sterilization assembly further comprises a motion detector coupled to the controller and an I / O port coupled to the motion detector, the controller being further configured to control the motion detector through the I / O port to detect motion within the vicinity of the sterilization assembly and, in response to motion detection, ceases to supply power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes. In another example, the motion detector comprises i) at least one passive infrared (PIR) sensor configured to detect infrared radiation within a field of view of at least one PIR sensor, the controller being further configured to stop supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes in response to the detected infrared radiation, or ii) a capacitive sensor on a surface of the support housing configured to detect a user touching the capacitive sensor or being near the capacitive sensor, the capacitive sensor being provided in addition to at least one PIR sensor, the controller being further configured to stop supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes in response to the capacitive sensor detecting the user. Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi In one example, the motion detector further comprises i) an ultrasonic transducer configured to emit an ultrasonic wave within a field of view of the transducer and to detect the ultrasonic wave reflected from an object within the transducer's field of view, the controller further configured to cease supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes in response to the detection of the reflected ultrasonic wave, ii) a camera configured to acquire an image within a field of view of the camera, the controller further configured to cease supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes in response to image processing, or iii) a capacitive sensor provided beneath a surface of the support housing and configured to detect a user touching the surface or being near the capacitive sensor, the capacitive sensor being provided further with one of the ultrasonic transducers and the camera,The controller is also configured to stop supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes in response to the capacitive sensor that detects the user. In another example, the support housing has a circular shape configured to fit around a doorknob and transmit radiation to a gripping surface of the doorknob. In one example, the support accommodation is Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi constructed with a material configured to transmit radiation from the plurality of light-emitting diodes to a gripping surface of the sterilization assembly; and wherein the material is: i) rigid or flexible and configured to expand at least to the outside width of a surface of the gripping surface; and ii) transparent or translucent. In another example, the sterilization assembly further comprises a hinge configured to join a first support housing section to a second support housing section, and a separation connector configured to releasably join the first section to the second section. In one example, each of the plurality of light-emitting diodes is configured to selectively emit radiation having a wavelength between 100 nm and 280 nm, 280 nm and 315 nm and / or a wavelength between 315 nm and 400 nm, and the controller is further configured to blink each of the plurality of light-emitting diodes at each emitted wavelength for at least a predetermined period of time. In another example, at least one of the plurality of light-emitting diodes is configured to selectively emit radiation having a wavelength between 100 nm and 280 nm, at least one of the plurality of diodes Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi light emitters are configured to selectively emit radiation having a wavelength between 280 nm and 315 nm, and at least one of the plurality of light emitting diodes is configured to emit radiation having a wavelength between 315 nm and 400 nm, and the controller is further configured to emit the wavelength between 100 nm and 280 nm for a first predetermined time period, emit the wavelength between 280 nm and 315 nm for a second predetermined time period, and emit the wavelength between 315 nm and 400 nm for a third predetermined time period, each of the second and third time periods being shorter than the first time period. According to one embodiment, a self-sterilization system comprises a power source and a sterilization assembly comprising a support housing, a plurality of light-emitting diodes coupled to the support housing, the plurality of light-emitting diodes being configured to selectively emit radiation having at least a wavelength between 100 nm and 400 nm, a controller coupled to the power source, the controller being configured to operate the plurality of light-emitting diodes by selectively supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes, and a power port coupled to the power source and the controller, the power port being configured to supply power to the controller. Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi In one example, the self-sterilizing system further comprises a motion detector coupled to the controller, the sterilization assembly further comprising an I / O port configured to couple to the motion detector, the controller further being configured to control the motion detector through the I / O port to detect motion within the proximity of the sterilization assembly and, in response to motion detection, stop supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes. In another example, the motion detector further comprises i) at least one passive infrared (PIR) sensor configured to detect infrared radiation within a field of view of at least one PIR sensor, the controller being further configured to stop supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes in response to the detected infrared radiation, or ii) a capacitive sensor on a surface of the support housing configured to detect a user touching the capacitive sensor or being near the capacitive sensor, the capacitive sensor being further supplied to at least one PIR sensor, the controller being further configured to stop supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes in response to the capacitive sensor detecting the user. In one example, the motion detector comprises Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi further comprising i) an ultrasonic transducer configured to emit an ultrasonic wave within a field of view of the transducer and to detect the ultrasonic wave reflected from an object within the field of view of the transducer, the controller further configured to cease supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes in response to the detection of the reflected ultrasonic wave, ii) a camera configured to acquire an image within a field of view of the camera, the controller further configured to cease supplying power to a plurality of light-emitting diodes in response to image processing, or iii) a capacitive sensor beneath a surface of the support housing and configured to detect a user touching the surface or being in proximity to the capacitive sensor, the capacitive sensor being provided in addition to one of the ultrasonic transducers and the camera,The controller is configured to stop supplying power to the plurality of emitting diodes in response to the capacitive sensor detecting the user. In another example, the support housing has a circular shape configured to fit around a doorknob and transmit radiation to a gripping surface of the doorknob. In one example, the support housing is constructed from a material configured to transmit the Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi radiation from the plurality of light-emitting diodes to a gripping surface of the sterilization assembly; and wherein the material is i) rigid or flexible and configured to expand at least to the outside width of a surface of the gripping surface, and ii) transparent or translucent. In another example, the self-sterilizing system further comprises a hinge configured to join a first section of the support housing to a second section of the support housing, and a separating connector configured to releasably join the first section to the second section. In one example, each of the plurality of light-emitting diodes is configured to selectively emit radiation having a wavelength between 100 nm and 280 nm, 280 nm and 315 nm and / or a wavelength between 315 nm and 400 nm, and the controller is further configured to blink each of the plurality of light-emitting diodes at each emitted wavelength for at least a predetermined period of time. In another example, at least one of the plurality of light-emitting diodes is configured to selectively emit radiation having a wavelength between 100 nm and 280 nm. Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi radiation having a wavelength between 280 nm and 315 nm, and at least one of the plurality of light-emitting diodes is configured to emit radiation having a wavelength between 315 nm and 400 nm, and the controller is further configured to emit the wavelength between 100 nm and 280 nm for a first predetermined time period, emit the wavelength between 280 nm and 315 nm for a second predetermined time period, and emit the wavelength between 315 nm and 400 nm for a third predetermined time period, the second and third time periods being shorter than the first time period. In one example, the power source is located outside the support housing or the power source is located inside the housing. In another example, the power port is configured to couple to the external power source through a plurality of wires that pass through a door or connect to a door surface. Still other aspects, modalities, and advantages of these examples of aspects and modalities are analyzed in detail below. The modalities described herein may be combined with other modalities in any manner consistent with at least one of the principles described herein, and references to a modality, certain The terms "modalities," "an alternative modality," "several modalities," "some modality," or similar terms are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular aspect, structure, or characteristic described may be included in at least one modality. The occurrences of such terms herein do not necessarily refer to the same modality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Several aspects of at least one modality are discussed below with reference to the accompanying figures, which are not intended to be drawn to scale. The figures are included to provide illustration and further understanding of the various aspects and modalities, and are incorporated into and form part of this specification, but are not intended to define the boundaries of the description. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component illustrated in several figures may be represented by a similar number. For clarity, not all components may be labeled in all figures. In the figures: FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of a circuit for controlling a plurality of light-emitting diodes according to one modality of the present description; FIGURE 2A is a front perspective view of a sterilization assembly according to one modality of the present description; Figure 2B is a rear perspective view of a sterilization assembly according to one modality of the present description; FIGURE 2C is a front perspective view of a support housing according to one modality of the present description; FIGURE 2D is a front perspective view of a support housing including a hinge according to one embodiment of the present description; FIGURE 3A is an exploded front perspective view of a self-sterilizing system before being installed on the door handle according to a modality of the present description; FIGURE 3B is a front perspective view of a self-sterilizing system installed on the doorknob according to one modality of the present description; FIGURE 4 is a front perspective view of a sterilization assembly according to one modality of the present description. FIGURE 5A is a side perspective view of a sterilization assembly according to one modality of the present description; FIGURE 5B is a top plan view of a sterilization assembly according to one modality of the present description; and Figure 5C is a front perspective view of a sterilization assembly according to one modality of the present description. Due to the recent SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic (i.e., COVID-19), there has been a growing need for devices to combat the spread of the virus. Passive disinfection or sterilization approaches have been implemented to prevent contact between a person and the virus. These approaches include the use of masks and gloves to prevent the virus from entering or leaving a person's respiratory system. Active sterilization, on the other hand, incorporates electronically controlled components, such as the liquid spray described above. However, the aforementioned solutions that utilize an active sterilization process suffer from several drawbacks. In the case of active chemical spray sterilization, effectiveness decreases once the spray is finished. Furthermore, if the time between consecutive spray applications is not fast enough, users may touch a contaminated surface before the next spray is emitted. Additionally, refilling the chemical sprays used to disinfect surfaces generates waste. Another drawback of previous systems using active sterilization is exposure to radiation. Some These systems constantly bombard a surface with selected radiation at a wavelength intended to sterilize it. However, because they are constantly emitting radiation, when a user interacts with the surface, for example, by grasping a door handle, the user is exposed to the radiation. As used herein, the term "door handle" includes round, knob-shaped gripping regions (i.e., doorknobs) and elongated bar- or lever-shaped gripping regions. In addition, the term "door handle" may refer to any type of mechanism used to open a door, including, without limitation, latches, rotary catches, and levers, to name a few.What is needed is a solution to actively sterilize a target region frequently enough to avoid contamination by contact with the region, while at the same time avoiding unnecessary exposure to radiation. With reference to FIGURE 1, a circuit configured to detect a person about to touch an object and to clean the object is generally indicated by 100. As shown, circuit 100 includes a motion detector 102, a power source 104, a plurality of UV light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 106, a controller 108, an I / O port 181, and a power port 182. The power port 182 is coupled to the power source 104 and the controller 108. The I / O port Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi is coupled to motion detector 102 and controller 108, which in turn is coupled to each of the LEDs 106. Motion detector 102 is also coupled to power port 182. According to certain examples, power source 104 is a DC power source (e.g., a battery). In other examples, the power source is an AC power source (e.g., mains power). I / O port 181 is configured to decouple from motion detector 102, and power port 182 is configured to decouple from power source 104. Controller 108 and any of its components receive power from power source 104 when the controller is coupled to power source 104 via power port 182. Motion detector 102 receives power from power source 104 via power port 182 and communicates with controller 108 via I / O port 181. In certain examples, controller 108 includes a microcontroller coupled to a UV LED driver board (not shown), which is coupled to each of the UV LEDs 106. In these examples, both the microcontroller and the UV LED driver board are coupled to power source 104 via power port 182, and the microcontroller is coupled to motion detector 102 via I / O port 181. Consequently, the functionality of controller 108 is achieved through the microcontroller. Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi combination with the LED controller. Other embodiments are included herein, including embodiments in which the microcontroller supplies power to the UV LED controller and embodiments in which the UV LED controller supplies power to the microcontroller. Other combinations and modifications within the knowledge of a person skilled in the art are contemplated herein. To control the LEDs 106 simultaneously, in one example, each LED 106 is connected in parallel, and the power supplied by the driver 108 through the power source 104 is transferred to each LED 106 at approximately the same time. In another example, each LED 106 is individually coupled to the driver 108 so that the amount of power and exposure time of each LED 106 is controlled. Other examples include combinations of parallel and individually controlled LEDs 106. One aspect of the motion detector 102 is to determine if a user is present in the vicinity of a gripping region, door handle, or doorknob that is being sterilized by the plurality of LEDs 106. In response to determining the user's presence, the controller 108 stops supplying power to the plurality of LEDs 106, thus preventing the user from being exposed to any radiation emitted by the plurality of LEDs 106. In some examples, the 102 motion detector The Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi uses at least one passive infrared (PIR) sensor to detect infrared radiation within the field of view of the 102 motion detector. In the case of multiple PIR sensors, in some examples, any one of the multiple PIR sensors that detects motion is sufficient. In other examples, at least a predetermined number of PIR sensors is required to positively indicate detected motion, for example, at least two PIR sensors. To detect motion using ultrasonic waves, some examples include an ultrasonic transducer in motion detector 102 that emits an ultrasonic wave within a field of view of the transducer and detects the ultrasonic wave reflected from an object within the field of view, thus providing data to controller 108 to interpret as a distance to the object within the field of view. To detect motion using a bitmap image, some examples include a camera in the motion detector 102 that acquires one or more bitmap images for processing by the controller 102. In some examples, the camera includes a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor. The controller 102 detects and processes one or more images using one of a plurality of techniques, including detecting a face or body in an image, determining the apparent size of a finger, hand, or other feature. Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi body within an image, or tracking a change in the apparent size of an object from one image to another. Other techniques for determining the need to stop irradiating a surface of a door handle or gripping surface before a user activates it are included in the modalities described herein. In one modality, each of the plurality of LEDs 106 is a UVA, UVB, or UVC LED connected in parallel. In one example, the plurality of LEDs 106 are UV-C LEDs, for example, Rayvio XD UV LEDs connected in parallel and emitting a wavelength of 280 nm; the controller 108 is an Arduino Pro Mini coupled to a Rayvio UV Controller Board that includes a battery as the power source 104; and the motion detector 102 includes at least one passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor. The modalities described herein are not limited to these specific microcontrollers and LED controller boards.It is understood that the modalities herein include additional types of microcontrollers. For example, the 108 controller in certain modalities is a programmable interface controller (PIC). Additional modalities include custom hardware designed to function as the 108 controller. The amount of power supplied to each of one or more UV LEDs 106 is controlled by the controller 108. Several configurations of a plurality of UV LEDs 106 in circuit 100 are contemplated herein. In one configuration, each of Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi The plurality of UV LEDs 106 emits the same wavelength of light (i.e., electromagnetic radiation) simultaneously. In one example, the wavelength is in the UVC region (i.e., from 100 nm to 280 nm). In other configurations, different subsets of the plurality of UV LEDs 106 emit different wavelengths to perform different functions. In one example, a first subset emits radiation in the UVC region and a second subset emits radiation in the UVA region (i.e., from 315 nm to 400 nm). In another example, a third subset is added to emit radiation in the UVB region (i.e., from 280 nm to 400 nm). Other combinations of subsets of the UV LED plurality that include two or more of the UVA, UVB, and UVC emitted wavelength regions are currently being considered. Each of the UVA, UVB, and UVC wavelength bands offers benefits for surface disinfection. However, in the specific scenario of disinfecting doorknobs or other surfaces frequently touched by people's hands, the amount of time available to disinfect the target area (e.g., the grip region, doorknob, or handle) affects the choice of wavelength. For example, during longer disinfection exposure periods (e.g., one minute or more), the 108 controller operates one or more 106 UVC LEDs to emit radiation. Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi UVC. In some examples, a prolonged exposure period is at least 30 minutes. According to certain examples, one or more LEDs 106 remain illuminated and disinfecting the target area as long as AC power is available or until motion is detected. For shorter exposure periods, one or more of the UVA or UVB radiations are emitted at a higher power relative to the UVC exposure. In some examples, a shorter exposure period is between 1 and 59 seconds. To determine an appropriate amount of time for radiation exposure without emitting unnecessary radiation toward a person—for example, when a person's hand is near a door handle—motion detector 102 is used. While monitoring an object within the field of view of motion detector 102, controller 108 is configured to obtain motion data from motion detector 102 either continuously or in periodic samples. Although the implementation of the type of sensors, hardware, and software used to interpret the motion data may differ, a subject matter expert will understand how to achieve the common goal of detecting motion to deactivate one or more UV LEDs, thereby preventing unnecessary radiation from being emitted toward a person and further minimizing power consumption. An ultrasonic sensor measures the distance to an object The Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi target is detected by emitting ultrasonic sound waves and converts the reflected sound within the range of a receiver (e.g., field of view) into an electrical signal. This electrical signal is interpreted by controller 108 to calculate the distance between the sensor and the object. When the determined distance falls below a threshold, controller 108 instructs the plurality of LEDs 106 to turn off. Since humans emit a small amount of thermal radiation, a PIR motion sensor is used to detect changes in the received radiation levels, providing an electrical signal to controller 108 indicating the amount of change in radiation. Additional sensors are included to detect movement and / or a change in distance to an object in the modalities described herein. Referring to FIGURE 2A, a sterilization assembly is generally indicated at 200. The sterilization assembly 200 includes a support housing 201 having a front surface 204, a plurality of UV LEDs, each indicated at 206, a detection module 220, and an opening 230 formed in the detection module 220. The support housing 201 is circular in shape and constructed from a rigid, annular material, thereby creating a central opening 210. In some examples, the material is a hard plastic. In other examples, the material is Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi transparent or translucent to facilitate exposure to UV LED radiation 206. Each of the plurality of UV LEDs 206 is configured to emit radiation in at least one direction toward an object protruding through the central aperture 210. The aperture 230 is configured to allow the transmission and reception of sound waves, electromagnetic waves, or pulses thereof. In some examples, the aperture 230 is an empty space created by forming a cavity in the support housing 201. In other examples, the aperture 230 is a solid material, including one of glass or plastic, inserted into a cavity formed in the support housing 201. The detection module 220 includes a motion detector and a controller (e.g., similar to motion detector 102 and controller 108). In some aspects, a circuit (e.g., similar to circuit 100) is used to operate the plurality of UV LEDs 206 as well as the detection module 220 to monitor objects within the vicinity of the sterilization assembly 200. In some aspects, more than one detection module 220 is attached to the bracket to act as a motion detector. In some examples, two, three, or four or more detection modules 220 are attached to the bracket housing 201 to act as a motion detector with a larger field of view than a single detection module 220. The field of view of the aperture 221 Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi 230 of the detection module 220 is shown in FIGURE 2A. To be completely self-contained as a device for sterilizing an object in the central opening 210 and capable of receiving radiation from the plurality of LEDs 206, the circuit (not shown) is entirely contained within the support housing 201 and the detection module 220. In a fully self-contained sterilization assembly 200, the power source is, in one example, a DC battery. Accordingly, in one example, the I / O port and the power port of the circuit 200 are located between the detection module and the support housing of the sterilization assembly 200. By having its own power source, the sterilization assembly 200 provides an advantage in scenarios where mains power is unavailable, but gripping surfaces, such as door handles, still require human touch. Referring to FIGURE 2B, a plurality of adhesive pads, each indicated as 240, are provided for securing the sterilization assembly 200 to a surface, such as a door. In one embodiment, the adhesive pads 240 are attached to the support housing 201 on a rear side 211 of the support housing. Alternatively, or in addition, the sterilization assembly is fixed to the surface or door by including holes for screws, bolts, or other fasteners. Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi To create a more compact design, certain embodiments include the incorporation of a detection module within a support housing. In one embodiment, illustrated in FIGURE 2C, a support housing 202 includes a plurality of LEDs 216. An aperture 231 is located in the support housing 202 at approximately the same radius from the center of the support housing 202 as the plurality of LEDs 216. The detection module in this embodiment is located within the support housing 202 behind the aperture 231. It is understood that this design modification is applicable to the sterilization assembly 200 as well as the sterilization assembly 300 discussed below. Additional embodiments include ring-shaped sterilization assemblies, for example, similar to sterilization assembly 200 as discussed below, where the support housing includes a hinge configured to separate the support housing into two sections, accommodating larger door handles. In one example, FIGURE 2D illustrates an embodiment of a sterilization assembly 202 that includes a hinge 11 and a separating connector 13 (for example, similar to separating connector 12) comprising a first portion 14 and a second portion 15. The first portion 14 is configured to releasably connect to the second Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi portion 15 through one of: a pair of magnets, a pair of sail fasteners, and a flexible male tongue and a fixed female receptacle configured to receive the male tongue. According to certain examples, hinge 11 is a piano hinge. It is understood that the modalities include hingeless sterilization assemblies. Figure 3A illustrates an installation of a sterilization assembly, generally indicated as 300, for example, similar to sterilization assembly 200, on a door 302 that includes a door handle assembly 303. The sterilization assembly 300 includes a support structure 301 having a plurality of LEDs arranged within a front surface 314 and each indicated as 306. The support structure 301 is configured to have an opening 310 formed therein. The construction of the sterilization assembly 300 is similar or nearly identical in construction to sterilization assembly 200. In one embodiment, the door handle of the door handle assembly 303 is secured to the door 302 in the traditional manner.To install the sterilization assembly 300, the opening 310 of the support structure 301 is passed over the door knob 304 and a lock escutcheon 305 associated with the door knob assembly 303 to make contact with a surface 307 of the door 302. The support structure 301 is attached to the door 302. Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi through one or more adhesives or fasteners as described above with reference to sterilization assembly 200. The installation of sterilization assembly 300 into door knob assembly 303 of door 302 is illustrated in FIGURE 3B. Once the sterilization assembly 300 is attached to the door 302, a field of view 321 of the opening 330 is positioned so that the detection module 320 detects the presence of a hand or other object within the vicinity of the door knob 304 of the door knob assembly 303. Until a hand or object is detected, the plurality of UV LEDs 306 emits radiation onto a gripping surface of the door knob 304. In response to the detection of the hand or object, the plurality of UV LEDs 306 ceases emitting UV radiation before contact is made between the hand or object and the gripping surface of the door knob 304. According to certain embodiments, the sterilization assembly 300 is self-powered using a DC battery, as described above. In other embodiments, the sterilization assembly 300 receives AC power through a plurality of wires installed inside door 302 or on a surface of door 302. When AC power is used, the power port of the sterilization assembly is located on an external surface of the Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi 320 detection module to allow connection to wires that provide AC power. As an alternative to attaching the sterilization assembly 300 directly to the door 301, in one embodiment, the sterilization assembly 300 can be suspended between the lock escutcheon 305 and the door handle 304 of the door handle assembly 303. According to certain embodiments, the rear side 211 of the support housing 201 does not contact the surface 301 of the door 302, thereby providing a portable sterilization assembly 300 that can be easily transferred from one door handle to another. Embodiments hereof include self-sterilizing systems that include components located externally to a sterilization assembly (e.g., similar to the sterilization assembly 300). Such components include wires within or on the door 302 that connect the power port of the sterilization assembly to an external AC power source.It is understood that the sterilization assemblies and self-sterilizing systems described above can be used with lever-type door handles. Other modes include a combination of AC and DC power. In one example, while AC power is available, additional power is supplied to the plurality of UV 306 LEDs, increasing sterilization efficiency. Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi of the 304 door knob grip surface of the 303 door knob assembly. In the event of an AC power loss, or if the AC power is of poor quality, then internal DC power is used to continue sterilizing the 304 grip surface. With reference to FIGURE 4, one embodiment of a sterilization assembly is generally indicated in 400. As shown, the sterilization assembly includes a gripping surface 404 of a support housing 401 containing a plurality of UV LEDs, each indicated in 406, a plurality of light guides, each indicated in 450, a detection module 420 having an aperture 430 with a field of view 421 and a rear aperture 410. Each of the plurality of light guides 450 is configured to uniformly transfer focused light from a respective LED of the plurality of LEDs 406 to the gripping surface 404. The sterilization assembly 400 is constructed from a flexible material that is completely transparent or translucent, thus allowing the UV light emitted by the plurality of LEDs 406 to pass through the gripping surface 404, thereby sterilizing it. To install the sterilization assembly 400, as illustrated in FIGURE 4, the assembly 400 is pushed onto a door knob assembly (e.g., similar to assembly 303 of The door handle illustrated in FIGURE 3A) is viewed through the rear opening 410. To detect whether an object is within range of the assembly 400, the detection module (e.g., similar to detection module 220 and detection module 320) is positioned with the assembly 400 such that the opening 430 creates a field of view 421 for motion detection. It is understood that the embodiments described herein include the use of a plurality of detection modules 420 connected together to increase the detectable field of view and, furthermore, such embodiments include openings 430 positioned in directions other than those illustrated in FIGURE 4. Figure 5A illustrates a perspective side view of a sterilization assembly generally designated 500, which is similar to sterilization assembly 300 and sterilization assembly 400. The sterilization assembly 500 includes a gripping body 504 having a plurality of UV LEDs, each designated 506, embedded therein. The sterilization assembly 500 further includes a detection module 520 and an aperture 530 formed in the detection module 520 and having a field of view 521, the aperture 520 being positioned so that the detection module 520 detects the presence of a hand or other object within the vicinity of the gripping body 504. Each of the UV LEDs 506 is configured to emit towards the Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi external UV radiation so that the gripping body 504 is sterilized. FIGURE 5B illustrates the sterilizing assembly 500 viewed from a top view along the centerline axis of the field of view 521 of the opening 520. FIGURE 5C illustrates the sterilizing assembly 500 forming a door handle connected to a portion 560 of the center body, which rotate together to unlock a door (e.g., similar to door 302). In certain embodiments, the sterilizing assembly 500, the portion 560 of the center body, and the locking escutcheon 505 are constructed of a transparent or translucent material, either of which may be flexible or rigid. This material is configured to transmit light through at least the gripping surface 504, illustrated in FIGURE 5C, thereby disinfecting the gripping surface 504. In some examples, the material is plastic, acrylic, glass, or synthetic rubber. In case of failure or false negative of the PIR sensors, transducer, camera, or other electronic device used to detect motion or human proximity according to any modality described herein, a capacitive touch sensor is included in any sterilization assembly described herein to provide a backup for the motion detector 102, for example, coupled to the detection module 220, the module 320 of Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi detection, the 420 detection module, or the 520 detection module. The capacitive sensor is located next to and below a surface of the support housing that is capable of making contact with a person's hand or fingers. In certain modalities, the surface is one of surface 204, surface 314, surface 404, and surface 504. Certain aspects of the sterilization assembly 200, sterilization assembly 300, sterilization assembly 400, or sterilization assembly 500 are included in a self-sterilizing system similar to those described above, such that the assembly is connected to external components to receive AC power. In one embodiment, the self-sterilizing system includes one of the assemblies described above that is connected to an external DC power source. This document describes additional applications and modalities. In one example, a portable sterilization assembly (e.g., similar to the 300 sterilization assembly) is carried by a person to disinfect surfaces other than the door handle, including, but not limited to, a keyboard, mouse, desk, tabletop, chair, and smartphone. While the figures depict round door handles, the same principles of the modalities described herein apply to lever door handles. In one example, a Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi UV LED strip (e.g., similar to UV LED 506) along the inside of a lever constructed of a transparent or translucent material as described above. Having thus described several aspects of at least one modality, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art will readily come up with various alterations, modifications, and improvements. These alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this description and are meant to be within its scope. Consequently, the preceding description and drawings are for illustrative purposes only.

Claims

1. A sterilization assembly characterized in that it comprises: a support housing; a plurality of light-emitting diodes coupled to the support housing, the plurality of light-emitting diodes being configured to selectively emit radiation having at least a wavelength between 100 nm and 400 nm; a controller coupled to the plurality of light-emitting diodes, the controller being configured to operate the plurality of light-emitting diodes by selectively supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes; and a power port coupled to a power supply and to the controller, the port being configured to supply power to the controller.

2. The sterilization assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a motion detector coupled to the controller and an I / O port coupled to the motion detector, the controller being further configured to control the motion detector through the I / O port to detect motion within the vicinity of the sterilization assembly and, in response to motion detection, ceases to supply power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes.

3. The sterilization assembly according to Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi claim 2, characterized in that the motion detector further comprises: i) at least one passive infrared (PIR) sensor configured to detect infrared radiation within a field of view of at least one PIR sensor, the controller further configured to stop supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes in response to the detection of infrared radiation; or ii) a capacitive sensor on a surface of the support housing configured to detect a user touching the capacitive sensor or being near the capacitive sensor, the capacitive sensor being further provided for at least one PIR sensor, the controller further configured to stop supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes in response to the capacitive sensor detecting the user.

4. The sterilization assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the motion detector further comprises: i) an ultrasonic transducer configured to emit an ultrasonic wave within a field of view of the transducer and to detect the ultrasonic wave reflected from an object within the field of view of the transducer, the controller further configured to cease supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes in response to the detection of the reflected ultrasonic wave; ii) a camera configured to acquire an image within a field of view of the camera, the controller further configured to cease supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes in response to the image processing;or iii) a capacitive sensor disposed beneath a surface of the support housing and configured to detect a user touching the surface or being near the capacitive sensor, the capacitive sensor being further provided to one of the ultrasonic transducer and the camera, the controller further configured to stop supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes in response to the capacitive sensor detecting the user.; 5. The sterilization assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the support housing has a circular shape configured to fit around a door knob and transmit radiation to a gripping surface of the door knob.

6. The sterilization assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the support housing is constructed of a material configured to transmit radiation from the plurality of light-emitting diodes to a gripping surface of the sterilization assembly; and wherein the material is: (i) rigid or flexible and configured to expand at least to the outside width of a surface of the gripping surface; and (ii) transparent or translucent.

7. The sterilization assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a hinge configured to join a first section of the support housing to a second section of the support housing; and a separation connector configured to releasably join the first section to the second section.

8. The sterilization assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the plurality of light-emitting diodes is configured to selectively emit radiation having a wavelength between 100 nm and 280 nm, 280 nm and 315 nm, and / or a wavelength between 315 nm and 400 nm; and the controller is further configured to flash the plurality of light-emitting diodes at each emitted wavelength for at least a predetermined period of time.

9. The sterilization assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of light-emitting diodes is configured to selectively emit radiation having a wavelength between 100 nm and 280 nm, at least one of the plurality of light-emitting diodes is configured to selectively emit radiation having a wavelength between 280 nm and 315 nm, and at least one of the plurality of light-emitting diodes is configured to emit radiation having a wavelength between 315 nm and 400 nm;and the controller is further configured to emit the wavelength between 100 nm and 280 nm for a first predetermined period of time, to emit the wavelength between 280 nm and 315 nm for a second predetermined period of time, and to emit the wavelength between 315 nm and 400 nm for a third predetermined period of time, each of the second and third periods of time being shorter than the first period of time.

10. A self-sterilizing system characterized in that it comprises: a power source; and a sterilization assembly comprising a support housing; a plurality of light-emitting diodes coupled to the support housing, the plurality of light-emitting diodes being configured to selectively emit radiation having at least a wavelength between 100 nm and 400 nm; a controller coupled to the power source, Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi, the controller being configured to operate the plurality of light-emitting diodes by selectively supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes; and a power port coupled to the power source and the controller, the power port being configured to supply power to the controller.

11. The self-sterilizing system according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises a motion detector coupled to the controller, the sterilization assembly further comprises an I / O port configured to couple to the motion detector, the controller being further configured to control the motion detector through the I / O port to detect motion within the proximity of the sterilization assembly and, in response to motion detection, to stop supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes.

12. The self-sterilizing system according to claim 11, characterized in that the motion detector further comprises: i) at least one passive infrared (PIR) sensor configured to detect infrared radiation within a field of view of at least one PIR sensor, the controller further configured to stop supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes in response to the detected infrared radiation; or ii) a capacitive sensor on a surface of the support housing configured to detect a user touching the capacitive sensor or being near the capacitive sensor, the capacitive sensor being provided in addition to at least one PIR sensor, the controller further configured to stop supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes in response to the capacitive sensor detecting the user.

13. The self-sterilizing system according to claim 11, characterized in that the motion detector further comprises: i) an ultrasonic transducer configured to emit an ultrasonic wave within a field of view of the transducer and to detect the ultrasonic wave reflected from an object within the field of view of the transducer, the controller further configured to cease supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes in response to the detection of the reflected ultrasonic wave; ii) a camera configured to acquire an image within a field of view of the camera, the controller further configured to cease supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes in response to the processing of the image;or iii) a capacitive sensor beneath a surface of the support housing and configured to detect a user touching the surface or being near the capacitive sensor, the capacitive sensor being provided in addition to one of the ultrasonic transducer and camera, the controller further configured to stop supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes in response to the capacitive sensor detecting the user.; 14. The self-sterilizing system according to claim 10, characterized in that the support housing has a circular shape configured to fit around a doorknob and transmit radiation to a gripping surface of the doorknob.

15. The self-sterilizing system according to claim 10, characterized in that the support housing is constructed of a material configured to transmit radiation from the plurality of light-emitting diodes to a gripping surface of the sterilizing assembly; and wherein the material is: (i) rigid or flexible and configured to expand at least to the outside width of a surface of the gripping surface; and (ii) transparent or translucent.

16. The self-sterilizing system according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises: a hinge configured to join a first section of the support housing to a second section of the support housing; and a separating connector configured to releasably join the first section to the second section.

17. The self-sterilizing system according to claim 10, characterized in that each of the plurality of light-emitting diodes is configured to selectively emit radiation having a wavelength between 100 nm and 280 nm, 280 nm and 315 nm, and / or a wavelength between 315 nm and 400 nm; and the controller is further configured to flash the plurality of light-emitting diodes at each emitted wavelength for at least a predetermined period of time.

18. The self-sterilizing system according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of light-emitting diodes is configured to selectively emit radiation having a wavelength between 100 nm and 280 nm, at least one of the plurality of light-emitting diodes is configured to selectively emit radiation having a wavelength between 280 nm and 315 nm, and at least one of the plurality of light-emitting diodes is configured to emit radiation having a wavelength between 315 nm and 400 nm;and Qfrnrnn / eznz / e / YiAi the controller is further configured to emit the wavelength between 100 nm and 280 nm for a first predetermined time period, to emit the wavelength between 280 nm and 315 nm for a second predetermined time period, and to emit the wavelength between 315 nm and 400 nm for a third predetermined time period, each of the second and third time periods being shorter than the first time period.; 19. The self-sterilizing system according to claim 10, characterized in that the power source is located outside the support housing or the power source is located inside the housing.

20. The self-sterilizing system according to claim 19, characterized in that the power port is configured to couple to the external power source through a plurality of wires passing through a door or attached to a door surface.

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