Heat controlled ultraviolet light apparatus and methods of sanitizing objects using said apparatus

Abstract

A heat controlled ultraviolet light apparatus includes a source of ultraviolet light, a cover, and a heating or cooling element that heats / cools the space or gap between the ultraviolet light source and the cover. Accordingly, the ultraviolet light source may be maintained at an optimal temperature thereby maximizing the efficiency of the ultraviolet light source in producing ultraviolet radiation. The apparatus may further include a temperature sensor and a control circuit to automatically control production of heat / cooling by the element based upon the ambient temperatures experienced by the ultraviolet light source during use. Methods are also provided for sanitizing heating and cooling coils of various devices such as an HVAC system, and cooling systems such as a refrigeration unit and an evaporative cooler.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatuses for disinfecting objects utilizing an ultraviolet light source, and more particularly, to an ultraviolet light source that is maintained at a desired temperature range by heating or cooling, as necessary, thereby maximizing the efficiency of the ultraviolet light source in producing ultraviolet rays. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] An ultraviolet light source is a well known means for sanitizing and disinfecting many targeted objects to include fluids. When administered at the desired frequencies, durations, and intensities, ultraviolet (UV) light is able to kill a wide array of micro-organisms that include, but not limited to, bacteria, viruses, spores, algae and protozoa, without having to chemically treat the object to be disinfected. One type of common UV bulb includes a quartz or glass casing that holds a vaporizable material, such as mercury, and also holds a stabilizing gas. The stabi...

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Benefits of technology

[0011] More specifically, the apparatus of the present invention includes a heating or cooling element that may be selectively controlled to provide the necessary amount of heating / cooling to maintain the ultraviolet light source at a desired temperature range thereby maximizing the efficiency of the UV light source in producing ultraviolet light. Preferably, the ultraviolet light source of the present invention can be categorized as a “hot UV” lamp, and more particularly, a low pressure mercury lamp that is most efficient in producing ultraviolet light when the lamp is maintained at a temperature between about 80-90° F. A heat sensor, such as a thermocouple or any other type of sensor, may be placed adjacent the ultraviolet light source to measure the temperature at which the light source operates. The heat sensor communicates with a control circuit which energizes the heating element at necessary intervals to maintain the light source within the optimal temperature range when the light source requires heating. For example, as temperature conditions may change, the heat sensor provides periodic inputs to the control circuit. The control circuit reacts accordingly to provide power to the heating element thereby maintaining the UV light source at the desired temperature range.

[0012] Alternatively, the heat sensor can be in the form of a temperature switch thereby eliminating the need for a separate control circuit, or at least reducing control circuit requirements.

[0014] The cover not only helps to regulate temperature of the UV light source, but also helps to protect the UV light source from damage. The size and shape of the cover can be adapted for the specific use of the apparatus, as well as the type of ultraviolet light source used. The cover is larger than the bulb of the ultraviolet lamp thereby creating an airspace or gap between the cover and the bulb. Preferably, the heating / cooling element is placed in the gap / airspace between the cover and the lamp. A heating / cooling element having a higher output may allow the cover to be larger as the airspace between the cover and bulb would be more easily controlled, while a heating / cooling element with a lower output may require a smaller cover to allow the element to adequately control temperature in the airspace. One important aspect of the present invention is that the cover used be UV transmissive. Known materials which could be used that are UV transmissive include soft glass and quartz.

[0016] With the apparatus of the present invention, disinfection of a targeted object can be accomplished in an energy efficient manner, thus reducing power requirements for the apparatus, as well as avoiding use of multiple apparatuses to achieve desired disinfectionss. Disinfection of the coils in systems such as an HVAC or refrigeration system also provides remedial and preventative maintenance benefits because the coils lose their ability to transfer heat if covered with microorganisms such as mold and algae. Motors and compressors must then work harder to compensate for the diminished coil performance. Thus, disinfection also helps to maintain proper operation of these systems to include saving power used by the systems.

Problems solved by technology

One disadvantage with mercury lamps is that they are unable to adequately function in temperatures that fall outside optimal operating temperatures of the mercury lamps.

UV light sources have been proven to be effective in sanitizing and disinfecting freezers / coolers used in the food handling industry; however, degradation in the performance of the UV light sources is experienced due to the colder temperatures that fall well below the optimal operating temperatures of the UV light sources.

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