Method and apparatus for detecting contaminates on a hard surface

Abstract

A method and apparatus for detecting small particulate matter and contaminants on hard surfaces.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting contaminates on a surface. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for detecting small particulate matter and / or contaminants on a hard surface comprising directing a beam of light from a light source onto a hard surface. The beam of light is directed onto the hard surface at an acute angle. The beam of light will reflect off the hard surface and illuminate the small particulates or contaminates that are not readily visible when illuminated by conventional floor, wall, ceiling or table light source. The apparatus comprises a light source, such as a flashlight, attached to a moveable platform so the beam of light from the light source impinges upon the hard surface at an acute angle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Unhygienic floors and countertops are a dilemma in the house as well as at the workplace and can pose many health and safety risks. Almost all private households and pub...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]It is the general object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus that quickly and efficiently detects small particulates and contaminates on hard surfaces such as floors and counter tops.

[0010]It is a further object of the present invention to provide a small particulate and contaminant detecting apparatus that is simple and easy to use that affords the user the ability to reduce cleaning time.

[0011]It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a method that is capable of detecting contaminates such as glass, water or oil that are typically camouflaged and not visible when relying on prior methods of exposure.

Problems solved by technology

Unhygienic floors and countertops are a dilemma in the house as well as at the workplace and can pose many health and safety risks.

A study reported in the December 2005 American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine indicated that endotoxins associated with certain gram negative bacteria commonly found in household dust pose a significant risk for asthma.

However, the effects were observed only in adults and not in children.

As far as safety risks are concerned, many slips can occur when floors are unclean.

Slips are one of the most common causes of major injuries at work and the costs to industry are significant.

Almost all slips happen when floors are dirty or wet, contaminated with water, oil, food, dust, lint, sand, plastic or any other debris effecting floor friction.

Even very small amounts of contamination (one piece of small plastic or patch of dust) can have dramatic consequences depending upon the environment.

However, one shortcoming of current methods is that no matter how much cleaning gets done, the user is never truly assured that the surface is thoroughly contaminate free.

There's currently no effective method to help with quality control.

These built in lights may aid in detecting floor contaminates however the illumination provide is often improperly directed and insufficiently focused to effectively detected and / or illuminate small contaminates on the floor.

Prior methods used for detecting contaminates on hard surfaces are not very effective.

Often the contaminants are tiny, transparent or camouflaged (e.g. clear plastic, glass and hair) and are hard to detect on a “white glove” inspection.

Natural light, ceiling lights, wall lights, table lamps, chandeliers, etc, also are not effective for locating small particulate matter on hard surfaces because the light is too diffused and / or not focused in a proper manner to illuminate small particulates and contaminants such as dirt and dust particles.