Self-disinfection system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a self-disinfection system. The self-disinfecting system may include a cladding having a flexible body, the cladding conforming to a substrate. The system may also include a sanitizing device for sanitizing an outer surface of the cladding. The sterilizing device may be selected from a sterilizing irradiation device, a photocatalytic sterilizing device or a chemical sterilizing device for sterilizing the outer surface of the cladding. The sterilising irradiation device may sterilize the cladding with sterilising radiation from one or more locations within the body or substrate. The photocatalytic disinfection device may disinfect the cladding with excitation radiation by generating reactive oxygen species using a photosensitizer incorporated into one or more polymer layers of the host or a coating thereon. The chemical disinfection device may disinfect the cladding with a chemical disinfectant incorporated into one or more polymer layers of the body.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application No. 18 / 239,048, filed on August 28, 2023, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of medical devices, and more particularly to self-disinfecting systems. Background Art

[0004] Various methods have been developed for disinfecting surfaces, particularly in environments where cleanliness and hygiene are of paramount importance. Traditional disinfection methods typically involve the use of chemical disinfectants, such as sprays or wipes, which can be very time-consuming and require repeated applications. In addition, such chemical disinfectants can pose health risks or damage the treated surface. In recent years, there has been growing interest in developing self-disinfecting systems that can continuously and effectively disinfect surfaces without human intervention.

[0005] Disclosed herein are self-disinfecting systems and methods that address this growing interest. Utility Model Content

[0006] In some embodiments, a self-disinfecting system is disclosed herein, comprising a cladding and a disinfection device for disinfecting an outer surface of the cladding. The cladding comprises a flexible body formed of one or more polymer layers, the cladding being configured to conform to a substrate. The disinfection device is selected from a germicidal irradiation device, a photocatalytic disinfection device, and a chemical disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface of the cladding. The germicidal irradiation device for disinfecting the outer surface of the cladding irradiates with germicidal radiation from one or more locations within the body of the cladding, within the substrate beneath the cladding, or within the body of the cladding and the substrate beneath the cladding. The photocatalytic disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface of the cladding irradiates with excitation radiation from one or more locations within the body of the cladding, within the substrate beneath the cladding, or within the body of the cladding and the substrate beneath the cladding. The excitation radiation is configured to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) via a photosensitizer incorporated into one or more polymer layers of the body or a coating thereon. The chemical disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface of the cladding performs chemical disinfection using a chemical disinfectant incorporated into one or more polymer layers of the body.

[0007] In some embodiments, the body of the cladding is formed as a strip or sheet configured to conform to one or more continuous surfaces of the substrate, the one or more continuous surfaces of the substrate being selected from a flat surface and a rounded surface of the substrate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the body of the cladding is formed as a sheath configured to conform to the cylindrical surface of the substrate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the germicidal irradiation device for disinfecting the outer surface of the cladding includes one or more light emitters selected from light sources and an optical fiber terminal operably connected to one or more of the light sources. The light sources include light emitting diodes ("LEDs"), superluminescent LEDs ("SLEDs"), laser diodes, light bulbs, and tube lights.

[0010] In some embodiments, one or more light emitters are configured to emit light selected from broad spectrum ultraviolet ("UV") light, UVA light, UVB light, UVC light, blue light, and modulated light thereof. The modulated light is modulated in frequency, power, duration, or a combination thereof.

[0011] In some embodiments, one or more light emitters are located within the body of the cladding between an outer polymer layer and an inner polymer layer corresponding to at least two of the one or more polymer layers. The outer polymer layer of the body is transparent to light emitted by the one or more light emitters.

[0012] In some embodiments, the one or more light emitters are within the substrate. Both the substrate and the one or more polymer layers of the body of the cladding are transparent to light emitted by the one or more light emitters.

[0013] In some embodiments, the photosensitizer is incorporated into one or more polymer layers of the body.

[0014] In some embodiments, the photosensitizer is incorporated into a coating on one or more polymer layers of the body.

[0015] In some embodiments, the photocatalytic disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface of the cladding comprises one or more light emitters selected from light sources and an optical fiber terminal operably connected to one or more of the light sources. The light sources include LEDs, SLEDs, laser diodes, bulbs, and downlights.

[0016] In some embodiments, one or more light emitters are located within the body of the cladding between an outer polymer layer and an inner polymer layer corresponding to at least two of the one or more polymer layers. The outer polymer layer of the body is transparent to light emitted by the one or more light emitters.

[0017] In some embodiments, the one or more light emitters are within the substrate. Both the substrate and the one or more polymer layers of the body of the cladding are transparent to light emitted by the one or more light emitters.

[0018] In some embodiments, the germicidal irradiation device or photocatalytic disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface of the envelope includes electronic circuitry configured to power the germicidal irradiation device or photocatalytic disinfection device and control its operation.

[0019] In some embodiments, the electronic circuit includes one or more sensors configured to sense a person for starting or stopping disinfection of the outer surface of the cladding by the germicidal irradiation device or the photocatalytic disinfection device when the person is sensed. The one or more sensors are selected from a passive infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a microwave sensor, an acoustic sensor, a floor pressure mat, an infrared beam sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a thermal camera, a laser sensor, a radio frequency ("RF") sensor, and a vibration sensor.

[0020] In some embodiments, the substrate is selected from the group consisting of: a rail or frame of a hospital bed; a grab bar; an intravenous ("IV") pole or stand; the surface or edge of an overbed table, bedside table, countertop, or trash can; a sink, faucet, or toilet; a handle or knob of a door, drawer, or cabinet; a light switch, and a call button.

[0021] Also disclosed herein is a method for a self-disinfecting system. In some embodiments, the method includes a disinfection operation. The disinfection operation includes disinfecting the outer surface of a cladding conformable to a substrate. Disinfection also includes a sterilizing irradiation operation of irradiating the outer surface of the cladding with sterilizing radiation from one or more locations within the flexible body of the cladding, within the substrate below the cladding, or within the body of the cladding and the substrate below the cladding. Alternatively, disinfection also includes an excitation irradiation operation of irradiating the outer surface of the cladding with excitation radiation from one or more locations within the body of the cladding, within the substrate below the cladding, or within the body of the cladding and the substrate below the cladding. The excitation radiation generates ROS via a photosensitizer incorporated into one or more polymer layers of the body or a coating thereon. Additionally, alternatively, disinfection also includes a chemical treatment operation of chemically treating the outer surface of the cladding with a chemical disinfectant incorporated into the one or more polymer layers of the body.

[0022] In some embodiments, the body of the cladding is formed as a tape or sheet configured to conform to one or more continuous surfaces of the substrate, the one or more continuous surfaces of the substrate being selected from a flat surface and a rounded surface of the substrate.

[0023] In some embodiments, the body of the cladding is formed as a sheath configured to conform to the cylindrical surface of the substrate.

[0024] In some embodiments, the germicidal irradiation or excitation irradiation of the outer surface of the cladding comprises irradiating the outer surface of the cladding using one or more light emitters selected from light sources and an optical fiber terminal operably connected to one or more of the light sources. The light sources include LEDs, SLEDs, laser diodes, light bulbs, and downlights. The one or more light emitters are located within the substrate or within the body of the cladding between an outer polymer layer and an inner polymer layer corresponding to at least two of the one or more polymer layers.

[0025] In some embodiments, the method further comprises a sensing operation. The sensing operation comprises sensing a person using one or more sensors of the self-disinfecting system. Additionally, the sensing operation comprises starting or stopping disinfection of the outer surface of the envelope in response to the departure or arrival of a person, respectively. The one or more sensors are selected from the group consisting of a passive infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a microwave sensor, an acoustic sensor, a floor pressure pad, an infrared beam sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a thermal imager, a laser sensor, an RF sensor, and a vibration sensor.

[0026] In some embodiments, the substrate is selected from the group consisting of: a rail or frame of a hospital bed; a grab bar; an IV pole or stand; the surface or edge of an overbed table, nightstand, countertop, or trash can; a sink, faucet, or toilet; a handle or knob of a door, drawer, or cabinet; a light switch, and a call button.

[0027] These and other features of the concepts presented herein will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the accompanying drawings and the following description, which more particularly describe specific embodiments of such concepts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 A self-disinfecting system according to some embodiments is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 Shown is a detailed view of a substrate-conforming envelope of a self-sterilizing system according to some embodiments.

[0030] Figure 3 The cladding is shown formed into the body of the sheath according to some embodiments.

[0031] Figure 4The cladding is shown formed as a body of sheet material according to some embodiments.

[0032] Figure 5 shows conformability according to some embodiments Figure 2 A longitudinal cross-section of a cladding of a substrate, wherein one or more light emitters are within the substrate.

[0033] Figure 6 A longitudinal cross-section of a cladding is shown, wherein one or more light emitters are within the bulk of the cladding, according to some embodiments.

[0034] Figure 7 The generation of disinfecting ROS upon irradiation of a coating having a photosensitizer incorporated therein is shown according to some embodiments.

[0035] Figure 8 An electronic circuit configured to power and control the operation of a self-disinfecting system is shown, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Before disclosing some specific embodiments in more detail, it should be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. It should also be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein can have features that can be easily separated from the specific embodiments, and these features can be optionally combined with or replace the features of any of the many other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0037] About the terms used herein, it should also be understood that these terms are for the purpose of describing some specific embodiments, and these terms do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify the different features or steps in a set of features or steps, and do not provide sequence or numerical restrictions. For example, "first," "second," and "third" features or steps do not necessarily appear in this order, and the specific embodiments including such features or steps are not necessarily limited to these three features or steps. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, any feature or step in the aforementioned features or steps and then can also include one or more features or steps. For convenience, labels such as "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front," "back," etc. are used, and these labels are not intended to imply, for example, any specific fixed position, orientation, or direction. On the contrary, such labels are used to reflect, for example, relative position, orientation, or direction. The singular forms "a kind of," "one," and "the" include plural references, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise.

[0038] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0039] Figure 1 A self-disinfecting system 100 is shown according to some embodiments.

[0040] As shown, the self-sterilizing system 100 may include a cladding 102 and a sterilizing device for sterilizing an outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 .

[0041] Figure 2 The cladding 102 of the self-sterilizing system 100 is shown conforming to a substrate 106 according to some embodiments. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The flexible body 108 of the envelope 102 is shown formed as a jacket and a sheet, respectively, according to some embodiments.

[0042] The cladding 102 includes a body 108 configured to conform to a substrate 106. Because the substrate 106 can be any high-touch or contamination-prone structure selected from the following: a hospital bed rail or frame (such as rail 110); a grab bar providing support; an IV pole or stand, such as IV pole 112; the surface or edge of an overbed table, nightstand, countertop, or trash can; a sink, faucet, or toilet; a handle or knob on a door, drawer, or cabinet; a light switch, and a call button, the body 108 can be in any of a variety of forms for conforming to the substrate 106. In one example, the body 108 of the cladding 102 can be formed as a strip or sheet configured to conform to one or more continuous surfaces of the substrate 106, wherein the one or more surfaces are selected from a flat surface and a rounded surface of the substrate 106. The flat surface of the substrate 106 can be any top or side surface of the aforementioned overbed table, nightstand, countertop, or trash can, and the rounded surface can be any rounded edge that joins these top or side surfaces. In another example, the body 108 of the cladding 102 can be formed as a jacket configured to conform to the cylindrical surface of the substrate 106. The cylindrical surface of the substrate 106 can be the cylindrical surface of a circular or elliptical cylinder, such as the railing 110; however, the body 108 of the cladding 102 can be formed as a jacket configured to conform to any elongated shape having a transverse cross-section corresponding to a geometric shape comprising at least a simple convex polygon.

[0043] The body 108 of the cladding 102 can be formed from one or more polymer layers 114. When the body 108 is formed from a plurality of polymer layers 114, any two of the polymer layers 114 can be independently joined together by calendaring, lamination, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, solvent bonding, adhesive bonding, RF welding, thermal bonding, coextrusion, or injection overmolding. Notably, any of the one or more polymer layers 114 up to the entire body 108 can be formed from a polymer material (e.g., TOPAS (Raunheim, Germany)). The polymer material is formed of a cyclic olefin copolymer (Cyclic Olefin Copolymer), the polymer material having a thickness sufficient to achieve structural integrity of the polymer layer 114 or the body 108 and a transparency sufficient to allow light emitted by the one or more light emitters 118 to pass therethrough. Regardless of whether the body 108 is formed of one polymer layer 114 or a plurality of polymer layers 114, the body 108 includes an outer surface 104 and an inner surface 116 opposite the outer surface 104, each of the outer surface 104 and the inner surface 116 being coextensive with a surface of the cladding 102 itself. Notably, the inner surface 116 of the cladding 102 may include an adhesive thereon, the adhesive being configured to adhere the cladding 102 to one or more surfaces of the substrate 106.

[0044] The disinfection device is selected from a germicidal irradiation device, a photocatalytic disinfection device, and a chemical disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. Since the cladding 102 can vary according to the germicidal irradiation device, the photocatalytic disinfection device, and the chemical disinfection device, further description of the cladding 102 is set forth in the following description of the disinfection device.

[0045] The germicidal irradiation device for disinfecting the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 can irradiate at least the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 with germicidal radiation, the germicidal radiation including light selected from broad-spectrum UV light, UVA light, UVB light, UVC light, blue light, and modulated light thereof, for example, light modulated in wavelength or frequency, power (including ramping the power), duration (including pulse duration when pulse modulated light), or a combination thereof. Such light can be emitted from one or more light emitters 118 selected from light sources 119 and optical fiber terminals operatively connected to one or more of the light sources 119. The light sources 119 can include LEDs, SLEDs, laser diodes, bulbs, and downlights.

[0046] Figure 5 shows conformability according to some embodiments Figure 2 A longitudinal cross-section of the cladding 102 of the substrate 106 , wherein one or more light emitters 118 are within the substrate 106 . Figure 6A longitudinal cross-section of the cladding 102 is shown with one or more light emitters 118 within the body 108 of the cladding 102 according to some embodiments.

[0047] The germicidal irradiation device for sterilizing the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 can utilize one or more light emitters 118 to irradiate at least the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 from one or more locations within the body 108 of the cladding 102, below or inside the substrate 106 below the cladding 102, or within the body 108 of the cladding 102 and below or inside the substrate 106 below the cladding 102.

[0048] As for the one or more light emitters 118 within the body 108 of the cladding 102, the one or more light emitters 118 can be located between the outer polymer layer 120 and the inner polymer layer 122, which are bonded together as described above, wherein the outer polymer layer 120 and the inner polymer layer 122 correspond to at least two polymer layers of the plurality of polymer layers 114. Furthermore, the one or more light emitters 118 can be arranged to emit light toward the outer polymer layer 120, and thus toward the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. At least the outer polymer layer 120 of the body 108 is sufficiently transparent to the light emitted by the one or more light emitters 118 to allow the germicidal radiation to sterilize the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. Furthermore, the outer polymer layer 120 of the body 108 can be configured to diffuse the light emitted by the one or more light emitters 118 to allow the germicidal radiation to sterilize the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 uniformly.

[0049] As for the one or more light emitters 118 below or within the substrate 106, the one or more light emitters 118 can be arranged to emit light from the substrate 106 toward the cladding 102, and therefore, toward the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. Both the substrate 106 and the body 108 of the cladding 102 are sufficiently transparent to the light emitted by the one or more light emitters 118 to allow the germicidal radiation to sterilize the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. Furthermore, the substrate 106, the body 108 of the cladding 102, or both the substrate 106 and the body 108 of the cladding 102 can be configured to diffuse the light emitted by the one or more light emitters 118 to allow the germicidal radiation to sterilize the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 uniformly.

[0050] The photocatalytic disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 can irradiate at least the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 with excitation radiation, the excitation radiation comprising light selected from broad-spectrum UV-vis light, broad-spectrum UV light, UVA light, UVB light, UVC light, broad-spectrum visible light, violet light, blue light, green light, yellow light, orange light, red light, or modulated light thereof, for example, light modulated in wavelength or frequency, power (including ramping power), duration (including pulse duration when pulse modulated light), or a combination thereof. Such light can be emitted from the one or more light emitters 118 (i.e., those selected from the light sources 119) and an optical fiber terminal operatively connected thereto, the light source 119 including an LED, an SLED, a laser diode, a bulb, and a downlight.

[0051] The photocatalytic disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 can utilize one or more light emitters 118 to illuminate at least the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 from one or more locations within the body 108 of the cladding 102, below or within the substrate 106 below the cladding 102, or within the body 108 of the cladding 102 and below or within the substrate 106 below the cladding 102.

[0052] As for the one or more light emitters 118 within the body 108 of the cladding 102, the one or more light emitters 118 can be located between the outer polymer layer 120 and the inner polymer layer 122 that are bonded together as described above, wherein the outer polymer layer 120 and the inner polymer layer 122 correspond to at least two polymer layers of the plurality of polymer layers 114. Furthermore, the one or more light emitters 118 can be arranged to emit light toward the outer polymer layer 120, and thus toward the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. At least the outer polymer layer 120 of the body 108 is sufficiently transparent to the light emitted by the one or more light emitters 118 to allow the excitation radiation to generate ROS to disinfect the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 via a photosensitizer 124 that is incorporated (e.g., blended as a filler) into the outer polymer layer 120 or a coating thereon. Furthermore, the outer polymer layer 120 of the body 108 can be configured to diffuse light emitted by the one or more light emitters 118 to allow the excitation radiation to uniformly generate ROS in the outer polymer layer 120 or a coating thereon to sterilize the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 with the ROS.

[0053] As for the one or more light emitters 118 below or within the substrate 106, the one or more light emitters 118 can be arranged to emit light from the substrate 106 toward the cladding 102, and therefore toward the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. Both the substrate 106 and the body 108 of the cladding 102 are sufficiently transparent to the light emitted by the one or more light emitters 118 to allow the excitation radiation to generate ROS in the body 108 of the cladding 102 or a coating thereon to disinfect the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. Furthermore, the substrate 106, the body 108 of the cladding 102, or both the substrate 106 and the body 108 of the cladding 102 can be configured to diffuse the light emitted by the one or more light emitters 118 to allow the excitation radiation to uniformly generate ROS in the body 108 of the cladding 102 or a coating thereon to disinfect the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 with the ROS.

[0054] Referring again to the body 108 of the cladding 102 and its one or more polymer layers 114, the photosensitizer 124 can be incorporated (e.g., blended as a filler) into any of the one or more polymer layers 114. Additionally or alternatively, the photosensitizer 124 can be similarly incorporated into a coating (e.g., a polymer coating) on ​​the one or more polymer layers 114. Regardless, the photosensitizer 124 should be incorporated into the body 108 of the cladding 102 outward from the one or more light emitters 118. In other words, the photosensitizer 124 should be incorporated into the body 108 of the cladding 102 such that the polymer layer 114 or coating including the photosensitizer 124 is located between an active subject (e.g., a patient, clinician, visitor, etc.) carrying a touch contaminant and the one or more light emitters 118.

[0055] Figure 7 The generation of ROS upon irradiation of the cladding 102 having the photosensitizer 124 incorporated therein is shown according to some embodiments.

[0056] The excitation radiation is configured to generate ROS via a photosensitizer 124 incorporated into one or more polymer layers 114 of the body 108 or a coating thereon. As shown, upon irradiation with the excitation radiation, the photosensitizer 124 or a population of photosensitizers 124 enters an excited singlet state. While the photosensitizer 124 can lose energy through fluorescence, a population of photosensitizers 124 in the excited singlet state instead enters an excited triplet state through intersystem crossing. And, depending on whether the photosensitizer 124 is a Type I photosensitizer or a Type II photosensitizer, the photosensitizer 124 in its excited triplet state reacts with oxygen via electron transfer or energy transfer to generate disinfecting ROS for disinfecting the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. In practice, the Type I photosensitizer in its excited triplet state reacts with oxygen via electron transfer to generate superoxide ( ● O2 -), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is produced by the disproportionation of superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals ( ● OH). The type II photosensitizer in its excited triplet state reacts with oxygen via energy transfer to produce singlet oxygen ( 1 O2). ROS, in turn, lead to microbial death and inactivation of microbial endotoxins through various reaction mechanisms involving ROS.

[0057] Figure 8 Electronic circuitry configured to power and control the operation of the self-disinfecting system 100 is shown, according to some embodiments.

[0058] The germicidal illumination device or photocatalytic disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface 104 of the envelope 102 may include electronic circuitry configured to power the germicidal illumination device or photocatalytic disinfection device and control its operation.

[0059] The electronic circuitry may include a controller 126 having at least a processor 128 and an auxiliary memory 130, a light source 119, and a power source 132. Additionally, the electronic circuitry may include one or more sensors 134 configured to sense an agent carrying a touch contaminant (e.g., a patient, a clinician, a visitor, etc.) for starting or stopping disinfection of the outer surface 104 of the envelope 102 by the germicidal irradiation device or the photocatalytic disinfection device when a person is sensed. When one or more sensors 134 are present, the controller 126 may also include a sensor interface 136. When one or more sensors 134 are not present, the electronic circuitry may include a switch for turning on or off the one or more light sources 119. Finally, the electronic circuitry may include any necessary electrical leads between the electronic components of the electronic circuitry for powering and operating the germicidal irradiation device or the photocatalytic disinfection device.

[0060] The processor 128 may include a control unit 138, an arithmetic unit 140, and a primary memory 142 (e.g., cache memory, random access memory ["RAM"], or both), wherein the primary memory 142 may be configured to store programs and data (e.g., sensor data) in use. Although the primary memory 142 may be separate from the processor 128, the primary memory 142 may be configured to store programs and data (e.g., sensor data) in use. Figure 8The remaining components mentioned in the preceding paragraphs are located within the same package, but at least the aforementioned RAM may be distributed outside the package of the processor 128, for example, in its own package. Considering that the one or more sensors 134 are analog sensors, however, the one or more sensors 134 need not be limited to analog sensors, the processor 128 may also include an analog-to-digital converter ("ADC") 144 configured to convert electrical signals from the one or more sensors 134 from analog to digital and a digital signal processor ("DSP") 146 configured to generate sensor data from the electrical signals. Although the ADC 144 and the DSP 146 may be located in the same package as the processor 128, Figure 8 The rest of the components mentioned in are located within the same package, but the ADC 144 and DSP 146 may be distributed outside of the package of the processor 128, for example, in their own packages.

[0061] The secondary memory 130 can be configured to store data (e.g., sensor data) and programs including instructions, logic (including sensing logic), algorithms (including sensing algorithms), or some combination thereof, for loading into the primary memory 142 for use by the processor 128, for example, when determining from the sensor data during a sensing operation whether a person is within range of the self-disinfection system 100. Notably, such sensing operations can include starting or stopping disinfection of the outer surface 104 of the envelope 102 in response to an agent (e.g., a patient, a clinician, a visitor, etc.) carrying a touch contaminant leaving or arriving at the self-disinfection system 100 or a portion thereof, respectively.

[0062] The sensor interface 136 may include a signal conditioner 148 configured to normalize electrical signals from one or more sensors 134 through voltage or current limiting, anti-aliasing filtering, etc. Additionally, the sensor interface 136 may include an amplifier 150 configured to amplify the electrical signal and thereby increase its signal-to-noise ratio.

[0063] The one or more sensors 134 may be selected from passive infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, microwave sensors, acoustic sensors, floor pressure pads, infrared beam sensors, capacitive proximity sensors, thermal cameras, laser sensors, RF sensors, and vibration sensors.

[0064] A power source 132 may be configured to power the controller 126, the light source 119, and one or more sensors 134 (if present). Such a power source 132 may be an external power source (such as utility power) or an internal power source including an internal battery that may be charged via a port.

[0065] The chemical disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 utilizes chemical disinfection by incorporating a chemical disinfectant into one or more polymer layers 114 of the body 108 or a coating thereon (e.g., a polymer coating). In practice, similar to the photosensitizer 124, the chemical disinfectant can be incorporated (e.g., blended as a filler, covalently bound, etc.) into the outer polymer layer 120 or a coating thereon to disinfect the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. Such chemical disinfectants may include: one or more antimicrobial metals or ions thereof (via salts) selected from at least copper, silver, and zinc; one or more antimicrobial metal compounds selected from at least copper oxide, silver oxide, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide; one or more antimicrobial nanoparticles selected from at least copper nanoparticles, copper oxide nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, iron oxide nanoparticles, cerium oxide nanoparticles, magnesium oxide nanoparticles, functionalized dioxygen nanoparticles, and the like. The present invention also provides a novel nanoparticle-based disinfectant, wherein the nanoparticles include silicon nanoparticles, chitosan nanoparticles, graphene nanoparticles, and graphene oxide nanoparticles; one or more quaternary ammonium salts selected from at least benzalkonium chloride, cetrimide, and alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride; one or more pyridinium salts selected from cetylpyridinium chloride, laurylpyridinium chloride, myristylpyridinium chloride, octylpyridinium chloride, and dodecylpyridinium chloride; a guanidine-based antimicrobial agent selected from at least guanidine hydrochloride, biguanides such as chlorhexidine, and polyhexamethylenebiguanide; or a combination thereof. It is noteworthy that certain antimicrobial agents used as chemical disinfectants benefit from photoactivation (e.g., activation of titanium dioxide by UV light), thereby providing another disinfection means for disinfecting the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102.

[0066] method

[0067] The method includes a method of the self-disinfecting system 100. For example, the method of the self-disinfecting system 100 can include a disinfecting operation and, optionally, a sensing operation.

[0068] The sterilization operation may include sterilizing the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 while the cladding 102 conforms to the substrate 106. When the self-sterilizing system 100 includes a germicidal irradiation device for sterilizing the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102, the sterilization operation may further include a germicidal irradiation operation of irradiating the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 with germicidal radiation from one or more locations within the body 108 of the cladding 102, within the substrate 106 below the cladding 102, or within both the body 108 of the cladding 102 and the substrate 106 below the cladding 102. When the self-sterilizing system 100 includes a photocatalytic device for sterilizing the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102, the sterilization operation may further include an excitation irradiation operation of irradiating the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 with excitation radiation from one or more locations within the body 108 of the cladding 102, within the substrate 106 below the cladding 102, or within both the body 108 of the cladding 102 and the substrate 106 below the cladding 102. As described above, the excitation radiation generates ROS via the photosensitizer 124 incorporated into the one or more polymer layers 114 of the body 108 or a coating thereon. Finally, when the self-sterilizing system 100 includes a chemical sterilization device for sterilizing the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102, the sterilization operation may further include a chemical treatment operation for chemically treating the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 using a chemical sterilant incorporated into the one or more polymer layers 114 of the body 108.

[0069] The sensing operation may include sensing a subject (e.g., a patient, a clinician, a visitor, etc.) carrying a touch contaminant using one or more sensors 134 of the self-disinfecting system 100. Additionally, the sensing operation may include starting or stopping disinfection of the outer surface 104 of the envelope 102 in response to the departure or arrival, respectively, of a subject carrying a touch contaminant.

[0070] Although certain specific embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although these specific embodiments have been disclosed in considerable detail, these specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Additional adaptations or modifications may occur to those skilled in the art and, in broader aspects, are also encompassed. Therefore, changes may be made to the specific embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the concepts provided herein.

Claims

1. A self-disinfection system, characterized in that: include: a cladding comprising a flexible body formed from one or more polymer layers, the cladding configured to conform to a substrate; and A disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface of the envelope, the disinfection device being selected from: a germicidal irradiation device for sterilizing the outer surface of the cladding by irradiating it with germicidal radiation from one or more locations within the body of the cladding, within the substrate below the cladding, or within the body of the cladding and the substrate below the cladding; a photocatalytic disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface of the cladding by irradiating it with excitation radiation from one or more locations within the body of the cladding, within the substrate beneath the cladding, or within the body of the cladding and the substrate beneath the cladding, the excitation radiation being configured to generate reactive oxygen species via a photosensitizer incorporated into the one or more polymeric layers of the body or a coating thereon; and Chemical disinfection means for disinfecting the outer surface of the envelope by chemical disinfection using a chemical disinfectant incorporated into the one or more polymer layers of the body.

2. The self-disinfection system according to claim 1, characterized in that The body of the cladding is formed as a tape or sheet configured to conform to one or more continuous surfaces of the substrate, the one or more continuous surfaces of the substrate being selected from a flat surface and a rounded surface of the substrate.

3. The self-disinfection system according to claim 1, characterized in that The body of the cladding is formed as a sheath configured to conform to a cylindrical surface of the substrate.

4. A self-disinfecting system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The germicidal irradiation device for disinfecting the outer surface of the cladding includes one or more light emitters selected from light sources including light emitting diodes, superluminescent LEDs, laser diodes, light bulbs and downlights and an optical fiber terminal operably connected to one or more of the light sources.

5. The self-disinfecting system according to claim 4, characterized in that The one or more light emitters are configured to emit light selected from broad spectrum ultraviolet light, UVA light, UVB light, UVC light, blue light, and modulated light thereof, the modulated light being modulated in frequency, power, duration, or a combination thereof.

6. The self-disinfecting system according to claim 5, characterized in that The one or more light emitters are located within the body of the cladding between outer and inner polymer layers corresponding to at least two of the one or more polymer layers, the outer polymer layer of the body being transparent to light emitted by the one or more light emitters.

7. The self-disinfecting system according to claim 5, characterized in that The one or more light emitters are within the substrate, and both the substrate and the one or more polymer layers of the body of the cladding are transparent to light emitted by the one or more light emitters.

8. The self-disinfecting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The photosensitizer is incorporated into the one or more polymer layers of the body.

9. The self-disinfecting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The photosensitizer is incorporated into the coating on the one or more polymer layers of the body.

10. The self-disinfecting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 8 and 9, characterized in that The photocatalytic disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface of the cladding includes one or more light emitters selected from light sources including light emitting diodes, superluminescent LEDs, laser diodes, light bulbs and downlights, and an optical fiber terminal operably connected to one or more of the light sources.

11. The self-disinfecting system according to claim 10, characterized in that The one or more light emitters are located within the body of the cladding between outer and inner polymer layers corresponding to at least two of the one or more polymer layers, the outer polymer layer of the body being transparent to light emitted by the one or more light emitters.

12. The self-disinfecting system according to claim 10, wherein: The one or more light emitters are within the substrate, and both the substrate and the one or more polymer layers of the body of the cladding are transparent to light emitted by the one or more light emitters.

13. A self-disinfecting system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The germicidal irradiation device or the photocatalytic disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface of the envelope includes an electronic circuit configured to power the germicidal irradiation device or the photocatalytic disinfection device and control the operation thereof.

14. The self-disinfecting system according to claim 13, wherein: The electronic circuit includes one or more sensors, and the one or more sensors are configured to sense a person to start or stop disinfecting the outer surface of the envelope by the germicidal irradiation device or the photocatalytic disinfection device when the person is sensed, and the one or more sensors are selected from passive infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, microwave sensors, acoustic sensors, floor pressure pads, infrared beam sensors, capacitive proximity sensors, thermal cameras, laser sensors, radio frequency sensors and vibration sensors.

15. A self-disinfecting system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The substrate is selected from the group consisting of: a hospital bed rail or frame; a grab bar; an IV pole or stand; the surface or edge of an overbed table, nightstand, countertop, or trash can; a sink, faucet, or toilet; a handle or knob on a door, drawer, or cabinet; a light switch, and a call button.

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