UVC irradiation device with optical enhancement

Abstract

A device for irradiating pathogens disposed on a surface is disclosed. A UVC light source transmits UVC light toward the surface to irradiate pathogens disposed on the surface. A preventative portion prevents transmission of UVC light greater than 230 nm to the surface. An optical element is disposed between the UVC light source and the surface to be irradiated. The optical element selectively alters the irradiated area, thereby optimizing the irradiance energy transmitted by the UVC light source to the surface.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application having application serial number 17 / 379,694, filed on July 19, 2021, which claims priority to a provisional patent application having application serial number 63 / 318,359, filed on March 9, 2022, which claims priority to a provisional patent application having application serial number 62 / 963,682, filed on January 21, 2020, which claims priority to a U.S. patent having registration number 11,071,799, filed on March 5, 2020, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application having application serial number 17 / 333,558, filed on May 28, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. patent having registration number 11,020,501, filed on December 11, 2020, which claims priority to provisional patent application having application serial number 62 / 963,682, filed on January 21, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. patent having registration number 11,071,799, filed on March 5, 2020, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application having registration number 11,135,324, filed February 19, 2019, which claims priority to provisional patent application having registration number 62 / 694,482, filed July 6, 2018, and provisional patent application having registration number 62 / 632,716, filed February 20, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application having registration number 11,020,498, filed March 6, 2020, and U.S. patent application having registration number 17 / 333,565, filed May 28, 2021, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] (Technical field) The present invention relates generally to light emitting devices, and more particularly to short wavelength ultraviolet light emitting devices that transmit light in the deep UVC spectrum. [Background technology]

[0003] Pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, etc. are everywhere: on door handles, on phones, on TV remote controls, in public restrooms, on countertops, on sidewalks, in the air, etc. Currently, there are numerous solutions to clean germs from hands, such as hand sanitizers, wet wipes, etc. These products can be useful for people who are on the go or who want a quick solution to clean their hands when they cannot wash with soap. However, pathogens are everywhere, and it is often impractical to apply chemical wipes and / or cleaning solutions on all surfaces and / or into the air that are desired to be disinfected.

[0004] Besides chemical wipes and other cleaning solutions, short-wave ultraviolet (UVC) light is a proven and effective method of killing germs and other pathogens. Current UVC options for killing germs / bacteria, such as handheld UVC wands and foot-operated stationary mechanisms that aid in cleaning shoe soles, phone cases, etc., are often expensive, not readily available to the general consumer, and / or often have a single specific use (e.g., cleaning only one's shoes or other elements or devices). UVC light also carries risks. For example, UVC light can cause skin cancer and / or cataracts. Thus, there is a need for a human-safe, handheld and / or portable, disposable and / or rechargeable device in a form that is readily available and accessible for everyday use by the general consumer that can be used to disinfect selected surfaces, localized areas, and / or the air surrounding such surfaces and eliminate pathogens. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] UVC light provides a pathogen-killing effect. The present invention provides ultraviolet (UV) or UVC light (e.g., far-UVC or short-wave UV light) in a handheld, portable, disposable, and / or rechargeable form that can be used routinely and in common locations to disinfect selected surfaces, localized areas, and / or the air surrounding the surfaces, while eliminating pathogens and being safe for humans. This device can be readily available and affordable for trained professionals and even general consumers for routine use.

[0006] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a handheld UVC device that generates and emits UVC light to selected surfaces, localized regions, and air surrounding the surfaces. The device includes an irradiator or light source that generates UVC light and provides illumination or light in the UVC spectrum for emission toward the surface or space surrounding the surface. The device also includes an activation unit. The activation unit intermittently generates and emits UVC light and provides selective activation of the irradiator for a period of time sufficient to disinfect the surface or space. The device also includes a grip. The grip provides a gripping surface for a user to grip the device and direct the irradiator toward the surface or space to be disinfected and emit UVC light toward the surface or space to be disinfected.

[0007] The device may be modular, i.e., different components of the device (e.g., handle, illuminator, lens) may be removably attached to the device and / or disposable. The device may include a visible light emitter that emits at least one indicia or shape (e.g., circle or square or other polygon) indicative of the surface or object illuminated by the UVC light. The at least one indicia or shape may include multiple concentric shapes (e.g., multiple concentric circles or polygons). The device may include one or more lenses through which the UVC light may pass and be focused or scattered.

[0008] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of disinfecting a surface. The method includes providing a handheld device including a first light source emitting UVC light and a second light source emitting visible light. The method also includes emitting UVC light by the first light source of the handheld device. The method also includes emitting visible light by the second light source of the handheld device. The visible light provides a visual indication of the direction of aim of the emitted UVC light. The method also includes directing the emitted UVC light toward the surface to be disinfected by directing the emitted visible light toward the surface to be disinfected, and indicating, by the handheld device, when the handheld device is at an optimal distance from the surface to be disinfected. In response to the indication that the device is at an optimal distance from the surface to be disinfected, the method includes disinfecting the surface by irradiating the surface with the emitted UVC light. Indicating when the handheld device is at an optimal distance may include focusing emitted visible light onto the surface to be disinfected when the handheld device is at an optimal distance from the surface.

[0009] In another aspect of the disclosure, a device uses a UVC light source to irradiate pathogens disposed on a surface and transmit UVC light toward the surface. A blocking portion blocks transmission of UVC light above 230 nm. An optical element in one embodiment is disposed between the UVC light source and the surface to be illuminated. The optical element selectively modifies the illumination area to optimize the illumination energy transmitted by the UVC light source to the surface.

[0010] These and other objects, advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable device that emits UVC light when activated in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 2A]FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another portable device that emits UVC light when activated in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of another portable device that emits UVC light when activated in accordance with the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the handheld device of FIGS. 2A and 2B emitting UVC light and illuminating a human hand. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the handheld device of FIGS. 2A and 2B with a rotatable base for adjusting the width of the emitted UVC light in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a plan view of a lens for use with a portable device according to the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a plan view of a lens for use with a portable device according to the present invention. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a plan view of a lens for use with a portable device according to the present invention. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D is a plan view of a lens for use with a portable device according to the present invention. [Figure 5E] FIG. 5E is a plan view of a lens for use with a portable device according to the present invention. [Figure 5F] FIG. 5F is a plan view of a lens for use with a portable device according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows another UVC lighting and lens arrangement. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows yet another UVC lighting and lens arrangement. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an optical element in the form of an acousto-optic modulator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] A handheld and / or portable and / or disposable and / or rechargeable device for disinfecting a surface or the air surrounding a surface is operative to emit ultraviolet (UV) or UVC light (e.g., far-UVC light) to eliminate pathogens. The device includes a unit with an activation mechanism. When the activation mechanism is activated, the device emits UVC light. The device can then be operated such that the desired surface and / or air and / or space to be disinfected is irradiated with UVC light, thereby eliminating pathogens from the surface and / or air.

[0013] Referring now to the drawings and the exemplary embodiment depicted therein, device 10 includes a unit 12. Unit 12 may be of any suitable shape, and at least a portion of unit 12 is transparent or translucent. Unit 12 includes an activation mechanism 14. Although the illustrated embodiment shows the activation mechanism as a switch or toggle, it is understood that the activation mechanism may take any number of forms, which are described in more detail below. When activation mechanism 14 is activated, unit 12 emits UVC light through the transparent or translucent portion. Optionally, the unit includes a power source 16, such as a battery.

[0014] Pathogens such as bacteria and viruses are everywhere: on door handles, on phones, on TV remote controls, in public restrooms, on countertops, on sidewalks, in the air, etc. Currently, there are easy and inexpensive solutions to clean germs from hands, such as Purell hand sanitizer, wet wipes, etc. These products are useful for people who are on the go or who want a quick solution to clean their hands when they cannot wash with soap. However, pathogens are everywhere, and it is often impractical to apply chemical wipes and / or cleaning solutions on all surfaces and / or into the air that one wishes to disinfect.

[0015] Besides chemical wipes and other cleaning solutions, short-wave ultraviolet (UVC) light is a proven and effective method to kill germs and other pathogens. Currently, there are several UVC options to kill germs / bacteria, such as handheld UVC wands and foot-operated stationary mechanisms that aid in cleaning shoe soles, phone cases, etc., but these UVC light options are often expensive, not readily available to the average consumer, and often have a single, specific use (e.g., cleaning only one's shoes or other elements or devices). UVC light also carries risks (e.g., UVC light can cause skin cancer and / or cataracts). Electromagnetic (EM) radiation includes any light or illumination or irradiation that propagates electromagnetic radiation energy through space using waves. EM radiation includes both visible (to the human eye) and invisible radiation, such as visible light, radio waves, microwaves, ultraviolet light, and gamma rays. UVC light or illumination or irradiation is short wavelength germicidal ultraviolet EM radiation with wavelengths of approximately 100 nm to 280 nm. However, far UVC light or illumination or irradiation, which is a narrow spectrum of UV light (e.g., 200 nm to 230 nm) with a peak irradiation at about 222 nm, may provide the same effect of killing germs / bacteria without the harmful side effects. As used herein, light, illumination, and irradiation may be used interchangeably to refer to either visible or invisible EM radiation.

[0016] In accordance with the present invention, a device is provided for reducing pathogens and promoting health by applying the germicidal power of UV or UVC light in an inexpensive, disposable, and / or single-use (or few-use) and portable form for everyday use. The device comprises a small, portable unit (which may take any number of shapes) that emits UVC light when activated. In some examples, the device may emit other types of UV light (emit light in other spectral bands or having different wavelengths) that also eliminate bacteria and / or other pathogens. The unit may be activated by any number of means, such as activating a switch or activating the unit by bending, pressing, squeezing, shaking, and / or exposing it to air. After activation, the UVC light may be used to irradiate a surface to kill pathogens and remain activated for a limited period of time (e.g., similar to a typical glow stick or hand warmer). The device may disinfect many types of surfaces (e.g., non-biological surfaces such as skin or tables). The device can also irradiate the air and clean and kill pathogens on and / or around surfaces. The device can then be easily disposed of (e.g., in a trash can) once the UVC light irradiation is finished. The invention is more effective than traditional chemical wipes or cleaning solutions, has more uses, is not as harmful as traditional UVC lights, is easy to activate, and allows for portability.

[0017] The device may utilize various means to generate power to power or energize the UVC light source (located inside the body or unit). For example, the device may use disposable or rechargeable batteries, chemicals, solar power, wind power, and / or any other type of mechanism to activate and / or generate the UVC light. Optionally, the UVC light source may emit light in response to a chemical reaction when the device or unit is bent, squeezed, shaken, etc. Alternatively, the device may be activated or deactivated by the actuation of a switch, button, etc.

[0018] In other aspects of the invention, the device may use a rechargeable battery, allowing for multiple uses of the device (where the device may be plugged in and recharged). In yet other aspects of the invention, the device may comprise any suitable form of mobile device operable to toggle between emitting no light, emitting normal visible light (such as a flashlight function), and emitting UVC light, such as, for example, a mobile phone or other mobile device. The device may, in some examples, include the form of a traditional flashlight. That is, the device may be a flashlight that includes a reusable UV light source (such as a light emitting diode (LED), fluorescent lamp, excimer lamp, etc.) and a power source (such as a replaceable battery, a rechargeable battery, a non-replaceable battery, a capacitor, etc.).

[0019] The device may emit UVC light (or other pathogen-cleaning UV light) in any number of ways. This includes using light sources of various technologies (incandescent, fluorescent, LED, excimer lamps, etc.). If a light source is included, the light source may take any suitable shape. For example, the light source and / or reflector may be shaped to focus the emitted light to a relatively narrow area. A user may, in some instances, focus the emitted light (e.g., by moving the device's lens or by activating some other user input) between a generally wide and a generally narrow beam. The device may emit a visible indication of the aiming direction of the emitted UVC light. For example, the device may emit a visible crosshair (i.e., visible light in the shape of a crosshair) or other targeting indicator to aid in directing or aiming the invisible (to the human eye) UVC light. That is, the device may provide a way to "aim" the UVC light so that a desired area is cleaned.

[0020] The device may also emit visible light that is focused in generally the same area as the UVC light, to aid the user in directing or aiming or guiding the UVC light (i.e., the user shines the visible light on the area to be cleaned). For example, the device may emit visible light similar to a typical flashlight, and wherever the surface or space illuminated by the emitted visible light is also illuminated (invisibly to the human eye) by the emitted UVC light. The visible light emitter portion (that emits the crosshairs) may be powered by activation of a user input, such as the same user input that activates the UVC light source, such that the visible light emitter and the UVC light emitter are coordinated, whereby the emitted visible light is visible in the area where the UVC light is aimed. Optionally, the device may include a second user input, separate from the user input that activates the UVC light source, such that the visible light emitter is operated independently of the UVC light source. In other examples, the light source can be a lamp (e.g., a cylindrical bulb or diode) that emits UVC light in a region approximately 360 degrees around the light source. The device can then emit light in all directions or nearly all directions to clean a large area simultaneously. In some examples, the light source or light emitting diode or bulb can be replaceable and / or disposable.

[0021] In some embodiments, the device may include a timer. The timer may begin timing when a user input is activated that powers the UVC light emitting light source. The timer may time a period (e.g., 10 seconds) sufficient for the UVC light to eliminate a majority of pathogens. The timer may include a visual, audible, or tactile indication (e.g., LED, audio signal, vibration, etc.) that the period has elapsed. Optionally, the timer may disable the light source at the end of the period. The timer may be user configurable or selectable from a set of predefined periods (e.g., 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds). Thus, the user may activate the device by pressing a button, and the device will then automatically shut off after operating for the predefined period (without further user input or holding the button).

[0022] The device may include a lamp that emits UVC light with wavelengths between approximately 180 nm and 300 nm. For example, the lamp may emit light with wavelengths between 200 nm and 235 nm. UVC light in this spectrum is believed to kill pathogens. The device may include a filter (e.g., chemical filtering, optical filter(s), etc.) that filters the UVC light into a narrower wavelength spectrum (e.g., 200 nm to 235 nm). If the light source emits light in a narrow spectrum (e.g., 200 nm to 235 nm), the filter may act as a secondary safety measure to ensure that only appropriate wavelengths are emitted from the device. The light source may also emit a wide range of frequencies, and the filter may act as a primary method of controlling the wavelengths. In some examples, the device may filter UVC light with wavelengths greater than 230 nm. The filter has a maximum frequency response between 220 nm and 225 nm (e.g., 222 nm) in some embodiments. UVC light with a wavelength of about 222 nm can destroy pathogens and provide a disinfecting solution without harming the epidermis or eyes of a human exposed to the light. Therefore, it is desirable to avoid high intensity light significantly above about 222 nm (e.g., above 230 nm). Continued irradiation at about 222 nm (e.g., far UVC irradiation) destroys pathogens, but does not penetrate the epidermis of a human, nor the cornea of ​​a human eye, even at high intensity for extended periods of time. Chemical filtering may be included in a filter located in the bulb of the device or elsewhere in the device. An optical filter may be positioned so that light emitted from the device passes through the optical filter. An optical filter may be included in the lamp of the device itself or as a separate element (e.g., on the lens or light source or bulb of the device, or as a film placed between the lens and the lamp). In some examples, the lamp 28 may only generate UVC light that is about 222 nm or less, so that filtering is not required.

[0023] Although not required, device 20 may optionally include an eye detection sensor. The eye detection sensor is operable to detect the presence of an eye (e.g., a human eye) within a detection field of the device. A processor or controller of the device may receive and process sensor data captured by the eye detection sensor (such as a camera capturing image data representative of a scene at or partially around the device within the path of the UV light emitted by the device) to determine the presence of an eye within the detection field of the eye detection sensor. The detection field of the eye detection sensor may be approximately coincident with the light emitted by device 20. That is, the detection field may encompass the area illuminated by the UV light emitted by device 20. The controller may automatically shut off or disable the UV light source when an eye is detected within the detection field of the eye detection sensor. Optionally, the controller may additionally or alternatively notify or alert the user of the presence of an eye (e.g., visual or audible notification such as a buzzer, flashlight, etc.).

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, the device emits light that makes bacteria and other pathogens visible to a user of the device, allowing the user to determine the cleanliness of an area. For example, the device may emit fluorescent or other light that causes bacteria to glow. The device may emit the pathogen-illuminating light simultaneously with the UV or UVC light, or separately from the UV or UVC light. That is, the pathogens may be illuminated (i.e., visible to the user) during use of the UVC light to indicate where to clean, or may be illuminated before or after the UVC light is used to aid in cleaning and evaluate effectiveness. The pathogen-illuminating light may be emitted from the same light source as the UVC light (e.g., an LED or light bulb) or from a separate light source (i.e., a pathogen-illuminating light source that emits pathogen-illuminating light). The device may include an additional user input (e.g., a button or switch) that activates the pathogen-illuminating light separately from the UVC light.

[0025] 2A and 2B, UVC light emitting device 20 includes base 22 and top 24. Base 22 and top 24 are illustrated as a "lipstick case" box shape, but may be any suitable shape (e.g., rectangular, tubular, triangular, flexible / flexible / conformal, etc.). Top 24 attaches to base 22 and encloses device 20 (FIG. 2A). When top 24 is removed (e.g., by pulling, twisting, unlatching, etc.), radiation or illumination source or lamp housing 26 is exposed. Illumination, as defined herein, refers to illuminating an object or air with light that may be visible or invisible (to a user). Lamp housing may contain lamp 28 or other illumination or radiation source or light source that emits UV or UVC light. Lamp 26 may be any lamp capable of generating wavelengths within the UVC spectrum (e.g., excimer lamp or excilamp, LED, etc.). The lamp housing 26 may also house a filter 30 that filters wavelengths of light emitted by the lamp 28. The filter 30 may be activated whenever the illumination or radiation source 28 is activated (e.g., by pushing, squeezing, pulling, bending, shaking the device 20, etc.). Optionally, the filter may be replaceable and / or disposable (e.g., a removable filter cartridge). The device may also be activated by biometric authentication (e.g., a fingerprint sensor or face recognition).

[0026] The device may also include a lens 32. The lens 32 may focus the emitted light into a narrower or wider beam. The lamp housing 26 may further include a backing 34 and a reflective panel 36 to further direct and control the emitted light. In some embodiments, the device 20 includes an activation and / or deactivation user input 38 (e.g., a switch, slider, toggle, button, etc.). The user input 38, when activated or activated, may cause the device 20 to emit UVC light or stop emitting UVC light by powering or depowering the lamp 26. The user input may intermittently power the lamp 26 for a period of time sufficient to generate and emit UVC light and disinfect the targeted surface or space. The device 20 may further include a power level 40 indicating the amount of power remaining in the power source. The power source may be a replaceable battery, a rechargeable battery, an electrical plug-in power source, a solar powered power source, etc.

[0027] 3 and 4, device 20 emits UVC light and illuminates a target object or area to be cleaned. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a user can hold device 20 in one hand while illuminating his or her other hand to remove pathogens from the hand. Device 20 can include a grip or handle 21 for holding the device by a user of the device (e.g., holding the device in the user's hand). For example, device 20 can include a rubberized surface for a user to hold while directing illumination or light toward a surface or air to be disinfected. In a further embodiment, the grip is coated with an antimicrobial coating. In yet another embodiment, device 20 is housed in a charging station with UVC or far-UVC transmitted to device 20 during charging.

[0028] The grip or handle 21 may take any shape or form that facilitates a user to hold and / or aim the device 20. In some examples, the handle 21 may be detachable or removable from the device 20 for storage or for cleaning the handle itself. For example, the handle may be screwed or clipped or snapped into place in the internal structure of the device 20. The handle portion (exterior part of the device) may thereby be removed from this structure. After removal, the handle 21 may be sanitized by the device 20 or may be cleaned separately by other methods (e.g., cleaning solution). In some examples, the handle 21 may be disposable or otherwise replaceable and replaced periodically. Additionally, other components of the device may be removed and cleaned or repaired or replaced, as described below.

[0029] The device 20 may have an optimal operating distance. That is, the device 20 may operate most efficiently when placed at a predetermined distance from the object or area. For example, the device 20 may preferably operate between 6 inches and 18 inches from the object or area. The optimal distance may be about 12 inches. The device 20 may emit a visible indicator to indicate that the device is at an optimal distance from the object or area. For example, if the device emits a visible crosshair, as described above, the crosshair may be blurred and out of focus when the device 20 is closer or farther than the optimal distance, and the crosshair may be in focus when the device 20 is at the optimal distance. Instead of crosshairs, any other shape or design may be emitted by the device 20. For example, a single shape or indicator (such as a circle or polygon such as a square, triangle, etc.) or multiple concentric shapes (e.g., a circle or polygon) may be provided to indicate the area or region that the light is cleaning. The device 20 may indicate the appropriate distance in other ways (e.g., an LED on the device 20 or an audible sound). Device 20 may measure distance with other sensors (e.g., infrared distance sensors). It is understood that alternative systems for identifying optimal distance are within the scope of this application, including, but not limited to, LIDAR, light-based distance measurement systems, radar, sound, and the like.

[0030] Because the emitted UV light is typically invisible to the human eye, the device 20 may emit other visible light. For example, the device 20 may emit visible light that illuminates approximately the same area as the emitted UV light to provide a visual indication of the area being disinfected. This visible light may be any color (e.g., white, green, red, etc.). The device may emit a visible outline that approximately encompasses the area illuminated by the emitted UV light. For example, a single circle or multiple concentric circles may be provided (such as in a lens or mask through which UV and visible light are emitted) with visible light being emitted into the area to indicate the area or region that the light is cleaning. Thus, for example, if the device is close enough to the surface to be cleaned and the visible light is within one or more circles (or any other emitted shapes or polygons or marks) and not outside the circles or other shapes or polygons or marks, the user may recognize that the light intensity at the surface is sufficient to clean the surface, but if the visible light is outside the one or more circles or other shapes or polygons or marks, the user may recognize that the device is too far from the surface and the light intensity at the surface is not sufficient to clean the surface.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, device 20 may emit UVC light within a narrow wavelength band (e.g., at or near 222 nm). A reflective panel 36 located behind lamp 28 may increase the light density in front of lamp 28, thereby increasing the effective distance between device 20 and the intended target area. Device 20 may include a refractive body that focuses the light, for example, by opening or closing an aperture, moving or manipulating a lens or reflective panel. The light may be focused, for example, by twisting base 22 of device 20, as one would twist an adjustable brass hose nozzle. The light may be focused in any other suitable manner (e.g., pressing a button, sliding a slider, pushing or pulling a base, rotating a knob, lens or lamp, etc.). Such adjustments may allow device 20 to illuminate a wider or narrower area, depending on the user's desire.

[0032] 5A-5F, device 20 may include lenses of various different configurations to adjust the illumination shape, range, and / or intensity. In general, the distance from the sterilization target is inversely proportional to the irradiance at the surface, which in turn is proportional to the illuminated area. That is, in general, the further device 20 is from the target object or surface, the larger the illuminated area, but the weaker the irradiance at the surface. With different lens configurations, these general principles may be modified or optimized.

[0033] For example, if the conjugate ratio (i.e., the ratio of the distance of the target object / surface from the lens to the distance from the lens to the light source) is greater than 5 (i.e., the target object / surface is far away), a plano-convex lens 32a (FIG. 5A) may be used. The plano-convex lens 32a may be shaped into a cylindrical shape and may generate surface illumination or radiation in the form of a line that extends along the surface to be irradiated. This allows high density UV energy to be provided, for example, on the surface in the form of a line, allowing the user to sweep the line across the surface rather than holding the line in place for a long period of time. That is, all of the energy of the emitted UV light may be concentrated in this line, which may greatly reduce the exposure time required to sterilize a surface or object. In another example, if the typical conjugate ratio is between 0.2 and 5, a biconvex lens 32b (FIG. 5B) may be used. In yet another example, if the ratio is less than 0.2 (i.e., the target object / surface is close), a plano-concave lens 32c (FIG. 5C) may be used. Biconcave lens 32d (FIG. 5D) has a negative focal length and can be used to increase the divergence of the emitted light. In yet another example, positive meniscus lens 32e (FIG. 5E) or negative meniscus lens 32f (FIG. 5F) can be used alone or with other lenses to create a compound lens assembly. A positive meniscus lens can shorten the focal length and increase the numerical aperture without introducing significant spherical aberration, while a negative meniscus lens can lengthen the focal length and decrease the numerical aperture.

[0034] Device 20 may include a single lens or multiple lenses used in combination to form a compound lens. Device 20 may allow a user to switch between different lenses based on the intended application. For example, the lenses may be modular and interchangeable with other lenses. Device 20 may include multiple lenses and a user may switch between these lenses (e.g., by rotating a wheel of lenses). Device 20 may emit collimated or non-collimated light. Device 20 may use lenses that limit optical absorption or reflection of the emitted UV light. For example, the lenses may be uncoated UV fused silica lenses.

[0035] The inventors envision that the device of the present invention will be used in the vicinity of the surface to be irradiated. Thus, the conjugate ratio will be less than 1, and likely in the range of 0.2 to 0.5. Additionally, the bandpass filter 30 has been found to have adverse effects on the irradiated area of ​​the lamp 28 (also referred to herein as the UVC light source), including a reduction in the irradiated surface area. For this reason, tuning of the irradiation optics can be a significant enhancement to the ability to rapidly disinfect a surface area. For example, plano-convex lens 32a, biconvex lens 32b, and positive meniscus 32e can be used to focus the UVC on the surface to locally increase the irradiated energy over unmodified irradiation.

[0036] With reference to FIG. 6, another schematic diagram of the device is shown generally at 50. A number of lamps 28, in this embodiment two lamps 28, are fixed in a lamp housing 52. The lamps 28 are assumed to include a tubular configuration with krypton chloride gas disposed therein, so that the illumination at start-up is 360°. Each lamp 28 therefore includes a reflector 54 including a reflective surface configured to direct the illumination through the filter 30 to the surface to be illuminated. As mentioned above, the filter 30 adversely affects the illumination area of ​​the lamp 28. It is believed that the optimal illumination area is reduced relative to the overall size of the lamp 28. In this embodiment, the positive meniscus lens 32e is inverted, so that the illumination area is enlarged when passing through the lens 32e. It is noted that the light waves 56 emitted from the lamp 28 are translated to be parallel when passing through the positive meniscus lens 32e, somewhat canceling the coherent behavior of the UVC light. In this embodiment, small changes in distance due to the parallel orientation of the light waves 56 emitted from the positive meniscus lens 32e are not expected to significantly change the illuminated area on the surface, but the illuminated energy at the surface is expected to become more uniform because the positive meniscus lens 32e is expected to improve uniformity.

[0037] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the alternative lenses disclosed in Figures 5A-5F, as shown, may each be used to change the illumination area on the surface to be disinfected. For example, the biconcave lens 32d shown in Figure 5D may be used to expand the illumination area of ​​the lamp 28. If the biconcave lens 32d is selected, the distance between the lamp 28 and the surface to be irradiated will affect the illumination area. As the distance between the lamp 28 and the surface to be irradiated increases, the illumination density may decrease while the area of ​​the surface to be irradiated increases, and as the distance decreases, the illumination density may increase while the area of ​​the surface to be irradiated decreases. The illumination area may be further adjusted by moving the lenses 32a-32f relative to the lamp 2 while holding the lamp at a constant distance from the surface to be irradiated. Thus, the lenses 32a-32f may be interchanged to accommodate multiple applications. The distance between the lamp 28, 66 and the surface to be irradiated may be correlated to achieve a predetermined pathogen removal result.

[0038] In one embodiment, lenses 32a-32f are selected to act as a protective barrier for filter 30 and lamp 2. In this embodiment, lenses 32a-32f are made of fused silica. Alternatively, lenses 32a-32f are made of quartz. In yet another embodiment, lenses 32a-32f have filtering properties. The filter is optionally coated onto lenses 32a-32f or is chemically included in the fused silica used to form the lenses. Either of these options eliminates the need for a separate filter.

[0039] Yet another embodiment is shown at 60 in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, an alternative bandpass filter 62 is part of an alternative lamp 64. In one embodiment, the alternative bandpass filter 62 is a wrap or coating applied to a tube or bulb 66 that contains krypton chloride gas from which UV light is emitted. In this embodiment, the far UVC transmission is expected to be more uniform, and the plano-concave lens 32c is useful in expanding or dispersing the illuminated area as represented by the light waves 56 shown in FIG. 7. The illuminated surface area may be adjusted by the distance between the plano-concave lens 32c and the surface to be illuminated. Alternatively, the illuminated surface area may be adjusted by moving the plano-concave lens 32c relative to the lamp 64. As with the above embodiment, it is contemplated that lenses 32a-32f having different contours may be used to achieve different illumination patterns to meet specific needs or applications.

[0040] Alternatively, a UV absorber may be included in the tube composition, eliminating the need for a separate bandpass filter altogether. In some embodiments, the bandpass filter 62 and alternative tube or bulb 66 are hermetically sealed to protect the bandpass filter 62, or to protect the tube if a UV absorber is included in the tube composition. As discussed above, it is desirable to reduce or eliminate light waves above about 230 nm. Thus, the preventer 30, 62 is used to filter light with wavelengths above 230 nm. It is understood that the preventer 30, 62 may include chemical modifications to the tube 66, lenses 21a-32f, dedicated LEDs, etc. that prevent or reduce transmission above 230 nm. It is envisioned that LEDs that transmit UVC in the far UVC spectrum include dopants that function as preventers to reduce or eliminate transmission of dangerous UVC light above about 230 nm. The preventer 30, 62 may also prevent transmission of light waves above 225 nm.

[0041] The illumination area can be further adjusted by placing a collimator between the lamps 28, 64 and the illuminated surface. In this embodiment, the collimator allows only parallel light waves to reach the illuminated surface. Therefore, the illuminated surface area will most likely match the surface area of ​​the lamps 28, 64. This allows for some predictability of the illumination area by addressing incoherent light scattering. This may be useful when reflectivity is an issue. If the illuminated surface is approximately perpendicular to the lamps 28, 64, the UVC light will be reflected directly back towards the lamps 28, 64. Further shaping of the UVC light transmitted from the lamps 28, 64 may be achieved by configuring a reflector 54 to be placed adjacent to each lamp 28, 64.

[0042] In yet another embodiment, the lamps 28, 64 move relative to the device 20 or device base 22 so that the illuminated surface area is covered more consistently. In operation, the lamps 28, 64 move while an operator scans the device 20 across a surface. This allows for increased illumination energy to be achieved in a radially outward direction from a central portion that would otherwise receive a lower level of illumination. In this embodiment, the lamps 28, 64 are swiveled by a mechanical swivel while the device 20 scans the surface. Alternatively, the lenses 32a-32f move relative to the lamps 28, 64 to more efficiently direct optimal illumination while the device 20 scans the surface.

[0043] In yet another embodiment, the optical element is an acousto-optic modulator 68 ("AOM"). In this embodiment, sound is used to modify the far UVC or UVC light waves transmitted by the lamp 28. The AOM 68 uses sound, in one embodiment inaudible sound waves F, to bend and redirect the far UVC light. As best seen in FIG. 8, sound waves are directed laterally towards the far UVC light emitted from the lamp 26. For ease of explanation, the light emitted from the lamp is illustrated as being transmitted in one direction. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that UVC light generally takes the form of non-coherent light. In this embodiment, the non-coherent UVC light is directed by a reflector. The AOM 68 collimates and redirects the UVC light by transmitting sound waves to redirect the UVC light waves. Alternatively, the AOM, or in this case the cooperative AOM 68, may focus the UVC light to achieve an effect similar to that achieved by the plano-convex lens 32a, the biconvex lens 32b, and the positive meniscus lens 32, increasing the light energy at the illuminated surface. Alternatively, the AOM 68, or the cooperative AOM 68, may diffuse the UVC light to achieve an effect similar to that achieved by the biconcave lens 32d, the plano-concave lens 32c, and the negative meniscus lens 32f, increasing the illuminated surface area.

[0044] Referring again to FIG. 3, the device, and more specifically the lamp 28, may be positioned within about 12 cm of the human appendage or surface being disinfected. In particular, positioning the lamp 28 about 12 cm away from the human appendage removes pathogens while not adversely affecting the human appendage. In one embodiment, the lamp 28 is scanned slowly while emitting far UVC light to illuminate the surface or appendage, allowing sufficient illumination time to destroy pathogens. It should be understood that the optical system (e.g., lenses) may have substantial variations in the time and intensity of the far UVC illumination. In a further embodiment, the lamp 28 is positioned within about 6 cm of the human appendage or surface being disinfected while the lamp 28 is scanned slowly over the human appendage or surface. In yet another embodiment, the lamp 28 is positioned within about 3 cm of the human appendage or surface being disinfected while the lamp 28 is scanned slowly over the human appendage or surface. Distance, lamp irradiation energy, and optics can all contribute to the length of time required to adequately eliminate pathogens located on the epidermis, surfaces of human appendages, and even the air within the irradiated area.

[0045] Optionally, device 20 may have a modular design that allows for easy replacement of various parts. For example, the handle, light sources (both visible and invisible), filters, and / or lenses of device 20 may be removable and replaceable by a user of device 20 without replacing the entire device 20. The handle or housing may be removed, and / or the light sources may be removed and replaced, and / or the power source or battery may be removed and replaced, and / or the filters or lenses may be removed and replaced. The various components may snap or otherwise attach to a central circuit element (including a printed circuit board and control circuitry for operating and controlling the device) or device or structure.

[0046] Thus, in accordance with the present invention, the device provides a means to sanitize small surface areas and / or the air surrounding surface areas, such as shoes before entering a home, faucets and door handles in a bathroom, public tables before eating, household items, toys, remote controls, sinks, office spaces, etc. When activated, the device operates to remove harmful, disease-causing bacteria and germs invisible to the human eye.

[0047] The present invention has been described by way of example only, and many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. It is therefore to be understood that reference numerals herein are merely for convenience and are not intended to be limiting in any way, and that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Thus, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described, within the scope of the appended claims, in accordance with this first disclosed embodiment.

[0048] (Additional Note) (Appendix 1) 1. A device for irradiating pathogens disposed on a surface, comprising: a UVC light source that transmits UVC light toward the surface, thereby irradiating pathogens disposed on the surface; A prevention unit that prevents transmission of UVC light exceeding 230 nm; an optical element disposed between the UVC light source and the surface to be illuminated, the optical element selectively varying an illumination area to thereby optimize the illumination energy delivered by the UVC light source to the surface; Equipped with device.

[0049] (Appendix 2) The optical element comprises an optical lens configured to increase an illuminated surface area. 2. A device as described in claim 1.

[0050] (Appendix 3) The optical element comprises an optical lens configured to reduce an illuminated surface area. 2. A device as described in claim 1.

[0051] (Appendix 4) The optical element comprises a collimator that generates parallel UVC light waves that illuminate the surface. 2. A device as described in claim 1.

[0052] (Appendix 5) the optical element comprises fused silica; 2. A device as described in claim 1.

[0053] (Appendix 6) The optical element includes a UVC filter, thereby integrating the optical element into the prevention unit. 2. A device as described in claim 1.

[0054] (Appendix 7) The optical element comprises an interchangeable lens, thereby providing an adjustable illuminated surface area. 2. A device as described in claim 1.

[0055] (Appendix 8) The replacement lens includes at least one of a plano-convex lens, a biconvex lens, a plano-concave lens, a biconcave lens, a positive meniscus lens, and a negative meniscus lens. 7. The device according to claim 7.

[0056] (Appendix 9) The optical element is positioned at an adjustable distance relative to the UVC light source, thereby providing an adjustable irradiation area and irradiation energy. 2. A device as described in claim 1.

[0057] (Appendix 10) The optical element increases the radiation energy at the surface being irradiated. 2. A device as described in claim 1.

[0058] (Appendix 11) the optical element improves uniformity of the illumination energy on the illuminated surface; 2. A device as described in claim 1.

[0059] (Appendix 12) the optical element diffuses the radiation energy transmitted to the surface to be illuminated; 2. A device as described in claim 1.

[0060] (Appendix 13) the optical element comprises an acousto-optic modulator; 2. A device as described in claim 1.

[0061] (Appendix 14) The acousto-optic modulator performs at least one of increasing UVC light density, improving uniformity of UVC light, and diffusing UVC light transmitted from the UVC light source. 14. The device of claim 13.

[0062] (Appendix 15) the acousto-optic modulator maintains the UVC light energy substantially constant relative to the UVC light transmitted by the UVC light source; 14. The device of claim 13.

Claims

1. 1. A device for irradiating pathogens disposed on a surface, comprising: a UVC light source that transmits UVC light toward the surface, thereby irradiating pathogens disposed on the surface; A prevention portion that prevents transmission of UVC light exceeding 230 nm; an optical element disposed between the UVC light source and the surface to be irradiated, the optical element selectively varying an irradiated area thereby optimizing the irradiance energy delivered by the UVC light source to the surface; Equipped with device.

2. The optical element comprises an optical lens configured to increase an illuminated surface area. The device of claim 1 .

3. The optical element comprises an optical lens configured to reduce an illuminated surface area. The device of claim 1 .

4. the optical element comprises a collimator for generating parallel UVC light waves that illuminate the surface; The device of claim 1 .

5. the optical element comprises fused silica; The device of claim 1 .

6. The optical element includes a UVC filter, thereby integrating the optical element into the prevention section. The device of claim 1 .

7. The optical element comprises an interchangeable lens, thereby providing an adjustable illuminated surface area. The device of claim 1 .

8. the replacement lens includes at least one of a plano-convex lens, a biconvex lens, a plano-concave lens, a biconcave lens, a positive meniscus lens, and a negative meniscus lens; The device of claim 7.

9. The optical element is positioned at an adjustable distance relative to the UVC light source, thereby providing an adjustable irradiation area and irradiation energy. The device of claim 1 .

10. The optical element increases the irradiated energy at the irradiated surface. The device of claim 1 .

11. the optical element improves uniformity of the illumination energy on the illuminated surface; The device of claim 1 .

12. the optical element diffuses the radiation energy transmitted to the surface to be illuminated; The device of claim 1 .

13. the optical element comprises an acousto-optic modulator; The device of claim 1 .

14. the acousto-optic modulator at least one of: increasing UVC light density; improving uniformity of the UVC light; and diffusing the UVC light transmitted from the UVC light source. The device of claim 13.

15. the acousto-optic modulator maintains the UVC light energy substantially constant relative to the UVC light transmitted by the UVC light source; The device of claim 13.

Images