Portable and disposable UV device with visible light and shaping optics

Abstract

To provide a handheld UVC device for generating UVC light and emitting it to selected surfaces, localized areas, and air surrounding a surface.SOLUTION: The handheld UVC device comprises an irradiation unit, an activation unit, a visible light emitting unit, and a grip. When powered, the irradiation unit provides light in the UVC spectrum for generating UVC light and emitting it toward a surface. The activation unit provides selective activation of the irradiation unit for a time duration sufficient to episodically generate and emit UVC light to sanitize the surface. When powered, the visible light emitting unit emits visible indicia defining on selected surfaces multiple concentric shapes each defining a different intensity level on the surface to be sanitized, so as to indicate an area of the surface that is irradiated by the UVC light. The grip provides a gripping surface allowing a user to grip and hold the handheld UVC device and direct the irradiation unit toward the surface to be sanitized and to emit UVC light toward the surface to be sanitized.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 809,976, filed March 5, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 279,253, filed February 19, 2019, which in turn claims priority to provisional patent application serial number 62 / 963,682, filed January 21, 2020, provisional patent application serial number 62 / 694,482, filed July 6, 2018, and provisional patent application serial number 62 / 632,716, filed February 20, 2018, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] (Technical field) FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to light emitting devices, and more particularly to deep wavelength ultraviolet emitting devices. [Background technology]

[0003] Pathogens such as bacteria and viruses are everywhere: on door handles, on telephones, on TV remote controls, in public restrooms, on countertops, on sidewalks, and in the air. Currently, there are numerous liquid products, such as hand sanitizers and wet wipes, that disinfect hands. These products can be useful for people who are out and about or who want to quickly clean their hands when soap is not available. However, because pathogens are ubiquitous, it is often impractical to apply chemical wipes and / or cleaning solutions to every surface and / or air that is desired to be disinfected.

[0004] Beyond chemical wipes and other cleaning solutions, short-wave ultraviolet (UVC) light is a proven and effective method for killing bacteria and other pathogens. Current UVC options for killing germs / bacteria, such as handheld UVC wands and step-on stationary mechanisms that aid in cleaning shoe soles, phone cases, and the like, 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. Therefore, there is a need for a human-safe, portable, disposable, and / or rechargeable device that can be used to disinfect and eliminate pathogens on selected surfaces, localized areas, and / or the air surrounding such surfaces in a format that is readily available and accessible for everyday consumer use. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] UVC light is effective in killing pathogens. The present invention provides ultraviolet (UV) or UVC light (e.g., far-UVC or short-wave UV light) in a portable, portable, disposable, and / or rechargeable format that eliminates pathogens while being safe for humans, and that can be used in everyday, common locations to disinfect selected surfaces, localized areas, and / or the air surrounding the surfaces. This device can be readily available and affordable for everyday use by ordinary consumers.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a portable UVC device that generates and emits UVC light onto selected surfaces, localized areas, and the air surrounding the surfaces. The device includes an irradiator or light source that provides irradiation or light in the UVC spectral range to generate and emit UVC light toward the surface or the space surrounding the surface. The device also includes an activation unit that intermittently generates and emits UVC light and selectively activates the irradiator for a period of time sufficient to disinfect the surface or space. The device also includes a grip that provides a gripping surface for a user to grasp the device, aim 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; that is, 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 mark or shape (e.g., a circle or square or other polygon) indicative of the surface or object illuminated by the UVC light. The at least one mark 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 passes and may be focused or diffused.

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

[0009] These and other goals, advantages, objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from a review of the following specification taken in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a portable device according to the present invention that emits UVC light when activated. [Figure 2A] 1 is a perspective view of another portable device according to the present invention that emits UVC light when activated. [Figure 2B] 1 is a perspective view of another portable device according to the present invention that emits UVC light when activated. [Figure 3] FIG. 2C is a perspective view showing the handheld device of FIGS. 2A and 2B emitting UVC light and illuminating a person's hand. [Figure 4] 2A and 2B with a rotatable base that adjusts the width of the emitted UVC light, according to the present invention. [Figure 5A] 1 is a plan view of a lens used in a portable device according to the present invention; [Figure 5B]1 is a plan view of a lens used in a portable device according to the present invention; [Figure 5C] 1 is a plan view of a lens used in a portable device according to the present invention; [Figure 5D] 1 is a plan view of a lens used in a portable device according to the present invention; [Figure 5E] 1 is a plan view of a lens used in a portable device according to the present invention; [Figure 5F] 1 is a plan view of a lens used in a portable device according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A portable and / or portable and / or disposable and / or rechargeable device for disinfecting surfaces or the air surrounding a surface operates to emit ultraviolet (UV) or UVC light (e.g., far-UV 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 is then operated to irradiate the desired surface and / or air and / or space to be disinfected with the UVC light, thereby scrubbing the surface and / or air of pathogens.

[0012] Referring now to the drawings and the exemplary embodiment depicted therein, device 10 includes unit 12. Unit 12 may be of any suitable shape, with at least a portion of unit 12 being transparent or translucent. Unit 12 includes activation mechanism 14. While the illustrated embodiment shows the activation mechanism as a switch or toggle, it will be appreciated that the activation mechanism may take any number of forms, as 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.

[0013] Bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens are everywhere: on door handles, on telephones, on TV remote controls, in public restrooms, on countertops, on sidewalks, and in the air. Currently, there are convenient and inexpensive liquid products available for cleaning germs from hands, such as Purell hand sanitizer and wet wipes. These products are useful for people who are out and about or who want to quickly clean their hands when soap is not available. However, because pathogens are ubiquitous, it is often impractical to apply chemical wipes and / or cleaning solutions to every surface and / or air that is desired to be disinfected.

[0014] Beyond chemical wipes and other cleaning solutions, short-wave ultraviolet (UVC) light is a proven and effective method for killing bacteria and other pathogens. Currently, several UVC options exist for killing germs / bacteria, such as handheld UVC wands and stationary mechanisms that are stepped on with shoes to aid in cleaning shoe soles, phone cases, and the like. However, these UVC light options are often expensive, not readily available to the average consumer, and often have a single, specific use (e.g., only cleaning one's shoes or other elements or devices). UVC light also carries risks (e.g., potential for skin cancer and / or cataracts). Electromagnetic (EM) radiation includes all light, illumination, or irradiation that transmits electromagnetic radiant 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, illumination, or irradiation is short-wavelength germicidal ultraviolet EM radiation with wavelengths ranging from approximately 100 nm to 280 nm. However, far-UVC light, illumination, or irradiation, which is a narrower spectral range within ultraviolet light (e.g., 200 nm to 230 nm), can achieve the same germ-killing effect without harmful side effects. Here, light, illumination, and irradiation can be used interchangeably to refer to either visible or invisible EM radiation.

[0015] The present invention provides a device that reduces pathogens and promotes health by applying the germicidal power of ultraviolet or UVC light in an inexpensive, disposable and / or single-use (or small number of uses), portable, everyday use format. The device includes a small, portable unit (which can take any number of shapes) that, when activated, emits UVC light. In some examples, the device may emit other types of ultraviolet light (emit light in other spectral bands or having different wavelengths) that also eliminate bacteria and / or other pathogens. The unit can be activated by any number of means, such as activating a switch or by bending, depressing, squeezing, shaking, and / or exposing the unit to air. Once activated, the UVC light can be used to irradiate surfaces and kill pathogens, remaining activated for a limited period of time (e.g., similar to a typical glow stick or hand warmer). The device can disinfect many types of surfaces (e.g., skin or non-biological surfaces such as tables). The device can also irradiate the air and clean and kill pathogens on and / or around surfaces. The device can be easily disposed of (e.g., in a trash can) after UVC light irradiation is complete. The invention is more effective and versatile than traditional chemical wipes or cleaning solutions, is not as harmful as traditional UVC light, is easy to activate, and is portable.

[0016] The device may utilize various means to generate power to power or energize the UVC light source (located within 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 UVC light. Optionally, the UVC light source may emit light in response to a chemical reaction, such as when the device or unit is bent, squeezed, shaken, etc. Alternatively, the device may be activated or deactivated by the activation of a switch, button, etc.

[0017] In other aspects of the invention, the device may use rechargeable batteries (the device can be plugged in and recharged) to allow for multiple uses of the device. In yet other aspects of the invention, the device may comprise any suitable form of mobile terminal, such as a cell phone or other mobile terminal, operable to switch between no light, emitting normal visible light (e.g., a flashlight function), and emitting UVC light. The device may, in some examples, comprise a traditional flashlight form. That is, the device may be a flashlight that includes a reusable ultraviolet light source (e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED), fluorescent lamp, excimer lamp, etc.) and a power source (e.g., replaceable battery, rechargeable battery, non-replaceable battery, capacitor, etc.).

[0018] The device can emit UVC light (or other pathogen-cleaning ultraviolet light) in any number of ways. This includes using light sources of various technologies (such as incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, LEDs, excimer lamps, etc.). If a light source is included, the light source can take any suitable shape. For example, the light source and / or reflector can be shaped to focus the emitted light to a relatively narrow area. In some examples, a user can focus the emitted light between a generally wide beam and a generally narrow beam (e.g., by moving the device's lenses or by activating some other user input). The device can 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 the direction or aim of the invisible (to the human eye) UVC light. That is, the device can provide a way to "aim" the UVC light so that a desired area is cleaned.

[0019] The device can also emit visible light that is focused in generally the same area as the UVC light to assist a user in directing, aiming, or guiding the UVC light (i.e., the user shines the visible light at the area to be cleaned). For example, the device can emit visible light like a typical flashlight, and wherever the emitted visible light illuminates a surface or space, the emitted UVC light also illuminates that surface or space (invisibly to the human eye). The visible light emitter (that emits the crosshairs) can be powered by activation of a user input, such as the same user input that activates the UVC-emitting light source, such that the visible light emitter and the UVC light emitter are coupled together, whereby the emitted visible light is visible in the area where the UVC light is directed. Optionally, the device can include a second user input, separate from the user input that activates the UVC-emitting light source, such that the visible light emitter operates independently of the UVC-emitting light source. In other examples, the light source may be a lamp (e.g., a cylindrical light bulb or diode) that emits UVC light in a generally 360-degree area around the light source. The device then emits light in all or nearly all directions, allowing for large areas to be cleaned simultaneously. In some examples, the light source or light-emitting diode or bulb may be replaceable and / or disposable.

[0020] In some embodiments, the device may include a timer. The timer may begin timing upon activation of a user input that powers the UVC light-emitting light source. The timer may measure a period of time (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., an LED, an audio signal, a vibration, etc.) that this period has elapsed. Optionally, the timer may disable the light source at the end of this period. The timer may be user-configurable or selectable from a set of predetermined periods (e.g., 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds). Thus, a user may activate the device by pressing a button, and the device will then operate for the predetermined period (without further user input or button holding) and then automatically shut off.

[0021] The device may include a lamp that emits UVC light with a wavelength between approximately 180 nm and 300 nm. For example, the lamp may emit light with a wavelength between 200 nm and 235 nm. UVC light in this spectral range is believed to kill pathogens. The device may also include a filter (e.g., chemical filtering, optical filtering, etc.) that filters the UVC light into a narrower wavelength spectral range (e.g., 200 nm to 235 nm). If the light source emits light in a narrow spectral range (e.g., 200 nm to 235 nm), the filter can serve 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 can serve as the primary method of controlling the wavelength. In some examples, the device may filter UVC light with a wavelength greater than 230 nm. In some embodiments, this filter has a maximum frequency response between 220 nm and 225 nm (e.g., 222 nm). UVC light with a wavelength of about 222 nm can destroy pathogens and provide a disinfecting solution without harming the epidermis or vision of humans exposed to the light. Therefore, it is desirable to avoid high-intensity light significantly above about 222 nm (e.g., above 230 nm). Sustained irradiation at about 222 nm (e.g., far-UVC irradiation) destroys pathogens but does not penetrate the epidermis or the cornea of ​​the human eye, even at high intensities for extended periods. Chemical filtering can be included in a filter located in the device's bulb or elsewhere within the device. An optical filter can be positioned so that light emitted from the device passes through the optical filter. The optical filter can be included within the lamp of the device itself or as a separate element (e.g., a film placed on the device's lens, light source, or bulb, or between the lens and the lamp). In some examples, lamp 28 may produce only UVC light that is about 222 nm or less, so that no filtering is required.

[0022] Although not required, the 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 sensing range of the device. A processor or controller of the device may receive and process sensor data captured by the eye detection sensor (e.g., a camera capturing image data representing the device or a scene partially surrounding the device and within the path of the ultraviolet light emitted by the device) to determine the presence of an eye within the sensing range of the eye detection sensor. The sensing range of the eye detection sensor may generally coincide with the light emitted by the device 20. That is, the sensing range may encompass the area illuminated by the ultraviolet light emitted by the device 20. The controller may automatically shut off or disable the UV light source if an eye is detected within the sensing range of the eye detection sensor. Optionally, the controller may notify or alert the user of the presence of the eye (e.g., visual or audible notification, such as a buzzer or flashlight).

[0023] According to another aspect of the present 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 light that illuminates bacteria. The device can emit the pathogen-illuminating light simultaneously with ultraviolet or UVC light, or separately from the ultraviolet or UVC light. That is, the pathogens may be illuminated (i.e., visible to the user) during use of the UVC light to visually instruct the user on where to clean, or may be illuminated before and after use of the UVC light to aid in cleaning and assess 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 the pathogen-illuminating light). The device may include an additional user input (e.g., a button or switch) to activate the pathogen-illuminating light separately from the UVC light.

[0024] 2A and 2B, UVC light emitting device 20 includes a base 22 and a top 24. While illustrated as a "lipstick case" box shape, base 22 and top 24 may have any suitable shape (e.g., rectangular, tubular, triangular, flexible / flexible / conformal, etc.). Top 24 is attached 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. Here, illumination refers to illuminating an object or air with light that may be visible or invisible (to a user). The lamp housing may contain a lamp 28 or other illumination or radiation or light source that emits ultraviolet or UVC light. Lamp 28 may be any lamp capable of generating wavelengths in the UVC spectral range (e.g., an excimer lamp or excilamp, an 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.). If desired, the filter may be replaceable and / or disposable (e.g., removable filter cartridge 42). The device may also be activated by biometric authentication (e.g., a fingerprint sensor or facial recognition).

[0025] The device may also include a lens 32. The lens 32 can 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.). When activated, the user input 38 can power or deactivate the lamp 28, causing the device 20 to emit UVC light or stop emitting UVC light. The user input can intermittently power the lamp 28 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 supply, a solar-powered power supply, etc.

[0026] 3 and 4, device 20 emits UVC light to illuminate 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 the other hand to clean germs from the hand. Device 20 may include a grip or handle 21 for grasping the device by a user of the device (e.g., holding the device in the user's hand). For example, device 20 may include a rubberized surface for a user to grip while directing the illumination or light toward the surface or air to be disinfected.

[0027] The grip or handle 21 may take any shape or form that facilitates a user's holding and / or aiming of 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, clipped, or snapped into place within the internal structure of the device 20. The handle portion (the exterior of the device) may then be detached from this structure. After removal, the handle 21 may be sterilized by the device 20 or cleaned separately by other methods (e.g., cleaning fluid). In some examples, the handle 21 is disposable or otherwise replaceable and may be replaced periodically. Additionally, other components of the device may be removed and cleaned or repaired or replaced, as described below.

[0028] The device 20 may have an optimal operating distance. That is, the device 20 can operate most efficiently when placed at a predetermined distance from the surface, object, or area. For example, the device 20 can preferably operate from 6 to 18 inches from the object or area. The optimal distance may be approximately 12 inches. The secondary light source 44 of the device 20 can emit a visible indicator 46 to indicate when the device is at the optimal distance from the surface, object, or area. For example, if the device's secondary light source 44 emits visible crosshairs as described above, the crosshairs may be blurred and out of focus when the device 20 is closer or farther than the optimal distance, and the crosshairs may be focused 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 a polygon, such as a square, triangle, etc.) or multiple concentric shapes (e.g., circles or polygons) may be provided to indicate the area or region the light is cleaning. Device 20 may indicate the appropriate distance in other ways, such as an LED on device 20 or an audible sound. Device 20 may also measure distance with other sensors, such as an infrared distance sensor.

[0029] 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 visually indicate 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 generally encompasses the area illuminated by the emitted UV light. In one embodiment, this visible outline is generated by a lens configured to shape the visible light into a desired shape onto the surface to be disinfected. Alternatively, a laser scanner may be used to scan a shape onto the surface to be disinfected. For example, a single shape or multiple concentric shapes (e.g., a circle, polygon, etc.) may be provided (e.g., in a lens or mask through which the emitted UV light and / or visible light passes) to indicate the area or region the light is cleaning. The intensity of the UV radiation within the innermost shape is greater than the intensity of the UV radiation within a second shape surrounding the innermost shape. This allows the time required to destroy pathogens within the innermost feature to be shorter than the time required to destroy pathogens within a second feature positioned radially outward of the innermost feature. Similarly, the intensity of UV radiation outside the outermost feature may be insufficient to clean the surface. This allows for identification of areas on the irradiated surface that are receiving the optimal amount of energy to destroy pathogens.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4 , device 20 may emit UVC light in a narrow wavelength band (e.g., at or near 222 nm). A reflective panel 36 positioned behind lamp 28 can 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 element 50 that focuses light, for example, by opening or closing an aperture, or by moving or manipulating a lens or reflective panel. Light can be focused by twisting 52 on base 22 of device 20, for example, similar to twisting an adjustable brass hose nozzle. Light can also 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 allow device 20 to illuminate a wider or narrower area, depending on the user's desire.

[0031] 5A-5F, the device 20 may include a variety of different lens configurations to adjust the illumination shape, range, and / or intensity. Generally, the distance from the disinfection target is inversely proportional to the irradiance at the surface, which in turn is proportional to the illuminated area. That is, generally, the farther the device 20 is from the target object or surface, the larger the illuminated area, but the weaker the irradiance at the surface. Different lens configurations can modify or optimize these generalizations.

[0032] For example, if the conjugate ratio (i.e., the ratio of the distance from the lens to the distance from the light source to the target object / surface) 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 have a cylindrical shape and generate a line of surface illumination or radiation. This allows high-density ultraviolet energy to be delivered in a line onto, for example, a surface, allowing a user to sweep the line across the surface rather than holding the line in place for an extended period of time. This means that all of the energy of the irradiated ultraviolet light can be concentrated in this line, significantly reducing the exposure time required to disinfect 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 this ratio is less than 0.2 (i.e., the target object / surface is close), a plano-concave lens 32c (FIG. 5C) may be used. The 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, a positive meniscus lens 32e (FIG. 5E) or a negative meniscus lens 32f (FIG. 5F) may be used alone or in combination 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 increase the focal length and decrease the numerical aperture.

[0033] The device 20 may include a single lens or multiple lenses used in combination to form a compound lens. The 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. The device 20 may include multiple lenses that the user can switch between (e.g., by rotating a lens wheel or using some other lens selector 48). The device 20 may emit collimated or non-collimated light. The device 20 may use lenses that limit optical absorption or reflection of the emitted ultraviolet light. For example, the lenses may be uncoated UV fused silica lenses.

[0034] Referring again to FIG. 3 , the device, and more specifically the lamp 28, can be positioned within approximately 12 cm of the human appendage or surface being disinfected. Placing the lamp 28 approximately 12 cm from the human appendage eliminates pathogens while not adversely affecting the human appendage. In one embodiment, the lamp 28 emits far-UVC light and is slowly scanned over the surface or object to ensure sufficient exposure time to destroy pathogens. It should be understood that the optical system (e.g., lenses) can substantially affect the duration and intensity of the far-UVC exposure. In a further embodiment, the lamp 28 is positioned within approximately 6 cm of the human appendage or surface being disinfected while the lamp 28 is slowly scanned over the human appendage or surface. In yet another embodiment, the lamp 28 is positioned within approximately 3 cm of the human appendage or surface being disinfected while the lamp 28 is slowly scanned over the human appendage or surface. Distance, lamp radiation energy, and optics can all contribute to the length of time required to adequately eliminate pathogens attached to the epidermis, surfaces of human appendages, and even the air within the irradiated area.

[0035] If desired, device 20 may have a modular design that allows for easy replacement of various components. 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 removable, and / or the light source may be removed and replaced, and / or the power source or battery may be removed and replaced, and / or the filter or lens may be removed and replaced. The various components may be snapped or otherwise attached to a central circuit element (including a printed circuit board and control circuitry that operates and controls the device) or device or structure.

[0036] Thus, in accordance with the present invention, the device provides a means of disinfecting small surfaces and / or the air surrounding such surfaces, 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 eliminate harmful, disease-causing bacteria and germs invisible to the human eye.

[0037] Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments can be made without departing from the principles of the present invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted in accordance with principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.

[0038] (Addendum) (Appendix 1) 1. A portable UVC device that generates and emits UVC light onto a selected surface, a localized area, and the air surrounding the surface, comprising: an illumination unit that, when powered, provides light in the UVC spectral range to generate and radiate UVC light toward a surface; an activation unit that intermittently generates and emits UVC light to selectively activate the irradiation unit for a period of time sufficient to sterilize the surface; a visible light emitter for, when powered, emitting visible indicia defining a plurality of concentric shapes on the selected surface, each of the concentric shapes defining a different intensity level on the surface to be disinfected, to indicate an area of ​​the surface illuminated by UVC light; a grip that provides a gripping surface for a user to grasp and hold the portable UVC device, point the irradiator at a surface to be disinfected, and emit UVC light toward the surface to be disinfected; Equipped with Portable UVC device.

[0039] (Appendix 2) The grip is detachably attached to the portable UVC device. 1. A portable UVC device as described in Appendix 1.

[0040] (Appendix 3) The shape consists of a circle. 1. A portable UVC device as described in Appendix 1.

[0041] (Appendix 4) The shape is a polygon. 1. A portable UVC device as described in Appendix 1.

[0042] (Appendix 5) at least one lens; The UVC light passes through the at least one lens and is concentrated or diffused. 1. A portable UVC device as described in Appendix 1.

[0043] (Appendix 6) the at least one lens comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: (i) a plano-convex lens, (ii) a biconvex lens, (iii) a plano-concave lens, (iv) a biconcave lens, (v) a positive meniscus lens, and (vi) a negative meniscus lens; 1. A portable UVC device as described in Appendix 5.

[0044] (Appendix 7) The irradiation unit is detachably attached to the portable UVC device. 1. A portable UVC device as described in Appendix 1.

[0045] (Appendix 8) The visible sign is When the handheld UVC device is at an optimal distance from the surface to be disinfected, it is in focus and If the irradiating portion of the portable UVC device is not at the optimum distance from the surface to be disinfected, it is out of focus. 1. A portable UVC device as described in Appendix 1.

[0046] (Appendix 9) the visible indicator indicates when the distance from the irradiation unit of the portable UVC device to the surface to be disinfected is greater than the maximum effective disinfection distance of the UVC light. 1. A portable UVC device as described in Appendix 1.

[0047] (Appendix 10) Further comprising a filter configured to attenuate wavelengths of UVC light less than 200 [nm] and greater than 235 [nm]; 1. A portable UVC device as described in Appendix 1.

[0048] (Appendix 11) The filter is replaceable. 11. The portable UVC device of claim 10.

[0049] (Appendix 12) The replaceable filter comprises a removable filter cartridge. 12. A portable UVC device as described in Clause 11.

[0050] (Appendix 13) The removably attached grip is configured to be disinfected by the portable UVC device when removed. 2. A portable UVC device as described in Appendix 2.

[0051] (Appendix 14) A plano-convex lens is provided, The plano-convex lens is configured to focus the UVC light into a line. 1. A portable UVC device as described in Appendix 1.

[0052] (Appendix 15) A plano-convex lens, a plano-concave lens, and a lens selector are provided, the lens selector is configured to select the plano-convex lens or the plano-concave lens to collect the UVC light. 1. A portable UVC device as described in Appendix 1.

[0053] (Appendix 16) An eye detection sensor is provided, In response to the eyeball detection sensor detecting an eyeball in the path of the UVC light, power supply to the irradiation unit is stopped. 1. A portable UVC device as described in Appendix 1.

[0054] (Appendix 17) The eye detection sensor includes a camera. 17. The portable UVC device of claim 16.

[0055] (Appendix 18) the irradiator, when powered, provides light in the far UVC spectral range to generate and emit far UVC light; 1. A portable UVC device as described in Appendix 1.

[0056] (Appendix 19) the emitted visible indicator indicates when the intensity of the emitted UVC light at the surface is sufficient to disinfect the surface. 1. A portable UVC device as described in Appendix 1.

[0057] (Appendix 20) the emitted visible indicator indicates when the intensity of the emitted UVC light at the surface is not sufficient to disinfect the surface. 1. A portable UVC device as described in Appendix 1.

Claims

1. Housing and a UVC source secured to the housing for generating far-UVC irradiation on a surface; a reflective panel disposed within the housing for reflecting the far-UVC radiation generated by the UVC source toward an exterior of the housing; a lens selectable from a plurality of lenses corresponding to a desired conjugate ratio of the surface illuminated by the UVC source, thereby providing a predetermined density of far-UVC radiation energy to the illuminated surface; Equipped with A device for irradiating pathogens.

2. the housing includes a bandpass filter disposed between the UVC source and the surface to be illuminated; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. the bandpass filter narrows the spectrum of UVC light reaching the illuminated surface; 3. The apparatus of claim 2.

4. the lens includes a bandpass filter for narrowing the spectrum of UVC light reaching the surface while providing the determined density of far-UVC radiation energy provided by the conjugate ratio.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

5. the desired conjugation ratio is greater than 5; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

6. the desired conjugation ratio is less than 0.2; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

7. the desired conjugation ratio is between 0.2 and 5; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

8. the plurality of lenses include any 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; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

9. the lens comprises a bandpass filter for narrowing the spectrum of UVC light reaching the illuminated surface; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

10. The area of ​​the far UVC illumination is adjustable by moving the lens of the device.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

11. The housing is portable.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

12. The housing is portable.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

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