Enhanced surface disinfection with uvc light chemical assist

Abstract

A system and method for eradicating pathogens disposed on a surface combines a chemical composition and the use of a UV light source. The system includes a reservoir for holding the chemical composition. A dispenser for dispensing the chemical composition in the direction of the surface is included to direct the chemical composition toward the surface. A UV light source is cooperable with at least one of the reservoir and the dispenser for irradiating the surface that the chemical composition has been applied. The UV light enhances the eradication properties of the chemical composition.

Description

ENHANCED SURFACE DISINFECTION WITH UVC LIGHT CHEMICAL ASSISTPRIOR APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 568,734 filed March 22, 2024, the contents of which are included herein in entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally toward an improved method and device for eradicating aerosol and surface pathogens. More specifically, the present invention relates toward chemical assisted UVC light eradication of aerosol and surface pathogens.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The deleterious effects of pathogens has increased awareness of a need to prevent transfer of these pathogens between individuals. Recent pandemics have caused significant health problems in individuals not only in medical facilities but also in everyday environments. Many attempts have been made to eradicate viruses and bacteria that are transferred between individuals via aerosol and surfaces. A perfect solution has not yet been identified. In some instances, large volumes of biocidal chemicals such as bleach and ammonia have been liberally spread on surfaces to reduce the amount of surface pathogens. However, the liberal use of these chemicals are known to damage surfaces to which they have been applied. Further, the wet dwell time required to achieve desirable eradication of surface pathogens is also disadvantageous. Still further, these chemicals are causing epidermis and respiratory problems to those in close proximity. It is also believed that some pathogens are becoming resistant to chemical eradication. Thus, alternative solutions to eradicate pathogens are being sought.

[0004] One such solution to a reduction or elimination of chemical application to surfaces in particular is the use of UVC light. Safe implementation of Far UVC light has been developed commonly referred to as Far UVC light that transmits peak irradiation in a range that is not harmful to epidermis and eyes of those in close proximity. While early field testing Far UVC light toeradicate aerosol and surface pathogens has proven successful, increased efficiency and performance is always desirable. For example, an increase in speed to achieve desirable levels of eradication of pathogens is always desirable.

[0005] Therefore, it is believed enhanced speed and efficiency for eradication of pathogens, possibly through a combination of technologies has still not been achieved but is desirable in the face of a possibility of future pandemics and reduction of more common, everyday pathogens.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A system and method for eradicating pathogens disposed on a surface combines a chemical composition and the use of a UV light source. The system includes a reservoir for holding the chemical composition. A dispenser for dispensing the chemical composition in the direction of the surface is included to direct the chemical composition toward the surface. A UV light source is cooperatively integrated with one of the reservoir and the dispenser for irradiating the surface upon application of the chemical composition. The UV light enhances the eradication properties of the chemical composition.

[0007] It is believed that beneficial effects of biocidal chemicals when combined with irradiation using UV light improves both the speed of a desirable reduction of surface pathogens and also increases efficacy in the reduction pathogens even when certain pathogens that may have become resistant to chemical eradication. Furthermore, is believed that the volume of chemicals will be significantly reduced when combined with irradiation using UV light reducing environmental impact of the use of biocidal chemicals. Any further improvement in safety is achieved when a source of UVC light transmit Far UV C light in a wavelength range do to be safe for human exposure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 shows a side view of a spray bottle;

[0010] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a UV light source for use with a spray bottle;

[0011] Figure 3 shows an environmental view of the UV light source integrated with a spray bottle;

[0012] Figure 4 shows a side view of a spray can;

[0013] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a UV light source for use with a spray can; and

[0014] Figure 6 shows a front partial sectional view of the UV light source integrated with a spray can.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The application of biocidal chemicals to disinfect surfaces has been performed by a number of different methods, including but not limited to applications making use of, wipes, spray bottles, and aerosol spray cans. While the chemicals applied with these devices are all known to be quite effective in reducing the bacterial and viral load on various surfaces, some drawbacks exist. Thus, the inventors of the present invention identify improved techniques related to efficacy of chemical application in both consumer and industrial uses.

[0016] Referring to Figure 1, a typical spray bottle is generally shown at 10. The spray bottle 10 includes a spray pump 12 and a chemical reservoir 14. The spray pump 12 includes a nozzle 16 and they pump handle 18 for spraying or misting chemicals disposed within the chemical reservoir 14 in a known manner. The spray pump 12 is secured to a reservoir bottle 20 so that actuation of the pump handle 18 draws chemicals from the chemical reservoir 14 to dispense the chemicals onto a surface 22 (Figure 3).

[0017] The disclosure of spray bottles is merely exemplary and not limiting. The concepts disclosed within the specification of the present application are also contemplated for use with industrial applications including, but limited to, food processing, pharmacological, janitorial, etc. As such, it should be understood that a UV light source and chemical dispenser could also bemounted on a fixture and the like to establish a fixed position above a surface that is being irradiated.

[0018] Studies have shown that bioavailability of pathogens contained in water is reduced through the application of chemicals that exhibit biocidal properties. Likewise, bioavailability of pathogens contained in water is reduced through irradiation of the water with the UVC light. Furthermore, it is believed that a combination of biocidal chemicals and in radiation with UVC light improves efficacy and speed of eradication of the pathogens. Although believed similar results may be achieved, substantive studies have not been performed implementing this combination on surfaces.

[0019] Thus, integration of a UV light source with a chemical dispenser such as, for example, a spray bottle 10 is contemplated by the inventors of the present application. One embodiment of a UV light source is generally shown at 24 Figure 2. The UV light source 24 includes a housing 26 that defines a receptor 28 for receiving the spray pump 12 as will be explained further hereinbelow. A plurality of UV lamps 30 disposed within the housing 26 is oriented at a face 32 of the housing 26 to transmit UV light in a same direction the chemical spray as directed by the nozzle 16. Implementation of a UV light source that includes only a single lamp 30 is also within the scope of this invention. The number of lamps selected corresponds to user requirements.

[0020] In one embodiment, the UV lamps 30 are solid-state or light emitting diodes the generate a desired the radiation wavelength. However, other types of UV lamps 30 are within the scope of this invention including but not limited to excimer lamps and equivalents. In one embodiment, the radiation wavelength is restricted to UVC transmission. Alternatively, a range of wavelength known as Far UVC having a peak irradiance of about 222 nanometers is selected. Far UVC irradiation irradiates in a range from about 200nm to 230nm. However, known Far UVC light sources also irradiate in unsafe ranges, including substantive amounts at 254nm. Therefore, a band pass filter 42 is included in combination with the Far UVC lamp 30 to attenuate the radiation in unsafe ranges above 230nm or 235nm. In this manner, human exposure to the UV irradiance is believed to be safe when limited to published thresholds. It should also be understood to those ofordinary skill in the art that UVA having an irradiation wavelength ranging from 315-400nm, UVB having an irradiation wavelength ranging from 280-315nm, UVC having an irradiation wavelength ranging from 100-280nm and other irradiation ranges and the combinations of UVA, UVB, UVC and Far UVC may be implemented. Further, any of these irradiation ranges may be attenuated to modify irradiation energy to meet the requirements of a particular purpose. While UVC and the Far UVC will be used throughout this application, it should be understood any other ultraviolet light known to eradicate pathogens a way of irradiance is within the scope of this invention.

[0021] Alternate biocidal chemicals are within the scope of this invention, including but not limited to, ammonia, alcohols, chlorine and the chlorine compounds, paracetic acid, formaldehyde, glutaraldehude, hydrogen peroxide, Iodophors, and ortho -phtaladehy de. Classes of antimicrobial agents, biocides and antibacterials are all also within the scope of this invention. Chemistries typically associated with reduction of airborne pathogens including, but not limited to combinations of isopropanols, thiethylene glycols, and propylene glycols are also included within the scope of this invention. It should also then be understood that the invention of the present application may be used to improve and expedited efficacy in the reduction of airborne pathogens. Still further, it should be understood that plasma or plasma jet may be combined with irradiation by UV light to improve and expedite efficacy in the reduction of pathogens.

[0022] It is believed that application biocidal chemicals to a surface in combination with irradiation with UV light significantly enhances efficacy in the reduction of surface pathogens. While the mechanism to obtain these advantageous results is not fully known, it is believed the application of certain chemicals first disrupt cellular structure the pathogen while irradiance of the now weakened pathogen with UV light destroys the DNA of the pathogen at an accelerated rate. For example, irradiance providing 30 mJ / cm2is believed to reduce the pathogen eradication time time by up to 2 / 3 and also reducing required wet dwell time of a biocidal chemical by a similar amount. With respect to the implementation of a plasma based system, it is believed the cellular structure is damaged through increased surface energy when subject to plasma which enhances the ability of the UVC irradiation to destroy the DNA of the pathogen.

[0023] Referring again to Figure 2, the light source 24 includes an activation switch 34 that is toggled or depressed to energize the lamps 30, A battery 36 or equivalent power source is included enabling the UV light source 24 to be portable as is the spray bottle 10. The battery 36 is electrically connected to each of the lamps 30 by way of electrical wires 38 any known manner. The battery is rechargeable through a conventional electrical adapter 40 such as, for example, a USB connector or equivalent.

[0024] When a Far UVC lamp is selected, it may be desirable to include a band pass filter 42 to attenuate irradiance wavelengths above about 230 nm or 235 nm to increase allowable human exposure. In this embodiment, the filter 42 is shown covering the complete face 32 of the UV light source 24 for attenuating unwanted irradiation wavelengths. However, alternative filter 42 arrangements may be selected, such as, for example, individually filtering each lam 30 or integrating the filter 42 with each lamp 30. Still further, the filter 42 may be achieved by way of chemical compound included in the lamp, such as, for example, a dopant integrated in the crystal structure with the solid state or LED lamp

[0025] Although the combination of biocidal chemicals and UV irradiation is believed to substantively increase efficacy in the eradication of surface or air pathogens, it is desirable to identify a distance between the lamps 30 and the surface 22 being irradiated. Thus, a distance system 44 is included to detect distance between the lamps 30 and in the surface enabling a processor 46 to calculate and signal a user via an user feedback element the proper or improper distance has been implemented. Optical distance identification or electronic sensor such as lidar or IR sensor may be implemented. Various distance identification systems are disclosed in United States Patent Nos. 11,020,501, 11,071,799, 11,135,324, and 11,931,473, the contents each of which are incorporated herein by reference in entirety.

[0026] Further implementation of secondary light sources may be included to provide user feedback as to an irradiation zone on the surface being irradiated. Alternatively, the irradiation zone may be correlated to the surface area subject to chemical spray so that wet residue of the biocidal chemical may present user feedback of the irradiated surface area. In one embodimentthe chemical being applied to a surface includes a dye that fluoresces when exposed to UV irradiation providing user feed back of the area that has been irradiated.

[0027] As best represented in Figure 3, a side view of the UV light source 24 being affixed to the reservoir bottle 20 is shown. In this embodiment, UV light source 24 is temporarily affixed over the reservoir bottle 20 so that the spray pump 12 is inserted into the receptor 28 to a depth that maintains access to the pump handle 18 for the user. Prior to use, the lamps 30 are activated by depressing or toggling the activation switch 34 so that UV irradiation in a direction of arrows 46 is initiated. Once activated, the pump handle 18 is actuated to spray the biocidal chemicals onto the surface 22 being irradiated. Because it is believed to be beneficial that the biocidal chemicals to first damage the cellular structure of the pathogens disposed upon the surface 22 it may be beneficial to first apply the chemicals followed by activating the lamps 30 to irradiate the surface 22. As such, a delay in activation after the switch 34 has been toggled, or the switch 34 could be placed position where activation of the lamps 30 can be achieved after application of the biocidal chemicals to the surface 22.

[0028] Referring now to Figure 4, an aerosol spray can is generally shown at 46. The spray can 146 includes a depression nozzle 148 to actuate an aerosol valve allowing aerosolized chemicals to be dispersed from the can 146 and in a known manner. In this embodiment, the depression nozzle 148 is removed and replaced by an alternative UV light source 150 shown in Figure 5 where like elements to the earlier embodiment include the same element number except in the 100 series.

[0029] The alternate UV light source 150 defines a face 132 at which a plurality of lamps 130 are disposed to generate a field of UV irradiation. A switch 152 is located on an upper surface 154 the housing 126 of the alternative UV light source 150. Depression of the switch 152 both activates the UV lamps 130 and causes aerosol to be released from the aerosol can 146 in a known manner. Thus, aerosol spray is released through nozzle 156 disposed in the face 132 of the alternative light source 150 propelling biocidal chemicals in the same direction as the irradiation field generated by lamps 130. Depressing the switch 152 signals the battery 136 to provide electrical current to the lamps 130 through wires 138 simultaneously with delivering biocidal chemical through a channel 158 (see Figure 6) defined by the alternative UV light source housing126 to the nozzle 156. In a similar manner as the earlier embodiment, activation of the lamps 130 may be delayed allowing the biocidal chemical to achieve a desired dwell time on the surface 22 prior to irradiation.

[0030] As shown in the Figure 6, the UV light source 150 includes a snap 160 designed to secure the UV light source 150 to the aerosol can 146. The securement is releasable so that the UV light source 150 may be removed from the aerosol can 146 when the contents of the can 146 have been depleted. In this way, the UV light source 150 may be used on multiple cartridges or cans 146, each after the contents have been depleted. Alternatively, the UV light source 150 is fixedly attached to the aerosol can 146 and may be discarded upon depletion of the aerosol chemicals disposed within the can 146. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that any of the embodiments of the UV light source disclosed within this application may be disposable along with the container holding the associated chemicals.

[0031] A bandpass filter 142 is also included and this embodiment when Far UVC lamps 130 are implemented. Alternative arrangements for the filter 142 may also be included as described in the earlier embodiment and will not be further described herein. Also similar to the earlier embodiment, a distance detection system 144 is included and operates in a similar manner as does that which is disclosed in the earlier embodiment.

[0032] The invention has been described herein in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system for eradicating pathogens disposed on a surface, comprising: a reservoir for holding a chemical composition; a dispenser for dispensing the chemical composition in the direction of the surface thereby applying the chemical composition to the surface; and a UV light source being cooperable with at least one of the reservoir and the dispenser for irradiating the surface that the chemical composition has been applied wherein said UV light enhances the eradication properties of the chemical composition.

2. The system set forth in claim 1, wherein said UV light source comprises at least one of aUVA, UVB, UVC and far UVC light source.

3. The system set forth in claim 1, wherein said reservoir comprises a liquid container.

4. The system set forth in claim 1, wherein said reservoir comprises an aerosol container.

5. The system set forth in claim 1 , wherein said UV light source is removably affixed to said reservoir.

6. The system set forth in claim 1, wherein said UV light source comprises a lamp being one of a solid state element, a light emitting diode and an excimer lamp.

7. The system set forth in claim 1, wherein said UV light source includes a band pass filter for attenuating UV irradiance above about 235nm.

8. The system set forth in claim 1, wherein said UV light source includes a switch for cooperably dispensing the chemical composition from said reservoir when said UV light source is activated.

9. The system set forth in claim 1 , wherein said UV light source is activated after the chemical composition is dispensed onto the surface.

10. The system set forth in claim 1, wherein said UV light source includes a distance sensor for and a user feedback element for indicating distance between the UV light source and the surface being irradiated.

11. The system set forth in claim 1 , wherein said chemical composition includes a dye that fluoresces when illuminated by the UV light source thereby indicating a location on the surface that has been illuminated.

12. The system set forth in claim 1, wherein said UV light source is disposed at a fixed location above the surface being irradiated.

13. The system set forth in claim 1, where said UV light source is oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface being irradiated.

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