BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus and method for far UVC sanitization and sterilization of virus, bacteria, germs, and harmful microorganism.

Background of the Invention

Viruses, bacteria, germs, and microorganisms pose significant health challenges to worldwide public health. In particular, COVID, influenza, tuberculosis, and increasingly emerging anti-bacterial and drug resistant germs pose continuous, evolving threats to our well -being and safety.

It is well known that ultraviolet (UV) light can kill virtually all forms of viruses, bacteria, germs, and other microorganisms harmful to humans. Germicidal UV light can efficiently eliminate both drug-resistant bacteria as well as different strains of viruses. Unfortunately, widespread adoption of conventional UV light sources in public settings has been extremely limited because conventional UV light sources pose a human health hazard. The traditional high-voltage, mercury excimer UV lamps are both carcinogenic and cataractogenic. In addition, these UV lamps generate unhealthy levels of ozone gas. Although there currently exists an effective way of killing dangerous pathogens, the use of conventional UV lamps itself inflicts unacceptable damage to humans exposed to the generated UV light, particularly over continued exposure.

Figure 1 shows an apparatus that comprises a far UVC light source which includes one or more embedded far UVC LEDs (light emitting diodes) for generating the germicidal far UVC light. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention whereby the far UVC LED light comprises a wand.

Figure 3 shows one embodiment of the present invention wherein the apparatus comprises a flat tablet.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention comprising a far UVC LED apparatus including an enclosure having an internal void and a lid.

Figure 5 shows a light bulb that has both visible and far UVC light emitters to generate and shine both germicidal far UVC as well as visible light.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It has been discovered that one of the most efficient ways of sterilizing dangerous viruses, bacteria, germs, and microorganisms, is by exposing them to far UVC light. In fact, far UVC light at current regulatory limit kills 90% of airborne viruses in approximately 8 minutes and 99% of viruses in approximately 15 minutes. These remarkable results can be applied to kill and prevent the airborne spread of SARS-CoV- 2, influenza, tuberculosis, etc. Far UVC light is even more efficient and faster acting at sterilizing surfaces.

Detailed research has conclusively demonstrated that far UVC light cannot penetrate the tear layer of the eye or the outer dead-cell layer of the skin. Hence, far UVC light cannot damage living cells in the human body and is safe to expose to humans. Consequently, far UVC light is safe to be used in occupied spaces, such as hospitals, sporting events, airports, gymnasiums, grocery stores, schools, businesses, offices, etc. Various embodiments of the present invention include applications of far UVC light to disinfect and sanitize the aforementioned public spaces as well as applications to disinfect and sanitize physical objects that can harbor deadly pathogens.

In one embodiment, far UVC light can be directed to shine or scan physical objects, gas, or liquids for sanitization and sterilization purposes. Figure 1 shows one embodiment of an apparatus that comprises a far UVC light source which includes one or more embedded far UVC LEDs (light emitting diodes) for generating the germicidal far UVC light. In this embodiment, the far UVC LEDs generate photons in the approximate 222 nanometer (nm) wavelength. In other embodiments, solid-state semiconductor emitters, lamps, bulbs, etc. can be used as a source of germicidal far UVC light. The far UVC light is directed to shine on or scan one or more physical objects, gas, or liquids. In other embodiments, wavelengths besides 222 nm can be used to effectively kill germs and other pathogens. This disinfects and sterilizes the surfaces of these physical objects, volume of gas (e.g., air), or containment of liquids (e.g, water). The far UVC LEDs can be arranged in an NxM array or matrix. This far UVC LED matrix can be placed behind or embedded within a transparent glass or plastic panel to protect the LEDs. The housing includes the far UVC LED matrix, electronics, and the power interface. The protective housing is fabricated from metal, plastic, or some other rigid membrane to protect the contents. It can be attached to a pivotable stand such that the far UVC light can be movably directed in 3-D 360 degrees angles of motion. Thereby, if an object to be sanitized is too heavy or fixed in place, it can be sanitized by physically rotating and/or moving the far UVC apparatus to shine or scan the object.

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an electrical interface that couples to a solar power generator. The solar power generator can be portable, thereby enabling the far UVC LED sanitizer of the present invention to be mobile, portable, self-contained. In another embodiment, the housing includes a battery compartment for containing rechargeable batteries. The capability of using a standard electrical outlet, batteries, and/or solar generator enables the far UVC LED sanitizer of the present invention to be deployed and usable in virtually any location and environment.

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention whereby the far UVC LED light comprises a wand. The wand is handheld. It can be a circular, oval, or rectangular cylinder. The far UVC LEDs are placed on the surface or sides of the cylinder. The far UVC light emanates out from the wand. A handle is attached to the cylinder. Thereby, a user can intuitively hold the wand and wave it in front of the surfaces of any object, liquid, or gas to sanitize and disinfect it. The object can be a transparent container, so that the waving the wand can scan the contents of the container, thereby sanitizing and sterilizing the contents (e.g., liquids, objects suspended in liquid, etc.). Thus, rather than wiping down an object with a one-use, disposable disinfectant cloth wipe, the present invention can continuously be used to scan and disinfect objects easier and more efficiently with less waste. The wand can contain a rechargeable battery so that it is completely portable. It can also include a electrical cord that can be used to recharge the battery, plugged into a standard electrical outlet or a solar generator.

Figure 3 shows one embodiment of the present invention wherein the apparatus comprises a flat tablet. The flat tablet is portable. The far UVC LEDs are contained in the tablet and face outward from the tablet such that the germicidal far UVC light (e.g., 222 nm) emanates outward from the tablet. In one embodiment, the tablet is approximately the same dimension and shape of a standard mobile computing tablet (e.g., Apple iPad). Instead of a screen as with a conventional computing tablet, this embodiment has an array of far UVC LEDs that generate the germicidal far UVC light.

In another embodiment, both sides of the tablet contain embedded far UVC LEDs. This enables multiple objects to be sanitized and sterilized at the same time. Objects can be scanned and sanitized by laying it on the surface of the far UVC LED tablet. Alternatively, the UVC tablet can be physically moved by a user to direct the germicidal light to scan and sanitize surfaces of a physical object. The far UVC LED tablet can also sanitize the surrounding air or directed to scan and sanitize liquids, such as water.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention comprising a far UVC LED apparatus including an enclosure having an internal void and a lid. The sides defining the internal void have far UVC LED’s embedded therein. In one embodiment, the bottom and top of the void can also include far UVC LED’s mounted thereon. Objects can be put into the void and scanned (i.e. , subjected to germicidal far UVC photons) to disinfect and sterilize them. In various embodiments, the enclosures can be the size of a jewelry box for personal use; the enclosures can be the size of refrigerators for industrial use and in transportation; the enclosures can be warehouse size or larger for commercial and industrial use.

In one embodiment, the far UVC LEDs can be embedded in and/or incorporated as part of existing products. The UVC LEDs can be incorporated into appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), dishwashers, washing and drying laundry machines, humidifiers, air purifiers, water filtration systems, microwaves, etc. The UVC LEDs can also be incorporated into transportation systems, such as cruise ships, airplanes, cargo containers, trains for passengers and cargo, shipping containers for freight liners, cars, buses, etc. In other embodiments, the far UVC LEDs can be incorporated into everyday objects with surfaces that are subjected to heavy human touching. For example, far UVC LEDs can be incorporated to sanitize and sterilize door knobs/handles, keyboards, atm machines, elevator buttons, touch screens, etc. In other embodiments, the far UVC LEDs can be incorporated to work in conjunction with and enhancement of existing lighting systems. For example, grocery stores can use the far UVC LEDs to keep fruits, vegatables, dairy, eggs, meats, and other perishables last longer without spoilage by killing the bacteria and other microorganisms that cause spoilage. The far UVC LEDs can be incorporated into the lighting structures of public venues.

In one embodiment, far UVC light can be directed to shine or scan physical objects, gas, or liquids for sanitization and sterilization purposes. Figure 1 shows one embodiment of an apparatus that comprises a far UVC light source which includes one or more embedded far UVC LEDs (light emitting diodes) for generating the germicidal far UVC light. In this embodiment, the far UVC LEDs generate photons in the approximate 222 nanometer (nm) wavelength. In other embodiments, solid-state semiconductor emitters, lamps, bulbs, etc. can be used as a source of germicidal far UVC light. The far UVC light is directed to shine on or scan one or more physical objects, gas, or liquids. In other embodiments, wavelengths besides 222 nm can be used to effectively kill germs and other pathogens. This disinfects and sterilizes the surfaces of these physical objects, volume of gas (e.g., air), or containment of liquids (e.g, water). The far UVC LEDs can be arranged in an NxM array or matrix. This far UVC LED matrix can be placed behind or embedded within a transparent glass or plastic panel to protect the LEDs. The housing includes the far UVC LED matrix, electronics, and the power interface. The protective housing is fabricated from metal, plastic, or some other rigid membrane to protect the contents. It can be attached to a pivotable stand such that the far UVC light can be movably directed in 3-D 360 degrees angles of motion. Thereby, if an object to be sanitized is too heavy or fixed in place, it can be sanitized by physically rotating and/or moving the far UVC apparatus to shine or scan the object. In one embodiment, the germicidal far UVC light can be directed at water to kill all the viruses, germs, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms and pathogens in the water. This makes contaminated and otherwise disease-ridden water safe and clean for human and animal consumption, washing, and bathing. The water can be held in glass, plastic, or some other transparent containers. The clear containers are then scanned with the germicidal far UVC light until all harmful germs, bacteria, and pathogens are killed. The containers can be scanned by the far UVC devices .

In one embodiment, the germicidal far UVC light can be directed at soap to kill all the viruses, germs, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms and pathogens on the surface or inside the soap. This makes contaminated and otherwise compromised soap safe and clean for human use (e.g. hand washing, bathing, etc.) as well as washing clothes, eating utensils, dishes, and other objects that people use everyday. The soap can be scanned with the germicidal far UVC light until all harmful germs, bacteria, and pathogens are killed. The soap (either in solid or liquid form) can be scanned by the far UVC devices shown and described above in relation to Figures 1- 4 above. For example, the soap can be scanned with the far UVC lamp of Figure 1 ; scanned with the far UVC wand of Figure 2; scanned with the far UVC tablet of Figure 3; or scanned by placing the container in the far UVC box of Figure 4. Thus, the bacteria, germs, and other toxins associated with the soap can be killed and/or neutralized. Furthermore, unlike anti-bacterial soap, there is no danger in the bacteria evolving and becoming resistant to antibiotics. There currently exists drug-resistant bacteria. The germicidal far UVC light is highly effective at eliminating antibiotic resistant germs and bacteria. Thus, the far UVC light solution is an inexpensive, effective, safe, and easy way to sanitize and disinfect soap between uses, especially between uses by different people.

It will give people peace of mind that soap is actually safe to use and does not contribute to the spread of disease. In addition, treating soap by scanning it with far UVC light eliminates the use of more expensive antibacterial soap that contains an antifungal agent called Triclosan and endocrine disruptors that can cause infertility, advanced puberty, obesity, and/or cancer.

Various embodiments of the present invention include applications of far UVC light to disinfect and sanitize toilets, bidets, male and female urinals, and other receptacles into which a person may urinate or defecate, as well as applications to disinfect and sanitize physical objects (toilet seats, handles, bowls, water containers, plumbing, toilet papers, liners, etc.) that are associated with these sewage receptacles. Herein, all forms of sewage receptacles are collectively referred to as “toilets.”

In one embodiment, far UVC light can be directed to shine or scan the toilet and/or its contents (water, urine, feces, paper, etc.) for sanitization and sterilization purposes. In one embodiment, a toilet that comprises a far UVC light source which includes one or more embedded far UVC LEDs (light emitting diodes) for generating the germicidal far UVC light. In this embodiment, the far UVC LEDs generate photons in the approximate 222 nanometer (nm) wavelength. In other embodiments, solid-state semiconductor emitters, lamps, bulbs, etc. can be used as a source of germicidal far UVC light. The far UVC light is directed to shine on or scan one or more parts of the toilet or its contents. Contents scanned and disinfected can include water, feces, urine, paper, and other liquids. In other embodiments, wavelengths besides 222 nm can be used to effectively kill germs and other pathogens. This disinfects and sterilizes the surfaces of these physical objects, volume of gas (e.g., air, flatulence, odors, etc.), or containment of liquids or bodily waste.

A single far UVC LED can be used; the far UVC LEDs can be arranged in an NxM array or matrix; and/or the far UVC LEDs can be scattered to strategically direct the light onto areas, objects, or liquids to be disinfected. This far UVC LED matrix can be placed behind or embedded within a transparent glass or plastic panel to protect the LEDs.

The far UVC LED(s) may be placed on the underside of or embedded within the toilet lid. One or more far UVC LEDs 104 can be placed underneath, within, or on top of a toilet seat. One or more far UVC LEDS can be placed on the surface or embedded within the toilet bowl. In one embodiment, one or more far UVC LEDs can be part of a bidet unit that is affixed onto a toilet. The far UVC LEDs can be placed on the cover, seat, and/or wand of the bidet. An electronic housing includes the electronics and the power interface to power the far UVC LEDs. The electronics can be battery operated to plugged into an electrical outlet. The protective housing is fabricated from metal, plastic, or some other rigid membrane to protect the contents.

In one embodiment, the far UVC light(s) can be shined and/or movably directed either electronically or by a motor to scan in various degrees and angles of motion. Thereby, various surfaces and contents of the toilet 101 can be sanitized by physically rotating and/or moving the far UVC light source to shine or scan the object(s) or surface(s).

In one embodiment, an electronic monitoring device can be used to detect when the toilet is flushed. For example, a flush can be detected by the user depressed the flush lever or by monitoring the water level of the water holding container 108. After a certain time has elapsed to allow the human to leave the toilet, the far UVC LED(s) are activated to sanitize the toilet and/or its contents. The far UVC LED(s) are then turned off after a specified amount of time so that the next user can safely use the toilet without being subjected to the far UVC light.

In another embodiment, a switch can be used to detect when the lid is lifted or closed. When the lid is closed, the far UVC LEDs are activated for a pre-determined period of time to sanitize the toilet. When the lid is open, the far UVC LEDs are automatically turned off.

In one embodiment, a sensor can be embedded into or as part of the seat 110 to detect when someone sits down on the seat. The sensor detects when someone sits down on the seat and then stands up from the seat. When the person stands back up, the sensor detects this and the far UVC LEDs are activated a short time thereafter for a certain duration to disinfect the toilet and/or its contents.

In one embodiment, an indicator can be used to show a user that the toilet has been sanitized. For instance, a green “safe-to-use” LED can be turned on after the toilet has been far UVC sanitized. This lets the user know that it is safe to use that particular toilet. Furthermore, a button can be depressed to activate the far UVC LEDs after a short delay to disinfect the toilet.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the far UVC LED lights are used to disinfect a urinal. The urinal can be for male or female use. It comprises a stand to pee device. One or more far UVC LEDs are strategically placed within the urinal, on the sides of the urinal, and/or on the edges of the urinal. When the lever is depressed, a monitoring device can wait a specified period of time to give the user time to leave the urinal before the far UVC LEDs are turned on to disinfect the urinal. The far UVC LEDs can be turned on an optimal time to disinfect the urinal. For waterless urinals, a motion sensor can be used to detect the presence of a user. After motion is detected by motion sensor, a signal is sent to a processor to trigger the fact that a user has been detected. After the motion sensor indicates that there has been no motion for a specified amount of time, the far UVC lights are turned on an optimal amount of time to disinfect the urinal. In one embodiment, a button can be pressed to activate the far UVC lights after a short delay. A light can be shown to indicate the state of the urinal.

A green light means that the urinal 201 is disinfected and safe to use. A red light means that the urinal is dirty.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the far UVC LED lights are used to disinfect a bidet. The bidet can be for male or female use. One or more far UVC LEDs are strategically placed within the bidet, on the sides of the bidet, and/or on the edges of the bidet. When the lever is depressed, a monitoring device can wait a specified period of time to give the user time to leave the urinal before the far UVC LEDs are turned on to disinfect the bidet. The far UVC LEDs can be turned on an optimal time to disinfect the bidet. Alternatively, a motion sensor can be used to detect the presence of a user. After motion is detected by motion sensor, a signal is sent to a processor to trigger the fact that a user has been detected. After the motion sensor indicates that there has been no motion for a specified amount of time, the far UVC lights are turned on an optimal amount of time to disinfect the urinal. In one embodiment, a button can be pressed to activate the far UVC lights after a short delay. A light can be shown to indicate the state of the bidet. A green light means that the bidet is disinfected and safe to use. A red light means that the bidet is dirty.

One embodiment of the present invention comprises a smart toilet having far UVC LEDs. The smart toilet includes a control panel that has buttons to control the temperatures, spray conditions, etc. of the toilet. The control panel also controls when the far UVC LEDs are activated and inactivated. For example, the far UVC LEDs can be activated shortly upon a flush or wash. The control panel can be programmed to activate the far UVC LEDs at a certain time when it is typically not in use (e.g., midnight or 2:00am). One or more far UVC LEDs can be placed on the seat lid, damper, cushion pad, deodorizing box, warm air drying, rear wash wand, and/or front wash wand. A seated sensor switch can be used to detect when someone is using the toilet. The far UVC LEDs are activated shortly after each use. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a single light bulb housing multiple light emitters where at least one light emitter emits far UVC light and at least one light emitter emits visible light to the human eye. The light bulb is comprised of standard lamp connections and shapes, such as an Edison screw base, an MR16 shape with a bi-pin base, or a GU5.3 bi-pin cap (or GUIO bayonet fitting) and are made compatible with the voltage supplied to the socket. Bulb includes driver circuitry to rectify the AC power and convert the voltage to an appropriate value. The drivers can be in the same lamp enclosure as the emitter array or remotely mounted.

Figure 5 shows a light bulb having visible light emitters 501-503 and far UVC light emitters for generating far UVC and visible light. A number of light emitters are used. These light emitters can be solid state, lamps, or light emitting diodes. At least one of these light emitters generates far UVC light as a germicide to kill germs, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. In one embodiment the far UVC light is approximately 222nm. The other emitters can be used to generate visible light (white, red, green, and blue). In one embodiment, the bulb includes a motion detector. When motion is detected, the far UVC emitter can be disabled for a specified amount of time. The far UVC emitter is disabled until motion is not detected for a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. In another embodiment, bulb includes a processor module. The processor module turns bulb into a smart bulb. The smart bulb can be programmed with various functionalities. For example, smart bulb can be programmed to turn on during business hours to shed visible light. But after work, the visible light is turned off to save power, and the far UVC light is turned on to disinfect the environment, office, conference room, warehouse, shopping/grocery center, etc. Processor module is programmable via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

An array of light emitters are fixed onto a board. The array of light emitters can emit visible light as well as far UVC light. Wires or a bus electrically connects the light emitter array to a control circuitry. The control circuitry controls the functions of the emitters (e.g., when they are turned on/off) and also contains the drivers and power converter chips. The control circuitry can be programmed remotely over-the-air. Thereby someone can control the light bulb via their cell phone remotely. An interface provides power and can also provide control to operate the light bulb. One advantage of the present invention is that a single bulb can provide dual functions of generating visible lighting and generating germicidal far UVC lighting to kill germs, viruses, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens. Thereby, there is no need to install separate lighting fixtures. A single lighting fixture can now provide visible light and germicidal light. This saves costs. Also, this bulb can be retrofitted into existing lighting fixtures. For example, a refrigerator light can incorporate the light bulb of the present invention. The visible light emitter(s) are turned on and the far UVC light emitter(s) are turned off when someone opens the refrigerator door. When the refrigerator door is closed, the visible light emitter(s) are turned off and the far UVC light emitter(s) are turned on to decontaminate the foods, thereby making them lasting longer, fresher, and safer.

Another advantage of the present invention is that by shining the visible light, one can tell where the invisible far UVC light shines onto as well. There may be instances where some object(s) can block the light. By turning on the visible light emitters, one can easily see the light pattern. The invisible far UVC light would similarly have the same light pattern. One can then simply adjust the far UVC light pattern appropriately by looking at the visible light pattern. In one embodiment, the light bulb may have reflective surfaces (e.g., mirror or polished surfaces) to fashion a particular light beam(s), shape, or pattern of the visible and non-visible far UVC light.

In various embodiments, the multilight bulb having far UVC emitter(s) and visible light emitter(s) can be A group bulbs (e.g., A15, A19, A21 , or A25) for indoor and outdoor use (e.g., ceiling fixtures, tabletop lamps, porch light fixtures, string lights, flashlights, etc.) with E26/E27 screw bases. The multilight bulb can be G group bulbs (e.g., G11 , G14, G16/G50, G60, G25/G80, G30. These G group multilight bulb can be used in vanities, porch light fixtures, filament bulb replacement fixtures, foyer lights, chandeliers, ornamental fixtures, etc. They have a full, round shape and are available in various sizes with E26/E27 medium screw base or E12 candelabra base. The multilight bulb can also include B and C groups (e.g., B10, C7, C9, C15, and CA10). They have candle like, torpedo, or bullet shapes and can be used in wall sconces, night lights, pendant lights, or other decorative lighting applications. The multilight bulb of the present invention can also be used in the BR group (BR20/R20, BR30, BR40) as can lights for home, theater, warehouse, and kitchen lighting. The multilight bulbs can have a frosted, clear, or patterned dome shaped lens that diffuses light and provides a gradual fade. They can be used for track lights, recessed lights, display lights or can lights. The multilight bulbs can also be configured for the PAR group (PAR16, PAR20, PAR30, PAR36/AR111 , and PAR38). These multilight bulbs include parabolic aluminized reflectors. A U-shaped reflector is used to maximize the brightness and direct the germicidal light through the front of the bulb in a narrow spot beam or wide flood beam pattern.

Thereby, the multilight bulbs of the present invention can be embedded in and/or incorporated as part of existing products. They can be incorporated into appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), dishwashers, washing and drying laundry machines, humidifiers, air purifiers, water filtration systems, microwaves, etc. The UVC LEDs can also be incorporated into transportation systems, such as cruise ships, airplanes, cargo containers, trains for passengers and cargo, shipping containers for freight liners, cars, buses, etc. In other embodiments, the multilight bulbs can be shone on everyday objects with surfaces that are subjected to heavy human touching. For example, the multilight bulbs can be used to sanitize and sterilize door knobs/handles, keyboards, atm machines, elevator buttons, touch screens, etc. In other embodiments, grocery stores can use the multilight bulbs to keep fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs, meats, and other perishables last longer without spoilage by killing the bacteria and other microorganisms that cause spoilage.

In one embodiment, the multilight bulb having visible and far UVC light emitters has a fluorescent form factor. A fluorescent multilight bulb fits into regular traditional fluorescent light fixtures (T 12 either rapid start or instant-start fixtures). The sockets are connected to a driver/controller circuit which controls and supplies power to the various light emitters. The light emitters are a combination of visible light emitters and far UVC light emitters. They can be solid state emitters, lamp emitters, or LED emitters. As described above, the far UVC light emitters can be controlled (e.g., turned on and off) separately from the visible light emitters.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying figures, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiment. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. As such, many modifications and variations will be apparent.