TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a device for sanitizing or decontaminating a user’s body or parts of the body. More particular, the invention relates to removing contaminants from the body using a disinfecting radiation source emitting radiation of wavelengths of one or more parts of the spectrum, such as a light, like an InfraRed or Ultraviolet light source.

BACKGROUND

Germs, such as viruses and bacteria cause of many infectious diseases. By the end of the year 2019, and continuing in 2020 and further, the spreading of especially the virus SARS-CoV2, also known as the Corona virus, of pandemic proportion showed that social life and economics severely suffered from overload of hospitalization of patients and whole or partly lock-downs. A particularly effective manner of stopping spreading of the virus proved to be to take extra care in hygiene, by washing hands and prevent close contact with infected people and contaminated objects.

Although disinfecting soap is effective to a certain degree, washing hands is inconvenient and often cumbersome, requires loads of soap and tissues and leads to waste. The availability of soap dispensers is also usually only limited for washing hands, so other body parts remain untreated and may be contaminated with germs such as the Corona virus. Currently also alcohol is used alone or in combination with soap to wash hands and to disinfect. It is well known that alcohol dehydrates and may cause problems when inhaled or taken in.

An alternative for the use of hand soap comprises the use of germicidal light, i.e. ultraviolet light.

Hereinafter a few patent publications are discussed which propose devices which use ultraviolet light for this purpose.

United States patent application US 2009/0314308 A1 by Kim Darrick is summarized as a device for simultaneously cleaning hands and feet which has two housings connected by a pole. An ultraviolet light source and a light reflector is disposed within the housings and direct ultraviolet light waves onto the hands and feet of a user of the device.

United States patent application US 2017/0216472 A1 by Xenex Disinfection Services LLC is summarized as a disinfection apparatus with germicidal light sources, such as an ultraviolet type C light sources, and a storage medium with software for determining operating parameters of the disinfection apparatus based on size information regarding an individual who is in the presence of the disinfection apparatus or who is scheduled to be in the presence of the disinfection apparatus.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device and system for disinfecting people, objects and/or animals which is effective, works quickly, and which is easy and safe to use.

The object is realized by the following clauses and further embodiments.

1. A disinfection device comprising one or more disinfecting radiation sources, such as LEDs configured for emitting radiation from one or more parts of the spectrum, characterized in that, the device comprises:

- a housing arranged for housing the one or more radiation sources and for containing and/or directing the radiation of the one or more radiation sources;

- a control unit arranged for controlling the one or more radiation sources;

2. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the radiation comprises Ultraviolet or Infrared light.

3. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the device is arranged for disinfecting object, such as hands, feet, gloves, shoes of a user or another physical object.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the device is arranged for disinfecting air of the environment of the device.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the device comprises a sensor, such as an image- motion-, capacitive or light detection sensor, for detecting the presence of an object, whereby the control unit is arranged for switching on the one or more radiation sources when a presence of an object is detected. 6. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the one or more radiation sources are positioned to direct the radiation towards the object.

7. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the control unit is arranged for controlling parameters of the radiation of the one or more radiation sources, said parameters being of the group comprising:

- a sequence and/or cycle of activation of the radiation sources;

- modulation, such as pulse width modulation of the LEDs;

- intensity;

- duration;

- direction;

- wavelength.

8. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the device comprises a user interface arranged for receiving an input and/or providing an output to a user of the device.

9. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the input comprises input of the group comprising:

- setting of one or more of the parameters;

- user specific data such as age, weight, length, name, address, gender and data related to the sensitivity of the user’s skin to UV light.

10. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the output comprises output of the group comprising:

- visual information, such as a light indicator arranged for indicating the operation of the device;

- audible information, such as an audio fragment, or audible alerts;

- tactile feedback, such as provided by a vibration motor for indicating the operation of the device;

- any one of the above listed output used for drawing attention or guiding the user in using the device in a correct manner.

11 . The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the housing comprises a box having an opening for inserting an object such as a hand, a forearm or a foot. 12. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the device comprises an identification unit, such as an image sensor or camera, arranged for identifying the object or a user of the device.

13. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the control unit comprises a memory unit arranged for storing data in relation to the object or the user, said data being of the group comprising:

- frequency of use of the device;

- duration of the exposure to UV light of the device or by a connected device;

- credits.

14. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the control unit is arranged for activating the one or more radiation sources and/or providing access to the device, when the stored data of the object or user indicate that required parameters are met, said parameters being of the group comprising:

- exposure to UV light of the user, or parts of the body of the user within safety limits;

- sufficient amount of credits.

15. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the parameter of exposure to UV light of the user, or parts of the body of the user as a result of using a first device as in any one of the preceding clauses and one or more further of such device is added up for determining the total exposure to UV light of the user in a period.

16. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the housing is configured as a radiation tight box provided with an opening through which the object can be inserted.

17. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the opening is provided with a flexible seal for closing the opening when the object is inserted.

18. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the housing is provided with an opening at the bottom for disinfecting feet.

19. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the device is arranged for being mounted in a gate such as an entrance, exit, or door opening, whereby the one or more radiation sources are configured for being activated when the user passes the gate.

20. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the device is configured with additional features of the group comprising:

- safety measures such as overheating protection with a temperature sensor;

- a mechanism for adjusting the height of the housing;

- an automatic height adjustment system, comprising a sensor for measuring the length of the user, whereby the mechanism is arranged for raising or lowering the housing in accordance with the length of the user;

- a weight sensor arranged for weighing the user, whereby the control unit is arranged for controlling the parameters matching with the weight of the user;

- a battery pack;

- a dismountable stand;

- measures for making the device waterproof or splash proof, such as in accordance with IP65 standard.

- a power connector for connecting the device to mains;

- a power connector for connecting the device to DC;

- a sensor for measuring environmental temperature;

- a data collection system for collecting and/or storing data of the environment.

21 . The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the device is configured with one or more communication modules for providing connectivity with other devices, a central system, and/or a software source, for exchanging and/or storing the parameters and/or other user related data, the modules of the group comprising:

- a USB connection module;

- an ethernet connection module;

- a wireless connection module arranged for using a wireless protocol such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Lora, or a cellular network protocol.

- NFC module

22. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the device is configured with arrangements allowing the device for being mobile and/or for being repaired or maintained, or updated such as:

- a construction of light weight material; - parts that are arranged for being dismountable or replaceable;

- a set of wheels;

- a transport handle.

23. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the wavelength of the UV light of the one or more radiation sources is in the range of 260-365 and/or within the InfraRed spectrum. 220 to 365nm

24. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the device is configured with a fan configured for providing an airflow over the object when inserted in the housing.

25. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the device is configured with a fan taking in air form the environmental around the device, disinfecting the air by exposing the air to the one or more radiation sources, and returning the disinfected air to the environment by blowing out the disinfected air.

26. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the housing has an inwardly curved front.

27. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the spectrum comprises a range in the Ultraviolet C spectrum in the wavelengths of 220nm to 275nm.

28. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the device comprises two or more ultraviolet radiation sources configured to emit radiation from the spectrum of 200-420 nm and arranged to:

- be switched on and off at the same time, whereby the switching-on and switching-off is regulated per radiation source, and

- whereby one or more of the two or more radiation sources are arranged to be switched on continuously, and

- whereby one or more other radiation sources of the two or more radiation sources are arranged to be switched on and off alternately and thereby transmitting pulses of the radiation at intervals, whereby the time period of switching on, expressed as pulse width with quantity T, in the range of T=2.5 to 5 seconds.

29. The device of clause 28, characterized in that the pulses have a basic frequency of 1.256-2.512 rad/s. 30. The device according to clause 28 or 29, characterized in that the device is arranged for transmitting at least four pulses successively at intervals.

We therefore propose the usage of radiation emitted by two combined simultaneously driven, but separately controlled, ultraviolet radiation sources of which one is driven continuously, and one is driven intermittently with a PW of T=2,5 to T=5 sec and a fundamental frequency of at least 1 ,256 to 2,512 rad/s, both sources preferably in the range of 200 to 420nm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures show views of embodiments in accordance with the present invention. Figures 1 and 1 a show an example embodiments of the invented device.

Figures 2 and 2a show an example embodiments wherein housing and arrangement of figure 1 and 1 a are further illustrated in detail.

Figures 3 and 3a show example embodiments wherein a ventilation system is integrated in the device.

Figures 4 and 4a show example embodiments wherein the device is arranged as dedicated air cleaning device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is now described by the following aspects and embodiments, with reference to the figures.

For quick reference, hereafter a list of references is presented which refer to the numbers in the figures with a short description.

100 invented device

101 housing

102 opening

103 rim of opening 102 104 radiation sources

105 presence sensor

106 visual output device (display)

110 control unit

111 communication module

115 fan

116 air vent

117 air vent

200 stand

201 foot of stand

202 power cable

203 power connector 300 curved front

FIGURE 1 and FIGURE 1a show an example embodiments of the invented device 100, wherein the device 100 comprises a housing 101 with a straight front in figure 1 , and a preferable curved front 300 in figure 1 a, and an opening 102 in which an object may be inserted in direction indicated by arrow 1000. Housing 101 preferably has a curved front to avoid unwanted light exposure. One or more monochromatic radiation sources, such as UV light LEDs or Infrared light LEDs are incorporated in the housing (as shown in figure 2). An example of objects that may be inserted comprises one or two hands and possibly parts of the forearm of a user. Hands may also be inserted when wearing gloves, which is useful for example in hospital situations or other situations, where a user is required to wear (e.g. medical or surgical) gloves. When placed near the floor, device 100 may also be used to insert a user’s feet or shoes. For this purpose, opening 102 may be provided at the bottom to allow insertion of the feet. If necessary, some changes may be appropriate to facilitate other or e.g. bigger objects, and even a complete human body. A specific embodiment may comprise that the device 100 is adapted to fit in an overhead position, for example in a door post or a bridge-like construction through which a user may pass in order to be disinfected completely, including the user’s cloths. Hereafter the version which is especially suitable for disinfecting of hands is further discussed, but also other objects, or body parts may be disinfected with the device as well.

Referring further to figure 1 , the housing is placed on a stand 200, which is stabilized with foot 201. A power cable 202 may run from housing 101 through stand 200 to safeguard the power cable. Power for device 100 may be provided by connecting power connector 203 to a wall outlet.

Device 100 may also be configured to be mobile. In this case a battery pack may be included, e.g. in foot 201 , stand 200 or in housing 101 for providing power, or for providing back up power in case of a power outage.

Device 100 may further be configured to be easily taken apart for easy and compact transport. Stand 200 may be of a telescopic type to adjust the height and for retraction when transported.

The height of device 100 may be adjustable in an automatic manner as well. A height measuring device for measuring the height of the user may activate a mechanism to lengthen stand 200 for example in dependance of the length of the user, in order to facilitate easy insertion of the user’s hands.

Foot 201 may be configured with a presence sensor, which signals the device that a user is present, when the user steps on preferably sufficiently extending foot 201 . A weight sensor in foot 201 may even measure the user’s weight, so control unit (as discussed in figure 2) may adjust parameters for the operation of device 100 accordingly.

FIGURE 2 and FIGURE 2a show an example embodiments of the device 100, wherein housing 101 of the configuration of figure 1 is further illustrated in detail.

Housing 101 (in figure 2a with curved front 300) is accessible through opening 102. Opening 102 may be provided with a rim 103 for protecting e.g. hands from sharp edges. The housing and the position of the radiation sources, which are set to direct radiation towards the object (i.e. hands), prevents to a large extent that radiation escapes housing 101. To provide additional safety, rim 103 may also be provided with a seal (not shown) such as a door, flexible (rubber) seal or flap which closes off opening 102 when no hands are inserted, or after an object has been placed, but which can be opened, or pushed away when an object needs to be inserted. The seal may then, at least partly, prevent radiation from the radiation sources 104 to escape housing 101. Especially when radiation sources 104 are emitting UV light, this may cause damage to the eyes.

Radiation sources 104 are arranged for emitting disinfecting radiation, such as UV light (i.e. UV-C light) or Infrared light. Radiation sources 104 may be configured as a combination of radiation sources with radiation in different spectra as well. Some radiation sources may be configured as UV radiation sources and others may be emitting InfraRed light. One or more radiation sources may also be arranged for emitting visible light as well. This may be useful for providing immediate feedback to a user that device 100 is in operation. This also provides visual clues about the amount and direction in which radiation may be escaping from housing 101. This may indicate to the user that he or she should not look into the direction of the light as there might be e.g. UV light escaping from housing 101 as well. It also provides feedback on how to rearrange the seal, if necessary, to prevent radiation to escape.

A control unit 110 may be provided for controlling operation of device 100. Radiation sources 104 may be controlled for example based on detection of a presence of an object in housing 101. Presence sensor 105 may be placed in a position, such that when an object is inserted, control unit 110 switches on radiation sources 104. In the figure, the sensor is placed at the bottom in the front of device 100, but other positions are possible as well. Placement of multiple sensors at various positions or with various methods of detecting of a presence are also optional. Sensor 105 may for example be of a light detecting type. When the sensor is obscured by e.g. hands entering housing 101 , control unit 110 may use the sensor information for switching on radiation sources 104. When radiation intensity as sensed by sensor 105 has returned to default, control unit 110 switches radiation sources 104 off. When housing 101 is provided with a seal preventing environmental light to enter housing 101 , sensor 105 may also be configured to trigger control unit 110 when the seal is opened, and light enters housing 101. Instead of or together with a light sensing sensor, a capacitive sensor or touch sensor may be used. In an embodiment the user may also control switching on or off of radiation sources 104 with a button, either on the outside or at the inside of housing 101 (not shown).

The control unit may also be arranged for controlling parameters of the radiation of the one or more radiation sources, as stated above. By varying various parameters, an optimal use of the UV light source and a maximum and safe disinfection may be achieved.

The device may for this purpose be equipped with a monochromatic or multi- chromatic (i.e. a duo-chromatic-) light source. A monochromatic light source is herein defined as a light source which radiates light in one specific wavelength , and multi- chromatic as radiating in multiple wave lengths . A particular effective configuration may comprise for example a duo (two) chromatic set of light sources. As light source, a specific type of UV-LED’s may be applied or a laser diode whereby diodes typically produce a uniform monochromatic beam.

When using multiple wave lengths (by multi-chromatic light sources), the control unit may be configured for alternating the wave lengths - combining wave lengths -, or controlling a sequence of wave lengths .

Besides variations in the choice or sequence of wavelength (s), the control unit may be configured for controlling other parameters as well. Typical parameters which may be varied comprise:

- Power dissipation (Power, P), measured in Watts, or as a percentage of the maximum power dissipation of the light source.

- Time (t), i.e. the duration of the power dissipation

- Rise time (tr), i.e. the time taken by the light source to change from a specified low power (Plow) to a specified high power (Phigh), whereby tr=t2-t1 and Depth is Phigh-Plow.

- Pulse frequency (fp), when using a LED as a UV light source.

By choosing different modi, e.g. depending on the use case or a specific situation, the light source will produce a maximum neutralizing effect on bacteria, viruses and fungi, whereby negative effects on a user’s skin is minimized, or completely prevented.

Example of modi comprise (followed by the parameters to be varied):

- Normal mode: Power, Time, Rise

- Wave mode: Power, Time, Depth

- Flashing mode: Power, Time, Pulses

- Pulse mode: Power, Time

Especially in a situation wherein it is important to avoid physical contact with objects which may be contaminated by previous users for example, the invention the proposes to provide measure which make operation of the device possible without physical contact. A capacitive or other touchless sensor, such as light sensor 105 is therefore preferred over a physical switch for operating the device.

A sensor (not shown) may be positioned outside of housing 101 , which may be configured to detect leakage of especially UV light from housing 101. When leakage of radiation at a possibly dangerous level is detected, operation of device 100 may be interrupted partly or completely. Emitting of UV light in particular may be interrupted in this case.

Control unit 110 may be configured for controlling various parameters as stated in the clauses. These parameters and even the operation of device 100 may be performed in dependence of the object or the user using device 100. A user may for example be identified by the device using identification means (not shown), such as an NFC device, RFID reader, or an image sensor (i.e. camera). A user with a mobile device equipped with NFC may be recognized by the NFC reader, wearing an RFID tag may be recognized by the RFID reader, or may be recognized by the image sensor using image recognition software. When identified, it may be established whether or not the user has used device 100 before. This prior use may have been recorded by device 100 in a memory (not shown). An algorithm may be provided for control unit 110 to decide if a maximum exposure to possibly harming UV light is not exceeded by this particular identified user. If the use of device 100 would lead to health risks, the control unit may be configured to not operate radiation sources 104, or at least activate only harmless IR light instead of UV light.

The operation of device 100, or warnings not to use device 100 may be communicated to the user by configuring an interface, configured for providing visual, audible and/or tactile feedback. As an example, a visual display 106 is shown in the figure. Display 106 may also be configured to receive input by a user, or by a service provider. A user may for example enter a personal code, or personal data allowing access to device 100. Access may be granted for example when the user has sufficient credits to use device 100. Alternatively, a direct payment system may be integrated which makes payment for use of device 100 possible by bank transfer, credit card use, prepaid card use, NFC contactless payment or even cash (e.g. coin) money. Preferably the payment system is of a (NFC) contactless type, which prevents direct physical interaction with the device or the payment system and the user. Device 100 may also be connected to a central server for sharing and accessing stored information. If a user users a device 100 located at a first location, and uses a further device 100 at a second location, both location, duration of use, and exposure to disinfecting radiation may be recorded by the central server or shared directly to other connected devices 100. This provides for example additional information about exposure to e.g. UV light to the user and enables the device that is currently accessed by the user, to prevent overexposure to UV light to the user. Max exposure within 8hrs, according to international guidelines.

Connection to other devices or to a central server may be provided by communication module 111. Communication module 111 may for example be a Wi-Fi module which allows access to a Wi-Fi access point providing an internet connection to other devices or a central server. This enables for example also remote, “over the air” updating, service checks or notification and correction of problems, if any.

The device may also be accessed by a user using a mobile device, such as a smart phone, a smart watch, or smart bracelet through a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection, instead of or together with using a physical interface on device 100. Alternatively, other wireless communication methods may be used such as a long range Internet of Things connection (LoRa) for a service provider at a distance. An ethernet connection may also be provided for use of the EEE 802.3 network standard line communication. A USB connector may be provided for saving data or uploading updates for device 100 and in particular for control unit 110.

FIGURE 3 and FIGURE 3a show an example embodiments wherein device 100 with a curved front 300 is also equipped with a ventilation system. For example, a motor driven fan 115 may be provided in housing 101 and arranged for creating an airflow in and out of housing 101. One or more air vents 116,117 may be provided to let air pass in or out. Air vents 116,117 may be provided with a filter, such as a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, a carbon filter, or any other air purification or decontamination filter, for filtering the ventilated air.

On the one hand this ventilation system may be used to cool off the inside of housing 101 , for example to prevent heating up the user’s hands too much and to keep the electronics well within optimal operation temperature. On the other hand, the ventilation system may be used to clean the air in the housing. The air turbulence caused by the ventilation system may also be used to release dust and germs to leave the object more easily and disinfect hands and clothing for example in a more efficient manner. A temperature sensor (not shown) may be configured in housing 101 , and/or near control unit 110 to provide feedback for the control unit to activate fan 115 or to fan 115 directly to be activated when temperature is too high.

The ventilation system may also be used to clean the environmental air, and thus contribute to disinfecting the environment in which device 100 is placed. This is particularly useful in public spaces, outdoor and indoor, or rooms where many people gather, such as classrooms. It is assumed that a good ventilation of rooms in combination with decontamination measures for purifying the air, contributes to reducing the risk of spreading viruses which are air borne, such as in aerosols.

When priority is to purify air in housing 101 , fan 115 is set to blow air out of housing 101 , whereby air sucked in through air vents 116, 117 is filtered before entering housing 101. When priority is to purify environmental air, the fan is set to sucking in air. When the fan itself is provided with a filter, additional filtering is possible in both directions.

A heat element may also be provided in housing 101 to raise the inside temperature to a pleasant level for the user. This is especially useful when device is placed in a cold environment, such as slaughterhouses (which are known for a high risks of infection), or in winter when the device is placed outside. When equipped with an IR light source, the IR light may be emitted also for the specific purpose of warming up device 100 e.g. to prevent freezing of device 100 or its elements.

As there are LED drivers and other electronic equipment installed in the device, heat will be created already when in operation, so this heat may also be used to heat up the inside of the device.

Radiation sources 104 may be placed at various positions in housing 101 to direct the radiation in an optimal manner towards the object.

A radiation source which emits visible light may be configured to direct light towards opening 102 for providing feedback as described above. The visible light may also be directed to an opening in the housing which makes the operation of device 100 visible for the user. A UV blocking glass cover may be arranged for covering the opening.

The spectrum of radiation emitted by the disinfecting radiation sources is preferably within the range of InfraRed (IR) and/or Ultraviolet (UV), and more particular UVC, in the wavelength of 220 to 265 nm. We claim also benefits in the range 250- 375nm and 260 nm.

The radiation sources are preferably of the LED type.

FIGURE 4 and FIGURE 4a show an embodiments wherein device 100 is arranged for being dedicated to cleaning and/or disinfecting environmental air. The working of the referenced elements may be as described in figure 3.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that a person skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The article "the" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.