AU2021107004A4

AU2021107004A4 - Decontamination device

Info

Publication number: AU2021107004A4
Application number: AU2021107004A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Lou Tasic
Original assignee: Tesla UV Decontamination Systems Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Tesla UV Decontamination Systems Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-10-28
Filing date: 2021-08-24
Publication date: 2022-02-03
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-24

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for decontaminating a surface of an object, including a user's finger, EFTPOS terminal or ATM terminal keypad. The device comprises a power source; and at least one decontamination area. The decontamination area includes a void into which the surface of the object is placed, and one or more light sources that emit UV-C radiation, decontaminates the surface of the object when activated.

Description

DECONTAMINATION DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of devices used to minimise or prevent the spread of infectious agents, such as bacteria and viruses to people by them touching surfaces.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a device that minimises or prevents the spread of infectious agents and reduces the contamination of EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) and ATM (Automated Teller Machine) terminals.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Whilst spreading of infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria via surface contamination is always a factor of disease spread, it is of particular concern during global disease pandemics, such as the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

[0004] Many potentially infectious bacteria, viruses, yeasts and moulds can survive on surfaces for considerable amounts of time. For example, in coronavirus studies, the most resilient viruses took up residence on non-porous plastic and steel. Infectious particles have been detected on both types of surfaces commonly for up to 72 hours and, in some cases on steel for up to 28 days. Of particular concern when it comes to surface transmission, non-porous surfaces that we touch often but rarely clean remain a concern. This is particularly prevalent when it comes to non-porous surfaces that are touched by many people in quick succession, which greatly increases the possibility of infection occurring.

[0005] Devices that fall into this category of higher risk infection points include EFTPOS and ATM terminals, lift buttons and others because they are manufactured from non-porous material like plastic and metal, are high touch point devices by many people and are used frequently, and in quick succession by multiple people.

[0006] Traditionally, ways to minimise the transmission of infectious agents have been frequent cleaning of the EFTPOS and ATM terminals - and particularly the keypads, which are frequently touched by user's fingers and hands. However, frequent cleaning of these terminals with liquid chemicals can cause unintentional damage to the machines, or at least lead to shorter than normal lifespan of the devices because they were not designed with such frequent cleaning in mind.

[0007] Alternatively, it has been left up to individual users of these terminals to take responsibility for their own hygiene, and to sanitize their hands both before and after using such devices, which is done by thorough washing of their hands (which is not always possible where the terminals are located) or by alcohol based or other suitable type hand sanitizer lotions, sprays or wipes. However, sometimes a user may not have access to a suitable hand sanitizer, and in some cases not all users take good responsibility for hand cleanliness, and this can lead to an increased risk of infectious transmission. Although alcohol-based hand sanitizers can inactivate many types of microbes very effectively when used correctly 1-15, people may not use a large enough volume of the sanitizers or may wipe it off before it has dried, accordingly, there is a possibility that the use of hand sanitizer does not eliminate all microbes, bacteria and viruses.

[0008] Accordingly, there exists a need to provide an alternate solution to this problem of surface contamination and prevent the spread of infectious agents between people using high touch point devices, such as EFTPOS and ATM terminals, lift buttons, etc., or at least provide a suitable alternative thereto.

DISCLOSUREOFTHE INVENTION

[0009] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device for decontaminating a surface of an object, the device comprising a power source; and at least one decontamination area, which includes a void into which the surface of the object is placed, the decontamination area further includes one or more light sources that emit UV-C radiation, which decontaminates the surface of the object when activated.

[0010] Preferably, the decontamination area further includes an automated sensor to detect when the object is introduced therein, and when the object is detected, automatically activating the one or more the light sources.

[0011] Preferably, the device for decontaminating a surface of an object further includes a second light source that emits visible light to indicate to a user when the UV-C light source is activated.

[0012] Preferably, the second visible light source is located within the decontamination area such that the void, and the object positioned therein is illuminated by the visible light simultaneously with the UV-C radiation emitted from the UV-C light source.

[0013] Preferably, the period of activation of the at least one UV-C light source is at least 6 seconds from initial activation.

[0014] Preferably, the device for decontaminating a surface of an object further comprises a digital display that conveys information about the duration of the period of activation of the UV-C light source to the user in real time. Most preferably, the digital display includes a countdown timer showing the duration of the period of activation of the UV-C light source.

[0015] Preferably, the object is one or more of a users' finger, a portion of an EFTPOS terminal, a portion of an ATM terminal, Lift buttons a payment card, or a mobile or cellular telephone.

[0016] Preferably, the power source is selected from one or more of a battery or mains electrical power. Most preferably, the power source further includes a solar panel array.

[0017] Preferably, the decontamination area includes a shield at least partially obstructing visual access into the void in order to protect the user's eyes from the UV-C, which can be damaging.

[0018] Preferably, the device for decontaminating a surface of an object further comprises a movement sensor that senses when the device has been moved, and deactivates the UV-C light source.

[0019] Preferably, the colour of the devices is such that they are readily visually identifiable by potential users, and thus should consist of shades such as yellow and red. The importance of such colours is that user's recognise the devices, and can benefit from their role in minimising contamination by micro organisms.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in relation to figures, wherein

FIG 1 depicts a device for decontaminating a surface of an object in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, where the object is a user's finger;

FIG 2 depicts the device shown in FIG 1, showing how a user's finger enters the decontamination area;

FIG 3a depicts a device for decontaminating a surface of an object in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, which has both a finger decontamination area and a bank card decontamination area, and where the object is a user's finger or a bank card;

FIG 3b depicts an alternate embodiment of a device for decontaminating a surface of an object in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, which has both a finger decontamination area and a bank card decontamination area, and where the object is a user's finger or a bank card;

FIG 4a depicts a device for decontaminating a surface of an object in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, where the object is an EFTPOS terminal;

FIG 4b depicts an alternate embodiment of a device for decontaminating a surface of an object in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, where the object is an EFTPOS terminal;

FIG 4c depicts an alternate embodiment of a device for decontaminating a surface of an object in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, where the object is an EFTPOS terminal, although it is not shown;

FIG 4d depicts an alternate embodiment of a device for decontaminating a surface of an object, shown with power source, in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, where the object is the playing surface of a gaming machine, although it is not shown;

FIG 5 depicts an alternate embodiment of a device for decontaminating a surface of an object in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG 4a and FIG 4b, where the object is an EFTPOS terminal;

FIG 6 depicts an alternate embodiment of a device for decontaminating a surface of an object in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG 4a, FIG 4b and FIG , where the object is an EFTPOS terminal;

FIG 7 depicts a device for decontaminating a surface of an object in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG 8a depicts a device for decontaminating a surface of an object in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, where the object is a user's hand;

FIG 8b depicts an alternate embodiment of a device for decontamination a surface of an object in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, where the object is a user's hand, although not shown in the drawing;

FIG 8c depicts the alternate embodiment of a device for decontamination a surface of an object in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, where the object is a user's hand, on a stand, although not shown in the drawing; FIG 9a depicts a decontaminating a surface of an object in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG 1, where the object is a user's finger;

FIG 9b depicts an alternate embodiment of a decontaminating a surface of an object in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG 1 and FIG9a, where the object is a user's finger;

FIG 9c depicts an alternate embodiment of a decontaminating a surface of an object in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG 1, FIG 9a and FIG 9b, where the object is a user's finger, although not shown in the drawing;

FIG 10a depicts a decontaminating a surface of an object in accordance with a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention, where the object is a shopping trolley;

FIG 10b shows the seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention of FIG 10a;

FIG 10c shows the seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention of FIG 10a and 10b, and specifically shows the protective shield thereof;

FIG 11a depicts a device for decontaminating a surface of an object in accordance with an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention, where the object is a display monitor;

FIG 11b shows the eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention of FIG 11a, showing the engagement with the display monitor; and

FIG 11c shows the eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention of FIG 11a and FIG 11b, showing the operation of the decontamination device with the display monitor.

FIG 11d depicts an alternate embodiment of a device for decontaminating a surface of an object in accordance with an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention, where the object is a display monitor

FIG 11e depicts the embodiment of FIG 11d, and specifically shows the eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention of FIG 11d, where the component of the device used to move the decontamination portion of the device is in the form of a finger rest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONOF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] As best shown in FIGS 1 and 2, a first embodiment of the present invention relates to a device 10 for decontaminating a surface of an object 12, which in this embodiment is a user's finger 12. The device 10 comprises a power source (which is not shown in the drawings), and at least one decontamination area 16, which includes a void into which the surface of the object 12 can be placed or inserted. This is best shown in FIG 2, where the arrow depicts the direction of the user's finger 12 as it is inserted into the void of the decontamination area 16. The decontamination area 16 further includes one or more light sources 18 that emit UV-C radiation, which decontaminates the surface of the object 12 when activated. The UV-C light source is preferably an array of UV-C emitting LEDs (light emitting diodes).

[0022] The use of UV-C radiation to inactivate microorganisms so they are no longer capable or replicating and causing adverse health effects is well known. UV-C radiation has been used for decades to disinfect surfaces and sanitise water and air for example. Ultra-Violet light is invisible to the human eye and is divided into UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. UV-C radiation is found within 100-280 nm range, and its germicidal action is maximized at 254 nm with reductions on either side of this wavelength.

[0023] Ultraviolet (UV) is that part of electromagnetic light bounded by the lower wavelength extreme of the visible spectrum and the X-ray radiation band. The spectral range of UV light is, by definition between 100 and 400 nm (1 nm=10-9m) and is invisible to human eyes. Using the CIE classification the UV spectrum is subdivided into three bands:

• UV-A (long-wave) from 315 to 400 nm • UV-B (medium-wave) from 280 to 315 nm • UV-C (short-wave) from 100 to 280 nm

[0024] UV-C radiation works using a photolytic effect whereby the radiation destroys or inactivates the micro-organism so that it can no longer multiply. For DNA it does this by causing adjacent thymine bases to form a chemical bond thus creating a dimmer and if sufficient of these are created, DNA cannot replicate.

[0025] The UV light emitted by a source is expressed in watts (W) and the irradiation density is expressed in watts per square meter (W/m2). For germicidal action dose is important. The dose is the irradiation density multiplied by the time (t) in seconds and expressed in joules per square meter (J/m2). (1 joule is 1W.second).

[0026] Micro-organisms effective resistance to UV light varies considerably. Moreover, the environment of the particular micro-organism greatly influences the radiation dose needed for its destruction.

[0027] The survival of micro-organisms when exposed to UV light is given by the approximation:

Nt/No = exp. (-kEefft)

• Nt is the number of germs at time t • No is the number of germs before exposure • k is a rate constant depending on the species • Eeff is the effective irradiance in W/m2

The product Eefft is called the effective dose Heffand is expressed in W.s/m2 of J/m2

Some k value indications are given in Table 1, where they can be seen to vary from 0.2 m2/J viruses and bacteria, to 2.10-3 for mold spores and 8.10-4 for algae.

9I% -V - - dos to obtain 90% Id - Bacillus anthracis 45.2 0.051 Bakers' yeast 39 0.060 B.megatheriumsp.(spores) 27.3 0.084 Brewers'yeast 33 0.070 a. megatherium sp. (veg.) 13.0 0.178 Common yeast cake 60 0.038 B. parathyphosus 32.0 0.072 Saccharomyces cerevisiae 60 0.038 a. suptilis 71.0 0.032 Saccharomyces ellipsoideus 60 0.038 B.suptilisspores 120.0 0.019 Saccharomycessp. 80 0.029 Campylobacter jejuni 11.0 0.209 Clostridiumrtetani 120.0 0.019 Corynebacteriun diphteriae 33.7 0.069 Dysentery bacilli 22.0 0.105 Aspergilluslavus 600 0.003 Eberthella typhosa 21.4 0.108 Aspergillus glaucus 440 0.004 Escherichia coli 30.0 0.077 Aspergillus nigger 1320 0.0014 Klebsiella terrifani 26.0 0.089 Mucor racemosus A 170 0.013 Legionella pneumophila 9.0 0.256 Mucor racemosus B 170 0.013 Micrococcus candidus 60.5 0.038 Oospora lactis so 0.046 Micrococcus sphaeroides 100.0 0.023 Penicillium digitatum 440 0.004 Mycobacterium tuberculosis 60.0 0.038 Penicillium expansum 130 0.018 Neisseria catarrhalis 44.0 0.053 Penicillium rqueforti 130 0.018 Phytomonas tumefaciens 44.0 0.053 Rhizopus nigricans 1110 0.002 Pseudomonas aeruginosa 55.0 0.042 Pseudomonas luorescens 35.0 0.06 Proteus vulgarian 26.4 a.086 Salmonella paratyphi 32.0 0.07 HepatitisA 73 0.032 Salmonella typhimurium 80.0 0.029 Influenza virus 36 0.064 Sarcina lutea 197.0 0.012 MS-2Coliphase 86 0.012 Seratia marcescens 24.2 0.095 Poliovirus 81 0.040 Shigella paradysenteriae 16.3 0.141 Rotavirus SI 0.028 Shigella sonne 30.0 0.077 Spirillum rubrum 44.0 0.053 Staphylococcus albus 18.4 0.126 Staphylococcus aureus 26.0 0.086 Cryptosporidium parvum 25 0.092 Streptococcus faecalis 44.0 a.052 Giardia lamblia 11 0.209 Streptococcus hemoluticus 21.6 0.106 Streptococcus lactus 61.5 0.037 Streptococcus viridans 20.0 0.115 Sentertidis 40.0 0.057 Vibrio chlolerae (V.comma) 35.0 0.066 Blue Green 3000 0.0008 Yersinia enterocolitica 11.0 0.209 Chlorella vulgaris 120 0.019

Table 1 Doses for 10 0/ survival under 254 nm radiation (J/m2) and rate constant k (m2/J)

[0028] Whilst there a strong germicidal effect is provided by the light radiation in the short-wave UV-C band, there are also health and safety risks to consider although they are minor. For example, erythema (reddening of the skin) and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eye) can be caused by this form of light radiation. Because of this, when germicidal UV-Light lamps are used, it is important to design systems to exclude UV-C exposure and so avoid these effects. The designs of the present invention have taken these health and safety concerns into consideration when the devices of the present invention were designed.

[0029] For example, as is particularly well shown in the embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS 4a, 4b,, 4c, 4d, 5, 6, 9a and 10c, the decontamination area 16 of the device 10 can include a shield 24 at least partially obstructing visual access into the void in order to protect the user's eyes from the UV-C radiation, which can be damaging. The UV-C radiation cannot penetrate shield 24, and so provides a shield to the user from being exposed to UV-C radiation. However, the shield itself may be at least partially transparent so that the user can see into the decontamination area, as the frequency of UVC light waves are sufficiently small that they do not readily pass through material, so even a substantially transparent shield material will be useful for this purpose.

[0030] In addition, the device 10 for decontaminating a surface of an object can in some instances further comprise a movement sensor that is designed to detect if/when the device has been moved. When the sensor makes such a detection, it is connected with the UV-C light source, and will automatically deactivate the UV-C radiation to ensure that there is no accidental and unintended exposure of UV-C radiation on a person.

[0031] Whilst it is not shown in the drawings, the decontamination area 16 can further include an automated sensor to detect when the object is introduced therein, When the object is detected, the sensor will automatically activate the one or more the light sources 18.

[0032] This is particularly useful for the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS 1-3, FIG 7 and FIGS 9a,9b and 9c, where the user inserts their finger into the decontamination area 16, or in FIGs 8a, 8b and 8c, where the user inserts their hand into the decontamination area, and can activate the UV-C light without having to touch the device 10. To provide a greater sense of user satisfaction, the device 10 further includes a second light source (that is not shown in the drawings) that emits visible light when activated. This light source is designed to illuminate at the same time the UV-C radiation is being emitted by the UV-C light source, and thus the visible light indicates to a user when the UV C light source is activated. This light is preferably bright violet or blue, and most preferably is the visible spectrum UV-A or UV-B light, which user's associate with sterilizing and decontamination.

[0033] This second visible light source is located within the decontamination area 16 such that the void, and the object positioned therein is illuminated by the visible light simultaneously with the UV-C radiation emitted from the UV-C light source.

[0034] As shown in Table 1 above, the different intensities and time period for irradiation is shown for different infectious agents. Given where the devices of the present invention are to be deployed, and the purpose of the devices, as detailed above, where the object is a user's finger, it is intended that the UV-C light source is activated automatically when the user insert's their finger within the void of the decontamination area for approx. 10 seconds. However, where the object is an EFTPOS terminal, it will be decontaminated for a set period of time as per the timer setting frequency, which is preferably set at a time period of two (2) minutes. However, for safety, if movement is detected during that time period, the UV-C emitting lights will be automatically deactivated, and after a set period that can be adjusted to suit individual operator needs, will subsequently be re-activated and complete the decontamination. At the conclusion of the decontamination time period, the UV-C emitting lights will automatically be deactivated.

[0035] The device 10 for decontaminating a surface of an object can further comprise a digital display (that is not shown in the drawings) that conveys information about the duration of the period of activation of the UV-C light source to the user in real time. The digital display may, for example, includes a countdown timer showing the duration of the period of activation of the at least one UV-C light source 18.

[0036] Embodiments of the device 10, 20 of the present invention, which are designed primarily for use in decontaminating extremities of a user, such as fingers, hands and the like are shown in FIGS 1 to 9c. In these various embodiments, a user can insert parts of their body (like a finger or a hand) into the decontamination area 16 of the device 10, 20.

[0037] As is shown in FIGS 1-2, in one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device 10 is directed to a scenario in which the object 12 is a users' finger.

[0038] A slightly different embodiment is shown in FIG 3, in which the device includes two decontamination areas, the first 16 being for the user to insert their finger 12a, and the second 22 being for a user to insert their payment card 12b. It is also envisaged that the user may choose to insert their driver's license or any other card to decontamination if desired.

[0039] In third, fourth and fifth embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 5 and 6, the device 10 and the device 20 are designed for use with an object 12 in the form of an EFTPOS terminal 12c. The embodiments shown in FIGS 4a and 4b are designed for best use with an EFTPOS terminal on a stand (as shown), whereas the embodiments shown in FIGS 5 and 6 are designed for best used with an EFTPOS terminal that does not have a stand, in which case both the EFTPOS terminal and the device 10, 20 will simply sit on a bench, table or point of sale area or display. These particular embodiments of the devices of the present invention are also particularly well suited for other uses, and can also be used to decontaminate telephones (especially mobile or cellular telephones), game machine controls, etc., which can be placed in one of the decontamination areas of the device.

[0040] Another embodiment of the device 10 of the present invention is shown in FIG 7, which is similar to that shown in FIGS 1-2 in that the device is designed for an object 12 being a users' finger. Further similar embodiments are shown in FIGS 9a, 9b and 9c, and are designed for decontaminating a users' finger.

[0041] A further embodiment of the device 10 of the present invention is shown in FIGs 8a, 8b and 8c, in which the object 12 is a users' hand.

[0042] Further embodiments of the present invention, which are designed primarily for use in decontaminating physical objects that are not attached and part of a user are shown in FIGS 10a to 11e.

[0043] FIGS 10a to 10c show a device 10 of the present invention in which the objects 12 to be decontaminated are shopping trolleys. The device 10 is designed to be installed either outside a grocery or other retail store or centre, most likely proximally located to the store entrance or some other conveniently located position (perhaps in a car park or the like for example), or may also be installed within the store itself. It is already widespread and common practice for shopping trolleys to be stored between uses in similar 'corrals', which makes it convenient for shoppers to retrieve a trolley for use, keeps trolleys contained and out of the way when not being used, and allows the shoppers an area to return the trolley after use.

[0044] It is envisaged that the device 10 of the present invention would be activated, either by manual switching on or by way of automated trigger, or timer, at which point the trolleys within the decontamination area 16 would be decontaminated by the activation of the UVC lights 18. As is shown in FIG 10c, a curtain or shield 24 can be used to surround the decontamination area, which in this embodiment is a transparent curtain covering the framework of the device , and having an openable end in which the trolleys can be inserted into and retrieved from the decontamination area 16.

[0045] Further, another embodiment of the device 10 of the present invention is shown in FIGS 11a to 11c. In this embodiment, the device 10 is adapted to be installed on a display monitor 12, which would typically be a touch screen display. A decontamination area 16 is formed adjacent to the screen of the display monitor 12 between two arms that extend from respective ends of a body of the device. The arms form a track, along which the body is adapted to move, which as best shown in FIG 11c allows for the body of the device to be moved therealong and so across the decontamination area 16. In this way, when the UVC light(s) is/are activated and the body is traversed along the tracks of the two arms, the screen of the monitor display within the decontamination area 16 is decontaminated.

[0046] Further, an alternate embodiment of the device 10 of the present invention is shown in FIGS 11d and 11e. In this embodiment, the device 10 is adapted to be installed on a display monitor 12, which would typically be a touch screen display. The device 10 is further adapted to include a finger rest 21 where the user places their forefinger for ease of movement of the body of the device over the surface of the touch screen display. Preference is given to this embodiment as it further reduces the risk of contamination to the user, as the user is more easily able to control or move the body along the tracks by using a single finger (most likely the pointer finger or forefinger), rather than the embodiment shown in FIG 11a to 11c, where the user is more likely to grip the tab between forefinger and thumb, in which case both fingers may become contaminated, and it is more difficult to decontaminate the thumb especially, noting that a finger decontamination device may typically be deployed/installed in close proximity to the touch screen decontamination device.

[0047] In all embodiments, the device 10 of the present invention includes a power source, which can be either (or both) of a battery or mains electrical power. The power source can also further includes a solar panel array, which is particularly useful where the device 10 of the present invention will be used remotely or in mobile applications, where there is no mains power, in order to increase the longevity of the device, and to recharge the battery.

[0048] While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments above, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is not limited to those embodiments, but may be embodied in many other forms, variations and modifications other than those specifically described. The invention includes all such variation and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, components and/or devices referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively and any and all combinations or any two or more of the steps or features.

[0049] In this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the word "comprising" is not intended to have the exclusive meaning of the word such as "consisting only of", but rather has the non-exclusive meaning, in the sense of "including at least". The same applies, with corresponding grammatical changes, to other forms of the word such as "comprise", etc.

[0050] Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all other scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

[0051] Any promises made in the present document should be understood to relate to some embodiments of the invention, and are not intended to be promises made about the invention in all embodiments. Where there are promises that are deemed to apply to all embodiments of the invention, the applicant/patentee reserves the right to later delete them from the description and they do not rely on these promises for the acceptance or subsequent grant of a patent in any country.

Claims

1. A device for decontaminating a surface of an object, the device comprising:

a power source; and

at least one decontamination area including one or more light sources that emit UV-C radiation, which decontaminates the surface of an object located therein when activated.

2. A device for decontaminating a surface of an object according to claim 1 wherein the decontamination area includes a void into which the surface of the object is placed.

3. A device for decontaminating a surface of an object according to claim 2 wherein the decontamination area further includes an automated sensor to detect when the object is introduced therein, and when the object is detected, automatically activating the one or more light sources.

4. A device for decontaminating a surface of an object according to claim 1 further including a second light source that emits visible light to indicate to a user when the at least one UV-C light source is activated.

5. A device for decontaminating a surface of an object according to claim 4 wherein the second visible light source is located within the decontamination area such that the void, and the object positioned therein is illuminated by the visible light simultaneously with the UV-C radiation emitted from the UV-C light source.

6. A device for decontaminating a surface of an object according to claim 1 wherein the period of activation of the UV-C light source is instant.

7. A device for decontaminating a surface of an object according to claim 6 further comprising a digital display that conveys information about the duration of the period of activation of the UV-C light source to the user in real time.

8. A device for decontaminating a surface of an object according to claim 7 wherein the digital display includes a countdown timer showing the duration of the period of activation of the at least one UV-C light source.

9. A device for decontaminating a surface of an object according to claim 1 wherein the object is one or more of a users' finger, an EFTPOS terminal, a payment card, or a mobile or cellular telephone.

10. A device for decontaminating a surface of an object according to claim 1 wherein the power source is selected from one or more of a battery or mains electrical power.

11. A device for decontaminating a surface of an object according to claim 1 wherein the power source further includes a solar panel array.

12. A device for decontaminating a surface of an object according to claim 1 wherein the decontamination area includes a shield at least partially obstructing visual access into the void in order to protect the user's eyes from the UV-C, which can be damaging if looked at directly.

13. A device for decontaminating a surface of an object according to claim 1 further comprising a movement sensor that detects when the device has been moved or detects a movement adjacent to the device, and deactivates the UV-C light source.

14. A device for decontaminating a surface of an object according to claim 1 comprising a body within which the one or more light sources are located, and having first and second rail members laterally extending from opposite ends thereof, the rail members defining the perimeter of the decontamination area.

15. A device for decontaminating a surface of an object according to claim 14 adapted to be installed on the peripheral edges of a display monitor.

16. A device for decontaminating a surface of an object according to claim 15 wherein the body is adapted to extend along the first and second rails such that, when activated, the light source passes across a display screen surface of the monitor display, decontaminating the same.