EP3328444A1 - Uv devices, systems, and methods of making and use - Google Patents
Uv devices, systems, and methods of making and useInfo
- Publication number
- EP3328444A1 EP3328444A1 EP16831460.7A EP16831460A EP3328444A1 EP 3328444 A1 EP3328444 A1 EP 3328444A1 EP 16831460 A EP16831460 A EP 16831460A EP 3328444 A1 EP3328444 A1 EP 3328444A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- germicidal
- container
- light source
- room
- space
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 244
- 238000004659 sterilization and disinfection Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 201
- 230000001954 sterilising effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 185
- 244000005700 microbiome Species 0.000 claims abstract description 127
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 77
- 235000013365 dairy product Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 53
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 235000013334 alcoholic beverage Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 241000894007 species Species 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 230000002070 germicidal effect Effects 0.000 claims description 456
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims description 78
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 claims description 63
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 63
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 56
- 229910052724 xenon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 45
- FHNFHKCVQCLJFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N xenon atom Chemical compound [Xe] FHNFHKCVQCLJFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 45
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 claims description 44
- 238000004422 calculation algorithm Methods 0.000 claims description 43
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 41
- QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N mercury Chemical compound [Hg] QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 36
- 229910052753 mercury Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 36
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 34
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 32
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 25
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 21
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 21
- 229910001507 metal halide Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 21
- 150000005309 metal halides Chemical class 0.000 claims description 21
- 235000013336 milk Nutrition 0.000 claims description 21
- 239000008267 milk Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- 210000004080 milk Anatomy 0.000 claims description 21
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000010453 quartz Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000004809 Teflon Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 229920006362 Teflon® Polymers 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 229910052736 halogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 claims description 12
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000008033 biological extinction Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000013060 biological fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- -1 polydimethylsiloxane Polymers 0.000 claims description 9
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 9
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 8
- 235000016213 coffee Nutrition 0.000 claims description 8
- 235000013353 coffee beverage Nutrition 0.000 claims description 8
- 235000011389 fruit/vegetable juice Nutrition 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 150000002367 halogens Chemical class 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 235000013616 tea Nutrition 0.000 claims description 8
- 241000251468 Actinopterygii Species 0.000 claims description 7
- 235000014171 carbonated beverage Nutrition 0.000 claims description 7
- 244000144977 poultry Species 0.000 claims description 7
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052804 chromium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000011651 chromium Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004567 concrete Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000011505 plaster Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052573 porcelain Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- ZCYVEMRRCGMTRW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 7553-56-2 Chemical compound [I] ZCYVEMRRCGMTRW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000005350 fused silica glass Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052740 iodine Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000011630 iodine Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052721 tungsten Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000010937 tungsten Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910001632 barium fluoride Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- WUKWITHWXAAZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-L calcium difluoride Chemical compound [F-].[F-].[Ca+2] WUKWITHWXAAZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910001634 calcium fluoride Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004205 dimethyl polysiloxane Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910001635 magnesium fluoride Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920000435 poly(dimethylsiloxane) Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011116 polymethylpentene Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000010980 sapphire Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052594 sapphire Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920002600 TPX™ Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 241001122767 Theaceae Species 0.000 claims 2
- 230000012010 growth Effects 0.000 abstract description 61
- 238000000855 fermentation Methods 0.000 abstract description 28
- 230000004151 fermentation Effects 0.000 abstract description 28
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 23
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 abstract description 13
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 5
- 238000011012 sanitization Methods 0.000 description 131
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 120
- OSVXSBDYLRYLIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioxidochlorine(.) Chemical compound O=Cl=O OSVXSBDYLRYLIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 90
- 230000000813 microbial effect Effects 0.000 description 69
- 238000011282 treatment Methods 0.000 description 48
- 239000004155 Chlorine dioxide Substances 0.000 description 45
- 235000019398 chlorine dioxide Nutrition 0.000 description 45
- KRKNYBCHXYNGOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N citric acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CC(O)(C(O)=O)CC(O)=O KRKNYBCHXYNGOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 39
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 38
- CBENFWSGALASAD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ozone Chemical compound [O-][O+]=O CBENFWSGALASAD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 30
- 240000004808 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Species 0.000 description 29
- KFSLWBXXFJQRDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Peracetic acid Chemical compound CC(=O)OO KFSLWBXXFJQRDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 28
- 235000014101 wine Nutrition 0.000 description 26
- 235000014680 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Nutrition 0.000 description 24
- 230000000670 limiting effect Effects 0.000 description 21
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 19
- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 description 18
- 239000003518 caustics Substances 0.000 description 17
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 17
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 16
- 230000004083 survival effect Effects 0.000 description 15
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 13
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 13
- HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[Na+] HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 12
- 210000003128 head Anatomy 0.000 description 12
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 11
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 11
- 244000063299 Bacillus subtilis Species 0.000 description 10
- 235000014469 Bacillus subtilis Nutrition 0.000 description 10
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 10
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 10
- 230000002147 killing effect Effects 0.000 description 10
- 230000002906 microbiologic effect Effects 0.000 description 10
- 239000013641 positive control Substances 0.000 description 10
- 238000004364 calculation method Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000002203 pretreatment Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 8
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 8
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000013642 negative control Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 102000053602 DNA Human genes 0.000 description 7
- 108020004414 DNA Proteins 0.000 description 7
- 230000009849 deactivation Effects 0.000 description 7
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 7
- 241000722885 Brettanomyces Species 0.000 description 6
- 244000269722 Thea sinensis Species 0.000 description 6
- 241000700605 Viruses Species 0.000 description 6
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 6
- OPTASPLRGRRNAP-UHFFFAOYSA-N cytosine Chemical compound NC=1C=CNC(=O)N=1 OPTASPLRGRRNAP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 6
- 241000235070 Saccharomyces Species 0.000 description 5
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 108010046377 Whey Proteins Proteins 0.000 description 5
- 102000007544 Whey Proteins Human genes 0.000 description 5
- 210000004027 cell Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000001965 increasing effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000002054 inoculum Substances 0.000 description 5
- 108090000623 proteins and genes Proteins 0.000 description 5
- RWQNBRDOKXIBIV-UHFFFAOYSA-N thymine Chemical compound CC1=CNC(=O)NC1=O RWQNBRDOKXIBIV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- RYFMWSXOAZQYPI-UHFFFAOYSA-K trisodium phosphate Chemical class [Na+].[Na+].[Na+].[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O RYFMWSXOAZQYPI-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 5
- 229910000497 Amalgam Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 4
- HVYWMOMLDIMFJA-DPAQBDIFSA-N cholesterol Chemical compound C1C=C2C[C@@H](O)CC[C@]2(C)[C@@H]2[C@@H]1[C@@H]1CC[C@H]([C@H](C)CCCC(C)C)[C@@]1(C)CC2 HVYWMOMLDIMFJA-DPAQBDIFSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000001332 colony forming effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000006071 cream Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000009429 electrical wiring Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000009036 growth inhibition Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 4
- 235000015097 nutrients Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 102000004169 proteins and genes Human genes 0.000 description 4
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000001228 spectrum Methods 0.000 description 4
- 201000008297 typhoid fever Diseases 0.000 description 4
- 208000004429 Bacillary Dysentery Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 244000027711 Brettanomyces bruxellensis Species 0.000 description 3
- 241000186660 Lactobacillus Species 0.000 description 3
- 241000191938 Micrococcus luteus Species 0.000 description 3
- 241000192001 Pediococcus Species 0.000 description 3
- 206010052428 Wound Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229940104302 cytosine Drugs 0.000 description 3
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000001627 detrimental effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 208000001848 dysentery Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 235000019985 fermented beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 244000000010 microbial pathogen Species 0.000 description 3
- 230000035772 mutation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000004088 simulation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 description 3
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 3
- 239000008399 tap water Substances 0.000 description 3
- 235000020679 tap water Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 3
- 230000002588 toxic effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000002351 wastewater Substances 0.000 description 3
- 235000021119 whey protein Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 241000589220 Acetobacter Species 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 206010008631 Cholera Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 229920004943 Delrin® Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 241000588724 Escherichia coli Species 0.000 description 2
- 241001149669 Hanseniaspora Species 0.000 description 2
- GUBGYTABKSRVRQ-QKKXKWKRSA-N Lactose Natural products OC[C@H]1O[C@@H](O[C@H]2[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)C(O)O[C@@H]2CO)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H]1O GUBGYTABKSRVRQ-QKKXKWKRSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000192132 Leuconostoc Species 0.000 description 2
- 102000014171 Milk Proteins Human genes 0.000 description 2
- 108010011756 Milk Proteins Proteins 0.000 description 2
- 241000235526 Mucor racemosus Species 0.000 description 2
- OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Phosphorus Chemical compound [P] OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000235648 Pichia Species 0.000 description 2
- 241000607142 Salmonella Species 0.000 description 2
- 241000607768 Shigella Species 0.000 description 2
- 241000191940 Staphylococcus Species 0.000 description 2
- 241000191963 Staphylococcus epidermidis Species 0.000 description 2
- 208000037386 Typhoid Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 241000607626 Vibrio cholerae Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000005862 Whey Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000001413 amino acids Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 230000001580 bacterial effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000013405 beer Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 210000004369 blood Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000008280 blood Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000005018 casein Substances 0.000 description 2
- BECPQYXYKAMYBN-UHFFFAOYSA-N casein, tech. Chemical compound NCCCCC(C(O)=O)N=C(O)C(CC(O)=O)N=C(O)C(CCC(O)=N)N=C(O)C(CC(C)C)N=C(O)C(CCC(O)=O)N=C(O)C(CC(O)=O)N=C(O)C(CCC(O)=O)N=C(O)C(C(C)O)N=C(O)C(CCC(O)=N)N=C(O)C(CCC(O)=N)N=C(O)C(CCC(O)=N)N=C(O)C(CCC(O)=O)N=C(O)C(CCC(O)=O)N=C(O)C(COP(O)(O)=O)N=C(O)C(CCC(O)=N)N=C(O)C(N)CC1=CC=CC=C1 BECPQYXYKAMYBN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000021240 caseins Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000012000 cholesterol Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000012459 cleaning agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 208000037265 diseases, disorders, signs and symptoms Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 235000013861 fat-free Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000021472 generally recognized as safe Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 2
- WQYVRQLZKVEZGA-UHFFFAOYSA-N hypochlorite Chemical compound Cl[O-] WQYVRQLZKVEZGA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- JVTAAEKCZFNVCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N lactic acid Chemical compound CC(O)C(O)=O JVTAAEKCZFNVCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229940039696 lactobacillus Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 239000008101 lactose Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000020121 low-fat milk Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000021239 milk protein Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 244000052769 pathogen Species 0.000 description 2
- 230000001717 pathogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000049 pigment Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000018102 proteins Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 150000003230 pyrimidines Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- 230000010076 replication Effects 0.000 description 2
- 231100000935 short-term exposure limit Toxicity 0.000 description 2
- 235000020183 skimmed milk Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- SUKJFIGYRHOWBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium hypochlorite Chemical compound [Na+].Cl[O-] SUKJFIGYRHOWBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000001488 sodium phosphate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000003892 tartrate salts Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 229940113082 thymine Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 239000003053 toxin Substances 0.000 description 2
- 231100000765 toxin Toxicity 0.000 description 2
- 108700012359 toxins Proteins 0.000 description 2
- 230000002103 transcriptional effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910000406 trisodium phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 235000019801 trisodium phosphate Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000011514 vinification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000008939 whole milk Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- DVOODWOZJVJKQR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 5-tert-butyl-3-(2,4-dichloro-5-prop-2-ynoxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-one Chemical compound O=C1OC(C(C)(C)C)=NN1C1=CC(OCC#C)=C(Cl)C=C1Cl DVOODWOZJVJKQR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 244000283763 Acetobacter aceti Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000589155 Agrobacterium tumefaciens Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000203069 Archaea Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000132177 Aspergillus glaucus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000228245 Aspergillus niger Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000283690 Bos taurus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001522017 Brettanomyces anomalus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000722883 Brettanomyces custersianus Species 0.000 description 1
- OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N Calcium Chemical compound [Ca] OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000222120 Candida <Saccharomycetales> Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000283707 Capra Species 0.000 description 1
- 206010008479 Chest Pain Diseases 0.000 description 1
- ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chlorine atom Chemical compound [Cl] ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000186216 Corynebacterium Species 0.000 description 1
- 206010011224 Cough Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 241000223935 Cryptosporidium Species 0.000 description 1
- PMPVIKIVABFJJI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Cyclobutane Chemical compound C1CCC1 PMPVIKIVABFJJI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000235035 Debaryomyces Species 0.000 description 1
- 206010012442 Dermatitis contact Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 108090000790 Enzymes Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 102000004190 Enzymes Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 206010015946 Eye irritation Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000004606 Fillers/Extenders Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004812 Fluorinated ethylene propylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 241000233866 Fungi Species 0.000 description 1
- 206010017711 Gangrene Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 244000168141 Geotrichum candidum Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000017388 Geotrichum candidum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 206010019233 Headaches Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010061218 Inflammation Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010023126 Jaundice Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 241000186839 Lactobacillus fructivorans Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001550390 Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001123674 Metschnikowia Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000187479 Mycobacterium tuberculosis Species 0.000 description 1
- 229910019093 NaOCl Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 206010028813 Nausea Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 241000588653 Neisseria Species 0.000 description 1
- JAUOIFJMECXRGI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Neoclaritin Chemical compound C=1C(Cl)=CC=C2C=1CCC1=CC=CN=C1C2=C1CCNCC1 JAUOIFJMECXRGI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 206010029803 Nosocomial infection Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 241000202223 Oenococcus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001494479 Pecora Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000500340 Pediococcus damnosus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000228143 Penicillium Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001507673 Penicillium digitatum Species 0.000 description 1
- 240000000064 Penicillium roqueforti Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000002233 Penicillium roqueforti Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000588767 Proteus vulgaris Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000589517 Pseudomonas aeruginosa Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000589540 Pseudomonas fluorescens Species 0.000 description 1
- CZPWVGJYEJSRLH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Pyrimidine Chemical compound C1=CN=CN=C1 CZPWVGJYEJSRLH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 208000018569 Respiratory Tract disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 241000190984 Rhodospirillum rubrum Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000027151 SOS response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 241000235072 Saccharomyces bayanus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000877401 Saccharomyces ellipsoideus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000235088 Saccharomyces sp. Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001354013 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000531795 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Paratyphi A Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000293869 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000235346 Schizosaccharomyces Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000607717 Serratia liquefaciens Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000607715 Serratia marcescens Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000607764 Shigella dysenteriae Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000607762 Shigella flexneri Species 0.000 description 1
- 208000000453 Skin Neoplasms Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000005708 Sodium hypochlorite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 241001158692 Sonoma Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000191967 Staphylococcus aureus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000191984 Staphylococcus haemolyticus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000194017 Streptococcus Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000057717 Streptococcus lactis Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000014897 Streptococcus lactis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000193996 Streptococcus pyogenes Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001312524 Streptococcus viridans Species 0.000 description 1
- 206010042496 Sunburn Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 241000235006 Torulaspora Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004699 Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 206010070841 Upper respiratory tract irritation Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 241000235152 Williopsis Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000235017 Zygosaccharomyces Species 0.000 description 1
- HIHKYCFSHOWAMY-UHFFFAOYSA-N [O-][O+]=O.O=Cl=O Chemical compound [O-][O+]=O.O=Cl=O HIHKYCFSHOWAMY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- ASJWEHCPLGMOJE-LJMGSBPFSA-N ac1l3rvh Chemical class N1C(=O)NC(=O)[C@@]2(C)[C@@]3(C)C(=O)NC(=O)N[C@H]3[C@H]21 ASJWEHCPLGMOJE-LJMGSBPFSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000844 anti-bacterial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000845 anti-microbial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000006708 antioxidants Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000003118 aryl group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 230000001174 ascending effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003556 assay Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004071 biological effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010836 blood and blood product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940125691 blood product Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000005388 borosilicate glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000012206 bottled water Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011575 calcium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052791 calcium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000001465 calcium Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000711 cancerogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100000357 carcinogen Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 231100000315 carcinogenic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 239000003183 carcinogenic agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012677 causal agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004113 cell culture Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000030833 cell death Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- AIXMJTYHQHQJLU-UHFFFAOYSA-N chembl210858 Chemical compound O1C(CC(=O)OC)CC(C=2C=CC(O)=CC=2)=N1 AIXMJTYHQHQJLU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005660 chlorination reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000460 chlorine Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052801 chlorine Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000001805 chlorine compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000001684 chronic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 208000010247 contact dermatitis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004087 cornea Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 125000001995 cyclobutyl group Chemical group [H]C1([H])C([H])([H])C([H])(*)C1([H])[H] 0.000 description 1
- 230000009615 deamination Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006481 deamination reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000034994 death Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006735 deficit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012217 deletion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037430 deletion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003297 denaturating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000645 desinfectant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000249 desinfective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000539 dimer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 206010013023 diphtheria Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000020188 drinking water Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000003651 drinking water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005670 electromagnetic radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010894 electron beam technology Methods 0.000 description 1
- HQQADJVZYDDRJT-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethene;prop-1-ene Chemical group C=C.CC=C HQQADJVZYDDRJT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004438 eyesight Effects 0.000 description 1
- 206010016256 fatigue Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000004927 fusion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000722 genetic damage Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 235000013531 gin Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 231100000869 headache Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 231100000206 health hazard Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 229910001385 heavy metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000003116 impacting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000415 inactivating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002779 inactivation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000008235 industrial water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 208000015181 infectious disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000002458 infectious effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004054 inflammatory process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005764 inhibitory process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007794 irritation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004310 lactic acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000014655 lactic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000020190 lactose-free milk Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 150000002597 lactoses Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000002045 lasting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000636 lethal dose Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 210000004072 lung Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000002503 metabolic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 235000021243 milk fat Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010841 municipal wastewater Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008693 nausea Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100001223 noncarcinogenic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 231100000252 nontoxic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000003000 nontoxic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 150000004045 organic chlorine compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000002896 organic halogen compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000013021 overheating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920009441 perflouroethylene propylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002085 persistent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001766 physiological effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000004694 pigment cell Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000006223 plastic coating Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100000614 poison Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000007096 poisonous effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002335 preservative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229940007042 proteus vulgaris Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000000746 purification Methods 0.000 description 1
- VTGOHKSTWXHQJK-UHFFFAOYSA-N pyrimidin-2-ol Chemical compound OC1=NC=CC=N1 VTGOHKSTWXHQJK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000002345 respiratory system Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000001525 retina Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000002966 serum Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 231100000323 severe irritant Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 229940007046 shigella dysenteriae Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 201000000849 skin cancer Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000003595 spectral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006641 stabilisation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011105 stabilization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010561 standard procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002436 steel type Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009897 systematic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000419 toxicity Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000001988 toxicity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001052 transient effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002834 transmittance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004614 tumor growth Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000785 ultra high molecular weight polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000009281 ultraviolet germicidal irradiation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229960005486 vaccine Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000001429 visible spectrum Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004304 visual acuity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000019155 vitamin A Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011719 vitamin A Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011710 vitamin D Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019166 vitamin D Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000019165 vitamin E Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011709 vitamin E Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019168 vitamin K Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011712 vitamin K Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013522 vodka Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000015041 whisky Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
- A61L2/08—Radiation
- A61L2/10—Ultraviolet radiation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
- A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2202/11—Apparatus for generating biocidal substances, e.g. vaporisers, UV lamps
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
- A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2202/14—Means for controlling sterilisation processes, data processing, presentation and storage means, e.g. sensors, controllers, programs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
- A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2202/16—Mobile applications, e.g. portable devices, trailers, devices mounted on vehicles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
- A61L2202/20—Targets to be treated
- A61L2202/23—Containers, e.g. vials, bottles, syringes, mail
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
- A61L2202/20—Targets to be treated
- A61L2202/25—Rooms in buildings, passenger compartments
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to compositions, systems and methods for ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, and more specifically, to compositions, systems and methods for UV disinfection of a container, a room, a space or a defined environment. More specifically, the present invention relates to portable UV devices and uses thereof in methods of sterilization and sanitization of an interior surface present in a container, room, space or defined environment. The present invention also relates to methods of manufacturing portable UV devices.
- UV ultraviolet
- UV light has germicidal properties. Specifically, the mechanism by which UV light kills microorganisms is by damaging the genetic material, the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), of the microorganisms. Wavelengths between 200- 300 nm have been shown to initiate a photoreaction between adjacent pyrimidines. Pyrimidine bases, such as cytosine and thymine, have conjugated double bonds and as such absorb UV light. The photoreaction between adjacent thymine or cytosine bases proceeds at an exceedingly rapid rate (on the order of picoseconds). There are two possible products.
- Cytosine cyclobutane photodimers are susceptible to deamination and can therefore induce point mutations, specifically the CC (two adjacent cytosines) are converted into TT (two adjacent thymines) via the SOS Response system in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms (Fu et al, 2008, FEMS Microbiol Rev 32(6):908-26; Eller and Gilchrest, 2000, Pigment Cell Res 13 Suppl 8:94-7).
- the inactivation of specific genes via point mutations is one of the mechanisms of how UV-induced genetic damage can lead to cell death or to the inhibition of cell replication.
- the inability to form proper replicational and transcriptional templates coupled with the increased number of point mutations leads to the deactivation and inability to reproduce of microorganisms.
- DNA specifically has a maximum absorbency of UV light at 253.7 nm. It has been determined that approximately 26,400 microwatt-seconds/cm 2 are needed to deactivate 100% of the most resistant bacteria (Osburne et al, 2010, Environ Microbiol; doi: 10.1111/j .1462- 2920.2010.02203.x).
- UV light is separated into 3 distinct categories: UV-A (315-400 nm), UV-B (280-315 nm), and UV-C (200-280 nm). Since DNA optimally absorbs UV light at 253.7 nm, it is UV-C lamps that are used in most prior art germicidal devices. UV devices are used, e.g., to inactivate microorganisms in laboratory settings. UV radiation can also be used for disinfection in hospitals, nurseries, operating rooms, cafeterias and to sterilize vaccines, serums, toxins, municipal waste, and drinking waters.
- Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is often used for disinfecting hospital wastewater in order to prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms, causal agents of nosocomial infectious diseases.
- Chlorine disinfectants in wastewater react with organic matters, giving rise to organic chlorine compounds such as AOX (halogenated organic compounds adsorbable on activated carbon), which are toxic for aquatic organisms and are persistent environmental contaminants (Bohrerova et al., 2008, Water Research 42(12):2975-2982).
- AOX halogenated organic compounds adsorbable on activated carbon
- ozone Prior to 1997, ozone could only be used for sanitation and purification of bottled drinking water in the United States, and it is widely used around the world for this purpose today. In May 1997, an expert panel assembled by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) declared ozone to be Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in food processing in the United States. Since then, wineries have embraced the use of ozone. Its use has been generally accepted and documented to be effective for barrel cleaning and sanitation, tank cleaning and sanitation, clean-in-place systems, and for general surface sanitation. Results have shown the same degree of sanitization as that achieved using caustic for a fraction of the cost and wasted water.
- EPRI Electric Power Research Institute
- GRAS Generally Recognized as Safe
- ozone systems tend to be mobile (a single unit can be moved to different vessels), with multiple operators in multiple locations. This makes it important that safety features and ozone management systems be in place and that the system itself be reliable and easy to operate.
- Ozone Natural levels of ozone range from 0.01 ppm to 0.15 ppm and can reach higher concentrations in urban areas. Ozone is an unstable gas and readily reacts with organic substances. It sanitizes by interacting with microbial membranes and denaturating metabolic enzymes.
- Ozone is generated by irradiation of an air stream with ultraviolet (UV) light at a wavelength of 185 nm or by passing dry air or oxygen through a corona discharge (CD technology) generator.
- UV ultraviolet
- CD technology corona discharge
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration has set limits for ozone exposure in the workplace. These limits are for continuous eight-hour exposure of no more than 0.1 ppm, and a short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 15 minutes at 0.3 ppm, not to be exceeded more than twice per eight-hour work day. Consequently, ozone requires monitoring in the workplace if used for environmental or equipment sanitation using, e.g., ozone.
- Ozone is known to have adverse physiological effects on humans (Directorate- General of Labour, the Netherlands 1992, 4(92), 62). Technically, there is no minimum threshold for ozone toxicity. Even low concentrations of ozone produce transient irritation of the lungs as well as headaches. Higher concentrations induce severe eye and upper respiratory tract irritation. Chronic exposure to ozone leads to respiratory tract disease and has been associated with reported increases in tumor growth rates. Exposure to ozone levels greater than the maximum thresholds specified by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)/Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) results in nausea, chest pain, coughing, fatigue and reduced visual acuity. Thus, while ozone provides an efficient means of sterilization, it also poses an occupational hazard to those involved in the sterilization process.
- ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
- OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- TSP chlorinated trisodium phosphate
- Cryptosporidium have developed resistance to reactive chlorine compounds. Further, evidence is mounting that organic chemical byproducts of chemical disinfection, especially byproducts of chlorination, are carcinogens and/or toxins for humans. Thus, expensive filtration devices may be required to remove the chemicals. Further, systems based on filtration require frequent replacement and/or cleaning of the filters. In addition, use of chlorinated TSP requires large quantities of water as a solvent and to extensively rinse the container following chemical sterilization. Also, chlorinated compounds are notorious for causing wine fouling. Thus, chemical disinfection is not a viable alternative when chemical purity of a fluid or alcoholic beverage in a fermentation vessel is desired or required.
- Ozone sterilization was originally used to purify blood in the late 1800s. In the 1900s, ozonated water was in use for the treatment of multiple types of disease. In the first World War, ozone was used to treat wounds, gangrene and the effects of poisonous gas. Thus, throughout the time period, toxic and/or carcinogenic chemicals have been used in the sterilization of containers used for fermenting alcoholic beverages.
- UV devices systems comprising a UV device, methods useful for the ultraviolet (UV) sterilization of containers and for the sanitization of rooms, spaces and defined environments using a UV device, and methods for manufacturing a UV device.
- UV ultraviolet
- the present invention provides a UV device.
- the UV device is a UV device for UV sterilization of an interior surface of a container, a room, a space or a defined environment.
- the UV device comprises a first germicidal UV light source, a frame to which the first germicidal UV light source is operatively attached, a control box for controlling a sterilization cycle, a cable operatively connecting the control box and the first germicidal UV light source; and a means for operatively attaching the UV device to the container, room, space or defined environment.
- the UV device is configured so that the first germicidal UV light source can be movably and inwardly inserted through an opening of the container, room, space or defined environment into the container, room, space or defined environment when the UV device is operatively attached to the container, room, space or defined environment.
- the UV device uses an algorithm for determining the sterilization cycle.
- the control box comprises a circuit board and at least three components selected from the group consisting of (1) a power supply, (2) electronics for activating/deactivating the first germicidal UV light source, (3) a timer for controlling the duration of the sterilization cycle, (4) a memory for storing a pre-determined sterilization cycle, (5) a safety switch, (6) an on/off/reset button, (7) a status indicator light, (8) an alarm light, and (9) a user interface selected from the group consisting of a touchscreen and a keyboard.
- the control box comprises a circuit board and at least four components selected from the group consisting of (1) through (9).
- the control box comprises a circuit board and at least five components selected from the group consisting of (1) through (9).
- the control box comprises a circuit board and at least six components selected from the group consisting of (1) through (9).
- the circuit board comprises at least three functionalities selected from the group consisting of (A) comprising a radiofrequency identifier reader, (B) communicating with a radiofrequency identifier, (C) controlling a movement of the first germicidal UV light source within the container, room, space, or defined environment, (D) controlling a rate of descent or ascent of the first germicidal UV light source within the container, room, space, or defined environment, (E) controlling a positioning of first germicidal UV light source within the container, room, space, or defined environment, (F) controlling an on/off status of a motor, wherein the motor controls the positioning of the first germicidal UV light source within the container, room, space, or defined environment, (G) controlling an on/off status of the first germicidal UV light source based on measuring whether a pre-determined UV intensity has been attained, (H) controlling extension of the first germicidal UV light source from a housing, (I) controlling retraction of the first germicidal UV light source into
- the circuit board comprises at least four functionalities selected from (A) through (Y). In some embodiments, the circuit board comprises at least five functionalities selected from (A) through (Y). In some embodiments, the circuit board comprises at least six functionalities selected from (A) through (Y). In some embodiments, the circuit board comprises at least seven functionalities selected from (A) through (Y). In some embodiments, the circuit board comprises at least eight functionalities selected from (A) through (Y). In some embodiments, the circuit board comprises at least nine functionalities selected from (A) through (Y). In some embodiments, the circuit board comprises at least ten functionalities selected from (A) through (Y).
- the UV device is a portable UV device.
- a UV device of the present invention is configured to include additional parts and components.
- the first germicidal UV light source resides in a housing.
- a variety of housings can be used in the UV devices described herein.
- the housing permits UV light to pass through.
- a housing that permits UV light to pass through can be made of a variety of materials.
- a housing is made of UV fused silica, CaF 2 , MgF 2 , BaF 2 , quartz, sapphire, teflon, polydimethylsiloxane, TPX ® or polymethylpentene (PMP).
- a preferred material is teflon.
- a UV device of the present invention is configured to include additional parts and components.
- a UV device further comprises a rope, a cable or a rigid rod for moving the first UV light source to a position within the container, room, space or defined environment.
- the frame comprises a plurality of openings.
- a UV device of the present invention is configured to include additional parts and components.
- a UV device further comprises a second germicidal UV light source.
- the frame comprises (i) a lower frame comprising a first lower frame end and a second lower frame end; (ii) an upper frame comprising a first upper frame end and a second upper frame end, and (iii) a first hinge movably and operatively connecting the lower frame to the upper frame and is configured so that the upper frame can be moved into an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame.
- the first germicidal UV light source is operatively attached to the upper frame and the second germicidal UV light source is operatively attached to the lower frame.
- the upper frame may be positioned on top of the lower frame.
- the UV device further comprises a means for operatively attaching the UV device to an opening of a container, to a fixture in a container, room, space or defined environment, wherein when the UV device is attached, the means for attaching permits moving the first germicidal UV light source to a position within the container, room, space or defined environment.
- a means for operatively attaching the UV device to an opening of a container, to a fixture in a container, room, space or defined environment, wherein when the UV device is attached, the means for attaching permits moving the first germicidal UV light source to a position within the container, room, space or defined environment.
- this means is a mounting bracket.
- the UV device further comprises a second hinge movably and operatively connecting the lower frame to the means for attaching the UV device to the opening or fixture of the container, room space or defined environment.
- the UV device further comprises a means for controlling or facilitating movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame.
- this means permits the first germicidal UV light source be positioned at an angle ranging from about 0 degree to about 90 degrees with respect to the position of the second germicidal UV light source.
- a variety of means can be used for controlling or facilitating movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame.
- this means is selected from the group consisting of a pneumatic cylinder, a motor, a winch, an upper frame fixture clip, an extension spring, a rope and a cable.
- the means for controlling or facilitating movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame is a rope or cable.
- the rope or cable may be operatively connected to a first rope or cable anchoring point at the upper frame and operatively connected to a second rope or cable anchoring point located on either the lower frame or located on a mounting bracket movably attached to the lower frame.
- the upper frame can be moved from a horizontal position to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame.
- the second rope or cable anchoring point is a first rope post or a second rope post attached to the mounting bracket.
- the means for controlling or facilitating movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame is an upper frame fixture clip.
- the upper frame fixture clip is configured to restrict movement of the upper frame. Upon release from the upper frame fixture clip, the upper frame can be moved from a horizontal position to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame.
- the means for controlling or facilitating movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame is an extension spring.
- the extension spring may comprise a first hook attached to a first anchoring post and a second hook attached to a second anchoring post.
- the second anchoring post is adapted to function as a carrying handle.
- the means for controlling or facilitating movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame is a motor.
- the means for controlling or facilitating movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame is a winch.
- the means for controlling or facilitating movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame is a pneumatic cylinder.
- the UV device further comprises at least one stop post.
- the at least one stop post is configured to prevent movement of a first germicidal UV light source beyond an approximately perpendicular position with respect to the position of a second germicidal UV light source.
- the first upper frame end and the second upper frame end each comprise at least one opening configured to receive a UV lamp socket and wherein a first germicidal UV light source is operatively attached to the UV lamp socket.
- the first lower frame end and the second lower frame end each comprise at least one opening configured to receive a UV lamp socket and wherein a second germicidal UV light source is attached to the UV lamp socket.
- the first upper frame end and the second upper frame end are connected by a plurality of rods.
- the upper frame further comprises at least one cross connector and the plurality of rods penetrates the at least one cross connector.
- the UV device comprises a UV sensor.
- the UV sensor may be operatively attached to the frame.
- the UV sensor is operatively attached to either the lower or upper frame.
- the UV device comprises more than one first germicidal UV light source.
- the at least one first germicidal UV light source is a member of a plurality of first germicidal UV light sources selected from the group consisting of two first germicidal UV light sources, three first germicidal UV light sources, four first germicidal UV light sources, five first germicidal UV light sources, six first germicidal UV light sources, seven first germicidal UV light sources, eight first germicidal UV light sources, nine first germicidal UV light sources, and ten first germicidal UV light sources.
- Members of the plurality of first germicidal UV light sources can be the same or different germicidal UV light sources.
- the UV device comprises more than one second germicidal UV light source.
- the at least one second germicidal UV light source is a member of a plurality of second germicidal UV light sources selected from the group consisting of two second germicidal UV light sources, three second germicidal UV light sources, four second germicidal UV light sources, five second germicidal UV light sources, six second germicidal UV light sources, seven second germicidal UV light sources, eight second germicidal UV light sources, nine second germicidal UV light sources, and ten second germicidal UV light sources.
- Members of the plurality of second germicidal UV light sources can be the same or different germicidal UV light sources.
- the UV device comprises two first germicidal UV light sources connected to the upper frame and two second germicidal UV light sources connected to the lower frame.
- the two first germicidal UV light sources can be the same or different germicidal UV light sources.
- the two second germicidal UV light sources can be the same or different germicidal UV light sources.
- the two first germicidal UV light sources and the two second germicidal UV light sources can be the same or different germicidal UV light sources.
- the first or second germicidal UV light sources of a UV device of the present invention may comprise a variety of UV lamps.
- those lamps are independently selected from the group consisting of a low pressure mercury lamp, a medium pressure mercury lamp, a high pressure mercury lamp, an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, a low pressure short arc xenon lamp, a medium pressure short arc xenon lamp, a high pressure short arc xenon lamp, an ultra-high pressure short arc xenon lamp, a low pressure long arc xenon lamp, a medium pressure long arc xenon lamp, a high pressure long arc xenon lamp, an ultra-high pressure long arc xenon lamp, a low pressure metal halide lamp, a medium pressure metal halide lamp, a high pressure metal halide lamp, an ultra-high pressure metal halide lamp, a tungsten halogen lamp, a quartz halogen lamp, a quartz iodine
- the first germicidal UV light source or the second germicidal UV light source is a UV-C light source.
- a UV light source is connected to a control box.
- the control box resides outside of the container, room, space or defined environment.
- a touchscreen interface or keyboard is configured so that a user can provide an input for a functionality selected from the group consisting of (A) activating the UV device, (B) deactivating the UV device, (C) providing time input for completing a UV sterilization of a container, room, space or a defined environment, (D) providing time elapsed for UV sterilization of the container, room, space or defined environment, (E) setting a desired UV intensity level, (F) adjusting a UV intensity level, and (G) logging in a code for a user.
- a functionality selected from the group consisting of (A) activating the UV device, (B) deactivating the UV device, (C) providing time input for completing a UV sterilization of a container, room, space or a defined environment, (D) providing time elapsed for UV sterilization of the container, room, space or defined environment, (E) setting a desired UV intensity level, (F) adjusting a UV intensity level, and (G) logging in a code for a
- an algorithm determines a sterilization cycle based on at least two parameters selected from the group consisting of (i) species of microorganism present on the surface of the container, room, space or defined environment to be sterilized, (ii) size of the container, room, space or defined
- the first germicidal UV light source when the first germicidal UV light source is inserted into the container, room, space or defined environment, the first germicidal UV light source can be moved from a first position to a second position within the container, room, space or defined environment.
- the present invention also provides systems comprising a UV device.
- the system comprises (a) a UV device of the present invention and (b) a container, a room, a space or a defined environment. Any UV device described herein can be used in a system, in particular those described in paragraphs [0021] through [0056].
- a system of the present invention may comprise a variety of containers.
- a container is selected from the group consisting of: (A) a container for fermenting an alcoholic beverage, (B) a container for storing or transporting a dairy product, a liquid dairy, a liquid dairy composition or a dry dairy
- composition (C) a container for water, milk, coffee, tea, juice, or a carbonated beverage, and (D) a container for a biological fluid.
- a system of the present invention may comprise a variety of rooms, spaces or defined environments.
- a room, space or defined environment is selected from the group consisting of a commercial kitchen, a medical facility, an acute care area, an operating room, a medical equipment storage cabinet, a clean room, a bathroom, a waiting room, a food production area, a food processing area, a nursery home, a car, a bus, a trailer, a rail car, an airplane, a ship, a boat, a grocery store display case, a deli counter, a fish display case, a poultry display case, a floral display case, a refrigerated display case, a non-refrigerated display case, and a conveyor belt.
- a container, room, space or defined environments of a system of the present invention may have various interior surfaces.
- a container, room, space or defined environment comprises an interior surface comprising wood, plastic, concrete, a polymer, etched aluminum, foil aluminum, polished aluminum, chromium, glass, nickel, silver, stainless steel, tri-plated steel, water paint, white cotton, white oil paint, white paper, white porcelain, white wall plaster or a fabric.
- a system comprises (a) a UV device of the present invention and (b) a case.
- the UV device or parts thereof may reside in the case.
- the case is attached to the control box.
- the system further comprises a transportation rack.
- the transportation rack is configured to accommodate the UV device and the case for transportation.
- the present invention further provides methods of using a UV device of the present invention, preferably using a UV device of the present invention in a method for UV sterilization of an interior surface of a container, an interior surface of a room, an interior surface of a space, or an interior surface of a defined environment.
- Any UV device described herein can be used in such method, in particular those described in paragraphs [0021] through [0056].
- a method for UV sterilization of an interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment comprises the steps of (a) movably and inwardly inserting a first UV light source of the UV device into a container, room, space or defined environment and (b) activating the first germicidal UV light source. Thereby, the interior surface of the container, room, space or defined environment is sterilized.
- a container is selected from the group consisting of (A) a container for fermenting an alcoholic beverage, (B) a container for storing or transporting a dairy product, a liquid dairy, a liquid dairy composition or a dry dairy composition, (C) a container for water, milk, coffee, tea, juice, or a carbonated beverage, and (D) a container for a biological fluid.
- a method of sterilization of the present invention may comprise a variety of rooms, spaces or defined environments.
- a room, space or defined environment is selected from the group consisting of a commercial kitchen, a medical facility, an acute care area, an operating room, a medical equipment storage cabinet, a clean room, a bathroom, a waiting room, a food production area, a food processing area, a nursery home, a car, a bus, a trailer, a rail car, an airplane, a ship, a boat, a grocery store display case, a deli counter, a fish display case, a poultry display case, a floral display case, a refrigerated display case, a non- refrigerated display case, and a conveyor belt.
- An interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment may have various interior surfaces. Methods described herein are not limited by such surfaces.
- the container, room, space or the defined environment comprises an interior surface comprising wood, plastic, concrete, a polymer, etched aluminum, foil aluminum, polished aluminum, chromium, glass, nickel, silver, stainless steel, tri-plated steel, water paint, white cotton, white oil paint, white paper, white porcelain, white wall plaster or a fabric.
- the present invention further provides methods for manufacturing a UV device.
- the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a UV device, in particular a UV device described in paragraphs [0021] through [0056].
- a method for manufacturing a UV device comprises the steps of (a) attaching a first germicidal UV light source to a frame, (b) operatively connecting a cable to a control box and to the first germicidal UV light source; and (c) attaching a means for operatively attaching the UV device to a container, room, space or defined environment.
- a method for manufacturing a UV device comprises the steps of (a) attaching a first germicidal UV light source to an upper frame, (b) attaching a second germicidal UV light source to a lower frame, (c) attaching a first hinge to the lower frame and to the upper frame thereby operatively connecting the lower frame to the upper frame so that the upper frame can be moved into a position ranging from about 0 degree to about 90 degrees with respect to the position of the lower frame.
- a method for manufacturing a UV device further comprises the step of attaching a means for controlling or facilitating movement of the upper frame into a position ranging from about 0 degree to about 90 degrees with respect to the position of the lower frame.
- UV device of the present invention Some embodiments of a UV device of the present invention, a system of the present invention, a method of use of the present invention and a method of manufacturing a UV device of the present invention are set forth below:
- a portable ultraviolet (UV) device for applying a sterilization cycle to a surface within a container, a room, a space, or a defined environment, the UV device comprising:
- the UV device is configured to movably and inwardly insert the first germicidal UV light source through an opening of the container, room, space or defined environment into the container, room, space or defined environment when the UV device is operatively attached to the container, room, space or defined environment;
- the UV device uses an algorithm for determining the sterilization cycle; wherein the control box comprises a circuit board and at least three components selected from the group consisting of:
- a user interface selected from the group consisting of a touch screen and a keyboard
- circuit board comprises at least three functionalities selected from the group consisting of:
- (K) controlling an optical sensor which initiates a timer upon placing the first germicidal UV source into the container, room space, or defined environment;
- the housing is made of UV fused silica, CaF 2 , MgF 2 , BaF 2 , quartz, sapphire, teflon, polydimethylsiloxane, TPX ® or polymethylpentene (PMP).
- the UV device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, further comprising a rope, a cable or a rigid rod for moving the first UV light source to a position within the container, room, space or defined environment.
- an upper frame comprising a first upper frame end and a second upper frame end;
- the upper frame when not in use, is positioned on top of the lower frame.
- the UV device according to any one of embodiments 8 and 11, further comprising a means for controlling or facilitating movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame.
- the means for controlling or facilitating movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame is selected from the group consisting of a pneumatic cylinder, a motor, a winch, an upper frame fixture clip, an extension spring, a rope and a cable.
- the means for controlling or facilitating movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame is a rope or a cable and wherein the rope or cable is operatively connected to a first rope or cable anchoring point at the upper frame and operatively connected to a second rope or cable anchoring point located on either the lower frame or located on a mounting bracket movably attached to the lower frame and wherein, upon release of the rope or cable from the second rope or cable anchoring point, the upper frame moves from a horizontal position to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame.
- the means for controlling or facilitating movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame is an upper frame fixture clip, wherein the upper frame fixture clip is configured to restrict movement of the upper frame, and wherein, upon release from the upper frame fixture clip, the upper frame moves from a horizontal position to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame.
- first upper frame end and the second upper frame end each comprise at least one opening configured to receive a UV lamp socket and wherein the first germicidal UV light source is operatively attached to the UV lamp socket.
- the first germicidal UV light source is a member of a plurality of first germicidal UV light sources selected from the group consisting of two first germicidal UV light sources, three first germicidal UV light sources, four first germicidal UV light sources, five first germicidal UV light sources, six first germicidal UV light sources, seven first germicidal UV light sources, eight first germicidal UV light sources, nine first germicidal UV light sources, and ten first germicidal UV light sources, and wherein members of the plurality of first germicidal UV light sources are the same or different germicidal UV light sources.
- the second germicidal UV light source is a member of a plurality of second germicidal UV light sources selected from the group consisting of two second germicidal UV light sources, three second germicidal UV light sources, four second germicidal UV light sources, five second germicidal UV light sources, six second germicidal UV light sources, seven second germicidal UV light sources, eight second germicidal UV light sources, nine second germicidal UV light sources, and ten second germicidal UV light sources, and wherein members of the plurality of second germicidal UV light sources can be the same or different germicidal UV light sources.
- UV device according to any one of embodiments 8 to 29, wherein the UV device comprises two first germicidal UV light sources operatively connected to the upper frame and two second germicidal UV light sources operatively connected to the lower frame and wherein the two first germicidal UV light sources and the two second germicidal UV light sources are the same or different germicidal UV light sources. 31.
- the first germicidal UV light source comprises a lamp selected from the group consisting of a low pressure mercury lamp, a medium pressure mercury lamp, a high pressure mercury lamp, an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, a low pressure short arc xenon lamp, a medium pressure short arc xenon lamp, a high pressure short arc xenon lamp, an ultra-high pressure short arc xenon lamp, a low pressure long arc xenon lamp, a medium pressure long arc xenon lamp, a high pressure long arc xenon lamp, an ultra-high pressure long arc xenon lamp, a low pressure metal halide lamp, a medium pressure metal halide lamp, a high pressure metal halide lamp, an ultrahigh pressure metal halide lamp, a tungsten halogen lamp, a quartz halogen lamp, a quartz iodine lamp, a sodium lamp, and an incandescent lamp.
- control box resides outside of the container, room, space or defined
- the algorithm determines the sterilization cycle based on at least two parameters selected from the group consisting of (i) species of microorganism present on the surface of the container, room, space or defined environment to be sterilized, (ii) size of the container, room, space or defined environment, (iii) shape of the container, room, space or defined environment,(iv) the material of the surface of the container, room, space or defined environment to be sterilized, (v) extinction depth of the first germicidal UV light source at 254 nm, (vi) distance of the first germicidal UV light source from the surface of the container, room, space or defined environment to be sterilized (vii) distribution and positioning of the first germicidal UV light source, (viii) configuration of the first germicidal UV light source, and (ix) intensity of the first germicidal UV light source.
- the first germicidal UV light source can be moved from a first position to a second position within the container, room, space or defined environment.
- control box comprises components selected from the group consisting of at least four components of (1) - (9), at least five components of (1) - (9), at least six components of (1) - (9), at least seven components of (1) - (9), at least eight components of (1) - (9), and nine components of (1) - (9).
- the circuit board comprises functionalities selected from the group consisting of at least four functionalities of (A) - (Y), at least five functionalities of (A) - (Y), at least six functionalities of (A) - (Y), at least seven functionalities of (A) - (Y), at least eight functionalities of (A) - (Y), at least nine functionalities of (A) - (Y), at least ten functionalities of (A) - (Y), at least eleven functionalities of (A) - (Y), at least twelve functionalities of (A) - (Y), at least thirteen functionalities of (A) - (Y), at least fourteen functionalities of (A) - (Y), at least fifteen functionalities of (A) - (Y), at least sixteen functionalities of (A) - (Y), at least seventeen functionalities of (A) - (Y), at least eighteen functionalities of (A) - (Y), at least nineteen functionalities of (A)
- (C) a container for water, milk, coffee, tea, juice, or a carbonated beverage
- the room, space or defined environment is selected from the group consisting of a commercial kitchen, a medical facility, an acute care area, an operating room, a medical equipment storage cabinet, a clean room, a bathroom, a waiting room, a food production area, a food processing area, a nursery home, a car, a bus, a trailer, a rail car, an airplane, a ship, a boat, a grocery store display case, a deli counter, a fish display case, a poultry display case, a floral display case, a refrigerated display case, a non- refrigerated display case, and a conveyor belt.
- the container, room, space or defined environment comprises an interior surface comprising wood, plastic, concrete, a polymer, etched aluminum, foil aluminum, polished aluminum, chromium, glass, nickel, silver, stainless steel, tri-plated steel, water paint, white cotton, white oil paint, white paper, white porcelain, white wall plaster or a fabric.
- a system comprising:
- a method for UV sterilization of an interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment comprising the steps of:
- (C) a container for water, milk, coffee, tea, juice, or a carbonated
- the room, space or defined environment is selected from the group consisting of a commercial kitchen, a medical facility, an acute care area, an operating room, a medical equipment storage cabinet, a clean room, a bathroom, a waiting room, a food production area, a food processing area, a nursery home, a car, a bus, a trailer, a rail car, an airplane, a ship, a boat, a grocery store display case, a deli counter, a fish display case, a poultry display case, a floral display case, a refrigerated display case, a non- refrigerated display case, and a conveyor belt.
- FIG. 1 schematically depicts a front view of a system of the present invention comprising a case 7, a control box 1 (as part of a UV device of the present invention) and a transportation rack 10. Also shown are a touchscreen interface 5, an on/off/reset switch 3, a status indicator light/alarm light 6, an emergency shutdown button 4, wheels 12, and handrails 8 attached to the control box 1. Further shown are a power cable 2 and a cable 13 which operatively connects the control box 1 with a UV device (residing in case 7, however, not visible). Fastening brackets 9 are attached to the transportation rack 10. Fastenings 11 hold the case 7 and control box 1 in place during transportation or when system is not in use. Details of individual parts and components are described herein.
- Figure 2 schematically depicts a rear view of a system of the present invention comprising a case 7 (a UV device residing therein, however, not visible), a control box 1, and a transportation rack 10. Parts and components are as in FIG. 1.
- Figure 3 schematically depicts a front view of a system of the present invention comprising a UV device (Model UVT-4, 14), case 7 (in an open configuration), and a control box 1. Case 7 is open to show UV device Model UVT-4, 14. Also schematically shown are extension spring 18, a second anchoring post 19 configured to have a carrying handle at its end, a UV sensor 17, UV light sources 16 and housings 15 surrounding the UV light sources 16.
- housing 15 is a see-through housing permitting the UV light to pass through; thus, housing 15 and UV light source 16 are indicated in this and the following drawings (FIGS 4-13 and 15-19) by 15,16. Other parts and components are as in FIGS. 1 and 2. Further details of UV device Model UVT-4 are shown in the following drawings and are described herein.
- FIG. 4 schematically depicts a top rear view of a member of the UVT-4 family of UV devices.
- housing 15 and UV light source/UV lamp 16 (15,16), mounting bracket 21, rope or cable 22, UV lamp sockets/adapters 20, cable 13 connecting the UV light source with control box 1 (not visible), case 7, lower frame 23, first upper frame end 24, first lower frame end 25, bracket tightening knob 26, first rope post 27, second rope post 28, second upper frame end 29, second lower frame end 30, UV sensor 17, protective rods 31, cross connector 32 on upper frame, upper frame fixture clip 33, second hinge 34 (for movably and operatively connecting the bracket with the lower frame), T-shaped cap 35 (for maintaining bulb clamps in place). Details of individual parts and components are described herein.
- Figure 5 schematically depicts a side view of the top rear of a member of the UVT-4 family of UV devices. Parts and components are as in FIGS. 1-4. In addition, bulb clamps 36, held in place by T-shaped cap 35, are shown. Details of individual parts and components are described herein.
- FIGS. 1-5 schematically depicts a view of the top front of a member of the UVT-4 family of UV devices. Parts and components are as in FIGS. 1-5.
- wheels 37 for easy moving of UV device on a surface
- first hinge 38 movably and operatively connecting lower and upper frames
- stop posts 39 preventing extender spring from extending vertically positioned UV light source moving beyond perpendicular/vertical position
- cables 40 activating UV light sources/UV lamps 16, side plate spacer 41 (for stabilization of cross bar), first side plate 42, and second side plate 43 are shown. Details of individual parts and components are described herein.
- Figure 7 schematically depicts a top view of the front end of a member of the UVT-4 family of UV devices. Parts and components are as in FIGS. 1-6. In addition, a cross connector 44, connected to the lower frame 23, is shown. Details of individual parts and components are described herein.
- FIG 8 schematically depicts movably and inwardly inserting a member of the UVT-4 family of UV devices through an opening 48 of a container 49 into a container 49. Parts and components are as in FIGS. 1-7. In addition, openings 45 within a cross connector 44 of the lower frame 23 are shown. Openings 45 through which not already a housing/UV light source 15, 16 is guided through may accommodate an additional housing/UV light source. Also shown are fasteners 47 movably and operatively connecting the upper frame to the lower frame and configured to permit "swinging" of the upper frame and UV light source(s) attached thereto into an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame 23 and the UV light source(s) attached thereto. Also shown is a first anchoring post 46 for the extension spring 18. Details of individual parts and components are described herein.
- Figure 9 schematically depicts movably and inwardly inserting a member of the UVT-4 family of UV devices through an opening 48 of a container 49 into a container 49. Parts and components are as in FIGS. 1-8. The UV device has been further inserted through the opening 48 as compared to FIG. 8.
- a second hook 50 of the extension spring 18 and the position of a first anchoring post 46 for extension spring 18 where the first end 59 of the extension spring 18 is connected to cable 58 are shown. Details of individual parts and components are described herein.
- Figure 10 schematically depicts movably and inwardly inserting a member of the UVT-4 family of UV devices through an opening 48 of a container 49 into a container 49.
- the UV device is shown further inserted into the container as in FIG. 9. Parts and components are as in FIGS. 1-9.
- carrying handle 51 is shown. Details of individual parts and components are described herein.
- Figure 11 schematically depicts temporarily attaching a member of the UVT-4 family of UV devices at an opening 48 of a container 49. The UV device has been further inserted through the opening 48 as compared to FIG. 10. Parts and components are as in FIGS. 1-10. Cable 13 connects the UV light source of the UV device with the control box 1 (not shown in figure). Details of individual parts and components are described herein.
- Figure 12 schematically depicts moving the upper frame of a member of the UVT-4 family of UV devices into an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame 23. Parts and components are as in FIGS. 1-1 1. In addition, a first cable guide wheel 53 for rope or cable 22, and a rope or cable anchoring point 52 at the first upper frame end 24, are shown. Details of individual parts and components are described herein.
- Figure 13 schematically depicts a member of the UVT-4 family of UV devices positioned on the bottom surface of a container 49.
- the upper frame and the UV light sources attached thereto have been moved from a horizontal position into a perpendicular/vertical position with respect to the lower frame 23 and the UV light sources attached to the lower frame 23.
- Parts and components are as in FIGS. 1-12. Details of individual parts and components are described herein.
- Figure 14 schematically depicts an extension tool for manually moving a UV device within a large container, large room, large space, or large defined environment without a user having to crawl into or be in that large container, large room, large sapce or large defined environment.
- the exemplary extension tool depicted comprises wheels 37, a top plate 54, a base plate 55 and an extension rod 56. Details of individual parts and components are described herein.
- Figure 15 schematically depicts an extension tool attached to a UV device of the UVT-4 family of UV devices. As shown, the extension tool is connected to the UV device through the mounting bracket 21 and bracket tightening knob 26 fastens the mounting bracket 21 to the top plate 54 of the extension tool. Both the extension tool and the UV device are shown to be inserted movably and inwardly into a container 49 through opening 48 (on side wall of container). Parts and components are as in FIGS. 1-14. Details of individual parts and components are described herein. [0085] Figure 16 schematically depicts an extension tool attached to a UV device of the UVT-4 family of UV devices. Both the extension tool and the UV device are shown to be positioned on the bottom surface of a container 49 close to the opening 48 of the container 49.
- a second hinge 34 movably connecting the lower frame 23 to the mounting bracket 21 is configured so that the extension tool can be moved into an angular position with respect to the lower frame of the UV device.
- Parts and components are as in FIGS. 1-15. Details of individual parts and components are described herein.
- FIG 17 schematically depicts an extension tool attached to a UV device of the UVT-4 family of UV devices. Both the extension tool and the UV device are shown to be positioned on the bottom surface of a container 49.
- the extension tool is used to manually move the UV device into a desired position within a container 49, here into the middle part of the container 49.
- a second hinge 34 is configured to move the extension tool from an angular position with respect to the lower frame of the UV device shown in FIG. 16 into a horizontal position (same as lower frame). Parts and components are as in FIGS. 1-16.
- a joint socket 57 joining cables from the control box 1 with cables from the UV light source.
- Figure 18 schematically depicts an upper frame (on top) and a lower frame (on bottom) of a UV device of the UVT-4 family of UV devices, with parts and components attached thereto or to be attached thereto. Parts and components are as in FIGS. 1-17, although some are shown with a different configuration. In addition, a T-shaped cap 35 is shown to keep bulb clamps 36 in place. With respect to the upper frame, the figure shows the position to which a first hinge 38 and cable 58 are attached. With respect to both upper and lower frame, the figure shows where fasteners 47 are used to movably connect the upper frame to the lower frame. This exemplary embodiment, in comparison to the ones shown in FIGS. 3-13 and 15-17 shows only two protective rods 31 on the upper frame (vs.
- Figure 19 schematically depicts a close-up showing attachment of the first hinge 38 to the upper frame and the movably and operatively connection of the upper frame to the lower frame 23 by fasteners 47. Cable 58 (not shown) is attached to the first hinge 38, runs through a cable guide 61 on the first hinge 38 and is locked in position at a cable anchoring point 62. Parts and components are as described in FIGS. 1-18. Details of individual parts and components are described herein.
- Figures 20A, 20B, and 20C schematically depict parts of an interior layout of an exemplary control box 1 for use in connection with a UV device of the present invention.
- the following components of an exemplary layout are shown: LI : Input Line 1; L2: Input Line 2; Fl : Fuse 1; F2: Fuse 2; 3KVA, 460 VAC, Primary: single phase transformer input; Secondary 230VAC: single phase transformer output; Phase 1 red: color coded wire (red); Phase 2 blue: color coded wire (blue); E.
- FIG. 21 schematically depicts a UV device of the UV6K family of UV devices. Characteristic features of UV devices of this family are the presence of one or more reflectors and six UV light sources. The following parts are shown: Cable 13 connecting control box 1 (not visible) with UV light sources 16, optional housing 15, handle 51, first ring 64, tri-clamp solid end cap 65, top clamp 66, top mounting tube 67, first or upper parabolic reflector 68, top outer frame 69 (holding first or upper parabolic reflector in place), upper handle core 70, button head 71, lower handle core 72, linear divider 73, divider disk 74, binding post barrel 75, bottom clamp 76, bottom outer frame 77 (holding second or lower parabolic reflector in place), second or lower parabolic reflector 78, thin nut 79, divider retaining ring 80, UV lamp alignment plug 81, top-star bracket 82, second ring 83, tri-clamp wing nut clamp 84. Details of individual parts are described herein.
- FIG. 22A schematically depicts a UV device of the UV6K family of UV devices (top view). Parts are as described in FIG. 21.
- Figure 22B schematically depicts a UV device of the UV6K family of UV devices (bottom view). Parts are as described in FIG. 21.
- FIG. 22C schematically depicts a UV device of the UV6K family of UV devices (frontal side view). Parts are as described in FIG. 21.
- Figure 22D schematically depicts a UV device of the UV6K family of UV devices (side/bottom view). Parts are as described in FIG. 21.
- FIG. 23 schematically depicts a UV device of the UV6K family of UV devices being inserted through an opening 48 located at the top of a container 49 into the container 49 and descending to a desired position within the container 49. Parts are as described in FIG. 21. In addition, the extension 85 of a mounting bracket 21 is shown schematically.
- FIG. 24 schematically depicts a UV device of the UV2K family of UV devices. Characteristic features of UV devices of this family are the presence of one or more reflectors and a single UV light source. The following parts are shown: Cable 13 connecting control box 1 (not visible) with UV light source 16, optional housing 15, first ring 64, first or upper parabolic reflector 68, top outer frame 69, bottom outer frame 77, second or lower parabolic reflector 78, second ring 83, first fastener 86, second fastener 87, vertical frame 90. The three vertical frames 90 hold in place the upper and lower parabolic reflectors 68, 78. Details of individual parts are described herein.
- Figure 25 schematically depicts a UV device of the UV2K family of UV devices being inserted through an opening 48 located at the top of a container 49 into the container 49 and descending to a desired position within the container 49. Parts are as described in FIG. 24. In addition, the extension 85 of a mounting bracket 21 is shown.
- Figure 26 schematically depicts a mounting bracket used for attaching a UV device of the UV6K family and UV2K of UV devices to an opening 48 at a container 49.
- cross brace-bolt mount plate 91 cross brace-bolt mount plate 91, gate hook side plate 92, teflon washer 93, main support channel 94, button-head screw 95, lower cross brace bracket 96, button head 97, flanged nut 98, clamping know with stud 99, acorn nut 100, thin nylon nut 101, Delrin spreader handle 102
- Figure 27 provides a variety of commercially available UV lamps of different length, shape, and type useful in the present invention (American Air & Water Inc., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA). For each UV lamp, the UV-C output is provided in watts and the UV intensity is provided in UV at lm. Length as indicated reflects nominal length with standard lamp holders adding 2" overall length. Additional lamp lengths and types are available. *, Ozone is negligible unless noted as OZ for high or VH for very high ozone production.
- Figure 28 consists of FIG. 28 A, FIG. 28B, FIG. 28C and FIG. 28D arranged as shown in the upper right corner of FIG. 28 A and schematically depicts an exemplary circuit board for use in a UV device of the present invention.
- the circuit board which provides for several functionalities, can be attached to a UV device and, e.g. communicates with an RFID chip that can be mounted to an interior wall of the container.
- the circuit board will control movement, the length of which a UV device descends into a container (i.e., the length the UV light source is moved from an opening of container, room, space or defined environment into a vertical downwards position into the container, room, space or defined environment) and the rate of descent based on dimensions of the container, room, space or defined environment as it may be stored in the RFID chip.
- the exemplary circuit board shown comprises a TI module (part number shown) and a serial port. Also shown on the circuit board are relays to control a motor and the positioning of the UV light source. In some embodiments is also a 5VDC regulator to power the electronics.
- the RFID tag part number is also shown. Other functionalities of a circuit board are described herein.
- FIGS 29A-D schematically depict a further embodiment of an exemplary circuit board for use in a UV device of the present invention.
- the circuit board depicted includes an optical sensor which starts a timer once the unit is inserted into a container, room, space or defined environment. It also controls a small speaker that emits an audible sound once a sterilization cycle has begun and upon completion of the sterilization cycle. It further controls a series of LED lights that signify a given status of the sterilization cycle, e.g., indicating time elapsed. The LED bulbs may blink once intermittently during the first minute, twice
- Figure 30A depicts a data set for a comparative trial testing efficacies of steam, PAA, and UVC (UVT-4 Model) sanitizing methods on reduction of total microbial loads on interior surfaces of stainless steel tanks.
- the data set includes a description of all four sanitation treatment methods performed on interior of stainless steel tanks; the tank number; the sites sampled on each tank (ceiling, wall, and floor); the total microbial load (includes yeast, bacteria, and mold) determined prior to each treatment; the total microbial load determined after each treatment; the percent CFU reduction in microbe populations after application of sanitizer; and the Logio reduction in microbe populations after application of sanitizer. Details are described in Example 3.
- Figure 30B schematically depicts the effect of sanitizing interior of tanks with steam, PAA, and UVC on the survivability of microbial populations on ceiling, wall, and floor of each tank.
- Treatment with caustic and PAA was performed twice: once in comparison to steam treatment and once in comparison to UVC treatment.
- Microbe survival is represented as Logio CFU. Details are described in Example 3.
- Figure 30C depicts a data set showing the percent CFU reduction in microbes on ceiling, wall, and floor of stainless steel tanks after application of the various sanitizer methods as indicated. Details are described in Example 3.
- Figure 30D depicts a data set showing the Logio reduction in microbes on ceiling, wall, and floor of stainless steel tanks after application of the various sanitizer methods as indicated. Details are described in Example 3.
- Figure 31 A depicts the complete data set for a comparative study testing the efficiency of chlorine dioxide (ozone) and UVC (UVT-4 Model) sanitizing methods as detailed in Example 4.
- the data set includes a description of all ten treatments performed on interior of stainless steel tanks, the tank number, the tank size, and the tank shape used for each treatment, the sites sampled on each tank (ceiling, wall, and floor), the total microbial load (includes yeast, bacteria, and mold) determined prior to each treatment, the total microbial load determined after each treatment, and the Logio reduction in microbe populations after application of sanitizer.
- FIG. 3 schematically depicts survival of microbes on contaminated short wide stainless steel tanks after cleaning and then sanitizing with either chlorine dioxide or UVC (UVT-4 Model) (tanks 63 and 64). Details are described in Example 4.
- Figure 31C depicts Logio reduction of microbe populations on short wide stainless steel tanks after application of cleaner and then sanitizing with either chlorine dioxide or UVC (UVT-4 Model). Details are described in Example 4.
- Figure 3 ID schematically depicts survival of microbes on contaminated tall thin stainless steel tanks after cleaning and then sanitizing with either chlorine dioxide or UVC (UVT-4 Model) (tanks 67 and 68). Details are described in Example 4.
- Figure 3 IE depicts Logio reduction of microbe populations on tall thin stainless steel tanks after application of cleaner and then sanitizing with either chlorine dioxide or UVC (UVT- 4 Model). Details are described in Example 4.
- Figure 3 IF schematically depicts survival of microbes on contaminated short wide stainless steel tanks after water rinsing and then sanitizing with either chlorine dioxide or UVC (UVT-4 Model) (tanks 65 and 66). Details are described in Example 4.
- FIG. 31G depicts Logio reduction of microbe populations on short wide stainless steel tanks after application of water rinse and then sanitizing with either chlorine dioxide or UVC (UVT-4 Model). Details are described in Example 4.
- Figure 31H schematically depicts survival of microbes on contaminated tall thin stainless steel tanks after water rinsing and then sanitizing with either chlorine dioxide or UVC (UVT-4 Model) (tanks 69 and 57). Details are described in Example 4.
- Figure 3 II depicts Logio reduction of microbe populations on tall thin stainless steel tanks after application of water rinse and then sanitizing with either chlorine dioxide or UVC (UVT-4 Model). Details are described in Example 4.
- Figure 32A depicts a data set for a comparative trial testing efficacies of caustic cleaner/citric acid, and UVC (UV6K Model) sanitizing methods on reduction of total microbial loads on interior surfaces of stainless steel tanks.
- the data set includes a description the two sanitation treatment methods performed on interior of stainless steel tanks; the tank number; the tank sites sampled (floor, wall, ceiling, valve connection, bottom valve, bottom door rim); the total microbial load (includes yeast, bacteria, and mold) determined prior to each treatment; the total microbial load determined after each treatment; the percent CFU reduction in microbe populations after application of sanitizer; and the Logio reduction in microbe populations after application of sanitizer. Details are described in Example 5.
- Figure 32B schematically depicts the effect of sanitizing interior of tanks with caustic cleaner/citric acid, and UVC (UV6K Model) on the survivability of microbial populations on floor, wall, ceiling, valve connection, bottom valve, and bottom door rim (columns from left to right) of each tank.
- Microbe survival is represented as Logio CFU. Details are described in Example 5.
- Figure 32C depicts a data set showing the percent CFU reduction of microbe populations on stainless steel tanks on floor, wall, ceiling, valve connection, bottom valve, and bottom door rim of stainless steel tanks after application of the various sanitizer methods as indicated. Details are described in Example 5.
- Figure 32D depicts a data set showing the Logio reduction of microbe populations on stainless steel tanks on floor, wall, ceiling, valve connection, bottom valve, and bottom door rim of stainless steel tanks after application of the various sanitizer methods as indicated. Details are described in Example 5.
- the term "about” refers to a range of values of plus or minus 10% of a specified value.
- the phrase “about 200” includes plus or minus 10% of 200, or from 180 to 220, unless clearly contradicted by context.
- algorithm generally refers to a sequence of steps leading to a desired result.
- an effective amount of a UV dosage is an amount, which inhibits the growth of a microorganism by at least 90% (by at least 1 log reduction), by at least 99% (by at least 2 log reduction), by at least 99.9% (by at least 3 log reduction), by at least 99.99% (by at least 4 log reduction), by at least 99.999% (at least 5 log reduction), or by at least 99.9999%) (at least 6 log reduction).
- connection to means to fasten on, to fasten together, to affix to, to mount to, mount on, to connect to, to couple, to join, to position onto, to position into, to place onto, or to place into and permit an operation or functionality as described, e.g., without limitation UV sterilization or applying a UV sterilization cycle.
- Attachment means the act of attaching or the condition of being attached. Attachment can be direct or indirectly. For example a part A may be attached directly to part B.
- part A may be attached indirectly to part B through first attaching part A to part C and then attaching part C to part B. More than one intermediary part can be used to attach part A to part B. Attaching can be permanent, temporarily, or for a prolonged time.
- a UV device of the present invention may be attached to a container, room, space or defined environment temporarily for the time necessary to perform a method of the invention.
- a UV device of the present invention may be attached to a container or to an object or structure in a room, a space or a defined environment for a prolonged time, e.g., also when a method of the present invention is not performed.
- a UV device of the present invention may be attached permanently to a container or to an object or structure in a room, a space or a defined environment.
- the terms “germicidal lamp” or “germicidal UV lamp” refer to a type of lamp, which produces ultraviolet (UV) light. Short-wave UV light disrupts DNA base pairing causing thymine-thymine dimers leading to death of bacteria and other microorganisms on exposed surfaces.
- the terms "inhibiting the growth of a microorganism,” “inhibiting the growth of a population of microorganisms,” “inhibiting the growth of one or more species of microorganisms” or grammatical equivalents thereof refer to inhibiting the replication of one or more microorganisms and may include destruction of the microorganism(s). Assays for determining inhibiting the growth of a microorganism are known in the art and are described herein.
- microorganism or “microbe” comprise a diverse group of microscopic organisms, including, but not limited to, bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, and protists.
- the term "portable" in the context of a UV device refers to a UV device of the present invention that can be carried by a person and that can be temporarily (e.g., for the duration of a sanitization cycle) attached to a container, a room, a space, or a defined environment.
- the term "radiation” or grammatical equivalents refer to energy, which may be selectively applied, including energy having a wavelength of between 10 "14 and 10 4 meters including, for example, electron beam radiation, gamma radiation, x-ray radiation, light such as ultraviolet (UV) light, visible light, and infrared light, microwave radiation, and radio waves.
- a preferred radiation is UV light radiation.
- “Irradiation” refers to the application of radiation to a surface.
- sterile or “sterilization” and grammatical equivalents thereof refer to an environment or an object, which is free or which is made free of detectable living cells, viable spores, viruses, and other microorganisms. Sometimes the process of sterilization is also referred herein to as “disinfection” or “sanitization.” Those terms are used interchangeably herein.
- UV ultraviolet
- electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than the wavelengths of visible light and longer than those of X-rays.
- the UV part of the light spectrum is situated beyond the visible spectrum at its violet end.
- UV-A refers to ultraviolet light in the range of 315-400 nanometers (nm).
- UV-B refers to ultraviolet light in the range of 280-315 nanometers (nm).
- UV-C refers to ultraviolet light in the range of 200-280 nanometers (nm).
- UV intensity or "UV irradiance” refer to the irradiance field of a UV germicidal irradiation system (such as a UV light source described herein), i.e., the total radiant energy incident on a surface from all directions. It is measured in ⁇ /cm 2 at lm. The UV intensity greatly depends on the distance from the UV emitter and the transmittance of the medium.
- UV radiation refers to radiation having a wave-length or wavelengths between from 160 to 400 nm. If a range is specified, a narrower range of radiation is meant within the 160 to 400 nm range. The range specified, unless otherwise indicated, means radiation having a wavelength or wavelengths within this specified range.
- the present invention generally relates to compositions, systems and methods for ultraviolet (UV) sterilization, and more specifically, to compositions, systems and methods for UV sterilization of a container, room, space, or defined environment.
- present invention generally relates to compositions, systems and methods for ultraviolet (UV) sterilization of a container, and more particularly to compositions, systems and methods for UV sterilization of a container used in the process of fermentation for an alcoholic beverage.
- a system as described herein comprises a UV device and a container or a UV device and a case.
- the present invention describes a variety of UV devices, in particular, portable UV devices.
- a UV device is a UV device as depicted in FIGS. 3-13 and 15-19.
- a UV device is a UV device as depicted in FIGS. 21, 22A-D, and 23.
- a UV device is a UV device as depicted in FIGS. 24 and 25.
- UV devices depicted in FIGS. 3-13, 15-19, 21, 22A-D, and 23-25 are portable UV devices.
- a UV device of the present invention comprises a UV light source, also referred to as UV lamp.
- UV light sources are referred to as a first UV light source, a second UV light source, etc.
- a UV light source comprises one UV lamp. In some embodiments of a UV device of the present invention, a UV light source comprises one or more UV lamps. If a UV light source comprises more than one UV lamp, e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more UV lamps, it is also referred to as a "UV lamp cluster,” “UV cluster,” “UV lamp assembly” or “UV assembly.”
- a UV light source of the present invention comprises a halogen lamp.
- a halogen lamp includes, but is not limited to a tungsten halogen lamp, a quartz halogen lamp and a quartz iodine lamp. Halogen lamps are known in the art and are
- a UV light source of the present invention comprises a sodium lamp.
- a sodium lamp includes, but is not limited to a high pressure sodium lamp.
- Sodium lamps are known in the art and are commercially available, e.g., General Electric ED 18, 400W, high pressure sodium lamp.
- a UV light source of the present invention comprises an incandescent lamp.
- An incandescent lamp includes, but is not limited to an electric light filament lamp.
- Incandescent lamps are known in the art and are commercially available, e.g., Philips 60-Watt Household Incandescent Light Bulb.
- a UV light source of the present invention comprises a light emitting diode (LED) or a solid state light emitting device, including, but not limited to a semiconductor laser. LEDs are known in the art and are commercially available, e.g., Model L- A3W Energy Efficient UV 110V LED Spot light from Battery Junction. [00155] Additionally, spectral calibration lamps, electrodeless lamps, and the like can be used.
- a UV lamp within a UV device has a polymer coating.
- the polymer coating will prevent small glass pieces from falling into a container in case of accidental shattering during use of a UV device in a method of the present invention.
- a UV light source is a germicidal UV light source.
- germicidal UV light sources are referred to as a first germicidal UV light source, a second germicidal UV light source, etc.
- UV light is classified into three wavelength ranges: UV-C, from about 200 nanometers (nm) to about 280 nm; UV-B, from about 280 nm to about 315 nm; and UV-A, from about 315 nm to about 400 nm.
- UV light, and in particular, UV-C light is "germicidal,” i.e., it deactivates the DNA of microorganism, such as bacteria, viruses and other pathogens and thus, destroys their ability to multiply and cause disease, effectively resulting in sterilization of the microorganisms.
- a UV light source is a germicidal UV light source.
- a UV light source also referred to herein as UV lamp, is indicated in the drawings and respective legends as 16.
- the UV light source is a germicidal UV light source. In some embodiments of a UV device of the present invention, the UV light source is a UV-C light source. In some embodiments of a UV device of the present invention, the UV light source is a UV-B light source. In some embodiments of a UV device of the present invention, the UV light source is a UV-A light source.
- a UV light source is configured to include a pulsed UV light source or a continuous wavelength mode UV light source.
- a UV light source is a pulsed UV light source.
- a UV light source is a continuous wavelength mode UV light source.
- a germicidal UV light source is a pulsed germicidal UV light source. Pulsed UV light is composed of a wide spectrum of light ranging from the UV region to the infrared (Wang and MacGregor, 2005, Water Research 39(13):2921-25). A large portion of the spectrum lies below 400 nm and as such has germicidal properties.
- Pulsed UV light has proven equally if not more effective (same sterilization levels achieved more rapidly) at sterilizing surfaces when compared with traditional germicidal UV-C lights (Bohrerova et al, 2008, Water Research 42(12):2975-2982).
- UV- light is pulsed several times per second, each pulse lasting between 100 ns (nanosecond) and 2 ms (millisecond).
- An additional advantage of a pulsed UV light system is that it obviates the need for the toxic heavy metal mercury, which is used in traditional germicidal UV lamps.
- a pulsed UV system requires less power than a mercury UV lamp and as such, is more economical.
- the peak intensity of a pulsed UV lamp is typically one to two orders of magnitude higher than that of a mercury UV lamp of similar wattage. These high peak energies are achieved by storing energy in the high voltage storage capacitor and releasing this energy in a very short burst through the flash lamp. Pulse widths of 10 (microsecond) to 300 are common in today's industrial flashlamp systems. Peak energy levels range from 300 kilowatts to over a megawatt. (Kent Kipling Xenon Corporation Wilmington, MA). Sterilization is achieved because the intensity of the light produced by the pulsed lamp is greater than that of conventional UV-C lamps.
- pulsed UV achieves sterilization via the rupture and disintegration of micro-organisms caused by overheating following absorption UV photons emitted in the light pulse (Wekhof et al, "Pulsed UV Disintegration (PUVD): a new sterilization mechanism for packaging and broad medical-hospital applications.” The First International Conference on Ultraviolet Technologies. June 14-16, 2001; Washington, DC, USA).
- a germicidal UV light source is selected from the group consisting of a low pressure UV lamp, a medium pressure UV lamp, a high pressure UV lamp, and an ultra-high pressure UV lamp.
- a germicidal UV light source is a low pressure UV lamp.
- Low-pressure UV lamps are very similar to a fluorescent lamp, with a wavelength of 253.7 nm.
- Low pressure lamps are most effective, because they emit most of the radiant energy in the germicidal wavelength of 253.7 nm also known as the UV-C part of the spectrum. This is why low pressure lamps are mostly used in germicidal UV applications.
- the most common form of germicidal lamp looks similar to an ordinary fluorescent lamp but the tube contains no fluorescent phosphor. In addition, rather than being made of ordinary borosilicate glass, the tube is made of fused quartz.
- a low pressure UV lamp looks like an incandescent lamp but with the envelope containing a few droplets of mercury. In this design, the incandescent filament heats the mercury, producing a vapor which eventually allows an arc to be struck, short circuiting the incandescent filament.
- Preferred low pressure UV lamps for use in a portable UV device are low pressure mercury amalgam bulb supplied by, e.g., Z-E-D Ziegler Electronic Devices GmbH, D 98704 Lanuß, Germany (“Z-E-D”) and Heraeus Noblelight Fusion UV Inc. 910 Clopper Road Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20878 USA.
- UV lamps may be used in the UV devices, systems and methods described herein.
- Preferred are UV lamps from Z-E-D. Two of those are particularly preferred. Both have the same external dimensions of 1500 mm length and 32 mm diameter.
- the lamp current for the less powerful bulb is 5.
- the lamp power is 550W with a 170 W (at 253.7nm) UVC output, 136W UVC (at 253.7nm) output when coated with Teflon.
- the life is 16,000 hours with a 15% loss at 253.7 nm after 12,000 hours.
- the second more powerful lamp draws a 6.5 A current and has a total output of 700W and 200 W UVC (at 253.7nm).
- the life is 15,000 hours with a 15% loss at 253.7 nm after 12,000 hours.
- Both are low pressure mercury amalgam bulbs.
- a germicidal UV light source is a medium-pressure UV lamp.
- Medium-pressure UV lamps are much more similar to high- intensity discharge (HID) lamps than fluorescent lamps.
- Medium-pressure UV lamps radiate a broad-band UV-C radiation, rather than a single line. They are widely used in industrial water treatment, because they are very intense radiation sources. They are as efficient as low-pressure lamps.
- a medium-pressure lamps typically produces very bright bluish white light.
- a germicidal UV light source is a high pressure UV lamp.
- Preferred medium pressure UV lamps for use in a portable UV device are medium pressure mercury arc lamps provided by, e.g., Baldwin UV limited, 552 Fairlie Road, Trading Estate, Bershire, SL1 4PY, England.
- a UV light source comprises a lamp selected from the group consisting of a low pressure mercury lamp, a medium pressure mercury lamp, a high pressure mercury lamp, an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, a low pressure short arc xenon lamp, a medium pressure short arc xenon lamp, a high pressure short arc xenon lamp, an ultra-high pressure short arc xenon lamp, a low pressure long arc xenon lamp, a medium pressure long arc xenon lamp, a high pressure long arc xenon lamp, an ultra-high pressure long arc xenon lamp, a low pressure metal halide lamp, a medium pressure metal halide lamp, a high pressure metal halide lamp, an ultra-high pressure metal halide lamp, a tungsten halogen lamp, a quartz halogen lamp, a quartz iodine lamp, a sodium lamp, and an incandescent lamp.
- any number of UV lamps including low pressure, medium pressure, high pressure, and ultra-high pressure lamps, which are made of various materials, e.g., most commonly mercury (Hg) can be used with the system configuration according to the present invention and in the methods described herein.
- Hg most commonly mercury
- a UV light source of the present invention comprises a low pressure mercury lamp. In some embodiments, a UV light source of the present invention comprises a medium pressure mercury lamp. In some embodiments, a UV light source of the present invention comprises a high pressure mercury lamp. In some embodiments, a UV light source of the present invention comprises an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp.
- mercury lamps are known in the art and are commercially available, e.g., Steril Aire Model SE series UVC EmittersTM.
- a UV light source of the present invention comprises a low pressure short arc xenon lamp. In some embodiments, a UV light source of the present invention comprises a medium pressure short arc xenon lamp. In some embodiments, a UV light source of the present invention comprises a high pressure short arc xenon lamp. In some embodiments, a UV light source of the present invention comprises an ultra-high pressure short arc xenon lamp. Short arc xenon lamps are known in the art and are commercially available, e.g., Ushio
- a UV light source of the present invention comprises a low pressure long arc xenon lamp. In some embodiments, a UV light source of the present invention comprises a medium pressure long arc xenon lamp. In some embodiments, a UV light source of the present invention comprises a high pressure long arc xenon lamp. In some embodiments, a UV light source of the present invention comprises an ultra-high pressure long arc xenon lamp.
- Long arc xenon lamps are known in the art and are commercially available, e.g., Lumi-Max XLA1500W Long Arc Xenon Lamp.
- a UV light source of the present invention comprises a low pressure metal halide lamp. In some embodiments, a UV light source of the present invention comprises a medium pressure metal halide lamp. In some embodiments, a UV light source of the present invention comprises a high pressure metal halide lamp. In some embodiments, a UV light source of the present invention comprises an ultra-high pressure metal halide lamp.
- Metal halide lamps are known in the art and are commercially available, e.g., Venture Lighting product number 32519, open rated 175 watt probe start lamp.
- UV light sources may be used to practice a method of the present invention, largely depending on the size and shape of the container, room, space or defined environment and the desired duration of the sterilization cycle. In some embodiments, a longer and more powerful UV lamp will provide for shorter duration cycles.
- the UV light source is a UV-C lamp of 64" in length with an output of 190 micro watts/cm 2 at 254 nm (American Air and Water ® , Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA). Such exemplary UV light source can be used in UV device Model UVT-4. In some embodiments of the present invention, the UV light source is a UV-C lamp of 36" in length with an output of 120 micro watts/cm 2 at 254 nm (American Air and Water ® , Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA).
- Such exemplary UV light source can be used in UV device Model UV6K
- the UV light source is a UV-C lamp of 48" in length with an output of 250 micro watts/cm 2 at 254 nm (American Air and Water ® , Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA).
- Such exemplary UV light source can be used in UV device Model UV2K
- Other useful UV-C lamps for use in the systems and methods of the present invention are shown in FIG. 27.
- a germicidal UV lamp is a hot cathode germicidal UV lamp, examples of which are shown in FIG. 27.
- a germicidal UV lamp is a slimline germicidal UV lamp, examples of which are shown in FIG. 27.
- a germicidal UV lamp is a high output germicidal UV lamp, examples of which are shown in FIG. 27.
- a germicidal UV lamp is a cold cathode germicidal UV lamp, examples of which are shown in FIG. 27.
- a germicidal UV lamp is an 18" single ended low pressure mercury lamp, e.g., as made commercially available by Steril-Aire.
- UV disinfection is a photochemical process.
- the effectiveness of UV-C is directly related to intensity and/or exposure time.
- Environmental factors such as, air flow, humidity, airborne mechanical particles and distance of microorganism to the UV light source can also affect the performance of a UV device. While those environmental factors when present make it somewhat difficult to calculate the effective UV dosage required to kill or to inhibit the growth of a microorganism of interest, it has been shown that UV light will kill or inhibit the growth of any microorganism given enough UV dosage.
- the terms "UV dosage,” “UV dose,” and “UV intensity” are used interchangeably herein. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the UV dosage, UV dose, or UV intensity calculated herein by using an algorithm (see below for details) is different than applying a mere exposure time as it is used by prior art UV devices.
- the microorganisms present on a surface in a container or on a surface of a room, space or defined environment are exposed to a lethal dose of UV energy.
- UV dose is measured as the product of UV light intensity times the exposure time within the UV lamp array.
- the microorganisms are exposed to a determined UV intensity /UV dosage, i.e., for a sufficient period of time to a germicidal UV light source, in order for the UV rays to penetrate the cellular membrane and breaking down the microorganisms' genetic material, (for details, see Algorithms, below).
- UV devices of the present invention use an algorithm for determining a sterilization cycle. More specifically, UV devices of the present invention use an algorithm for determining a UV intensity (UV dosage) necessary to be applied during a sterilization cycle seeking to reduce the growth rate of a microorganism present on an interior surface within a container, or on an interior surface within a room, space or defined environment. Multiple variables are taken into account when determining a required UV intensity /UV dosage. For any given UV light source, the calculated UV intensity /UV dosage then translates into a time the respective UV light source must remain activated to achieve the desired growth inhibition rate (also referred to herein as kill rate) for a given microorganism.
- UV intensity UV dosage
- UV intensity/UV dosage (and, hence, time) that is required to ensure meeting the sanitization objective takes into account multiple variables.
- Variables affecting the required UV dose for effective sanitization include: (i) type or species of microorganisms present on the surface of the container, room, space or defined environment to be sterilized, (ii) size of the container, room, space or defined environment, (iii) shape of the container, room, space or defined environment, (iv) the material of the surface of the container, room, space or defined environment to be sterilized, (v) extinction depth of the UV light source(s) at 254 nm, (vi) distance of the UV light source(s) from the surface of the container, room, space or defined environment to be sterilized, (vii) distribution and positioning of the UV light source(s), e.g., angular orientation of UV light sources in embodiments wherein a UV device comprises more than one UV light source, (viii) configuration of the UV light source(s
- an algorithm determines a sterilization cycle based on at least two parameters selected from the group consisting of: (i) type or species of microorganisms present on the surface of the container, room, space or defined environment to be sterilized, (ii) size of the container, room, space or defined environment, (iii) shape of the container, room, space or defined environment, (iv) the material of the surface of the container, room, space or defined environment to be sterilized, (v) extinction depth of the UV light source(s) at 254 nm, (vi) distance of the UV light source(s) from the surface of the container, room, space or defined environment to be sterilized, (vii) distribution and positioning of the UV light source(s), e.g., angular orientation of UV light sources in embodiments wherein a UV device comprises more than one UV light source, (viii)
- an algorithm determines a sterilization cycle based on at least three parameters selected from the group consisting of (i) through (ix). In some embodiments of a UV device of the present invention, an algorithm determines a sterilization cycle based on at least four parameters selected from the group consisting of (i) through (ix). In some embodiments of a UV device of the present invention, an algorithm determines a sterilization cycle based on at least five parameters selected from the group consisting of (i) through (ix). In some embodiments of a UV device of the present invention, an algorithm determines a sterilization cycle based on at least six parameters selected from the group consisting of (i) through (ix).
- an algorithm determines a sterilization cycle based on at least eight parameters selected from the group consisting of (i) through (ix). In some embodiments of a UV device of the present invention, an algorithm determines a sterilization cycle based on parameters (i) through (ix).
- the UV device uses an algorithm wherein the algorithm comprises the step of dividing radiant energy, i.e., the required energy dose of UV radiation (in needed to kill a species of microorganism by an intensity factor, wherein the intensity factor takes into consideration the distance of the UV light source from the surface of the container, room, space or defined environment to be sterilized.
- the algorithm comprises the step of dividing radiant energy, i.e., the required energy dose of UV radiation (in needed to kill a species of microorganism by an intensity factor, wherein the intensity factor takes into consideration the distance of the UV light source from the surface of the container, room, space or defined environment to be sterilized.
- the algorithm comprises the step of dividing radiant energy, i.e., the required energy dose of UV radiation (in needed to kill a species of microorganism by an intensity factor, wherein the intensity factor takes into consideration the distance of the UV light source from the surface of the container, room, space or defined environment to be sterilized.
- the UV device uses an algorithm for determining a sterilization cycle, wherein the algorithm is based on simulating an optical property of the UV light source and uses ray tracing to determine a plurality of UV intensities at a plurality of angular orientations relative to the UV light source.
- the algorithm is particularly useful in UV devices comprising more than one UV light sources. It is further particularly useful in UV devices comprising more than one UV light source wherein the UV light sources are configured in an angular position with respect to each other. Details are described below.
- a first step in determining a required UV intensity is verifying the type of microorganism(s) that is present in the container, room, space or defined environment to be sterilized.
- the identity of such microorganism(s) may be known from available literature or in some circumstances, may require a separate study.
- UV light dose that is required to obtain a specific or desired kill rate is determined.
- the UV dose expressed in energy per area units, for example can be obtained from available literature, or, in some circumstances, may also require targeted experiments and studies.
- Such UV doses e.g., are shown herein in the following Tables 1-5, providing approximate required UV intensities to kill or growth inhibit ("Kill Factor") a certain percentage of microorganisms, referred to as Logio reduction
- Table 1 provides the approximate required UV intensities to kill or growth inhibit ("Kill Factor") either 90% or 99% of mold spores (American Water & Air ® Inc., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA):
- Table 2 provides the approximate required UV intensities to kill or growth inhibit ("Kill Factor") either 90% or 99% of bacteria (American Water & Air ® Inc., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA):
- UV Dose energy dosage of UV radiation
- Table 3 provides the approximate required UV intensities to kill or growth inhibit ("Kill Factor") either 90% or 99% of protozoa (American Water & Air ® Inc., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA):
- UV Dose UV Dose
- Table 4 provides the approximate required UV intensities to kill or growth inhibit ("Kill Factor") either 90% or 99% of viruses (American Water & Air ® Inc., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA):
- UV Dose UV Dose
- Table 5 provides the approximate required UV intensities to kill or growth inhibit ("Kill Factor") either 90% or 99% of yeast (American Water & Air ® Inc., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA): Energy Dosage of UV Radiation (UV Dose)
- Taking the UV light distribution in the to-be sterilized container, room, space or defined environment into consideration requires simulation of the optical properties of the UV light source.
- Such simulation takes into account properties of the UV light source such as the angle dependent light emittance, the geometrical shape of the light source, the material properties of the source and the number of emitters.
- properties of the UV light source such as the angle dependent light emittance, the geometrical shape of the light source, the material properties of the source and the number of emitters.
- Such information typically is provided by the vendor of such UV light sources.
- Containers of various reflective nature can be used in the methods of the present invention. As indicated in the following table, different wall materials reflect different percentages of UV light (254 nm). One of skill in the art will appreciate the contribution of the reflectance of a material will have for achieving a desired UV intensity useful for UV
- the wall material and % reflectance is considered in the algorithm described herein when determining the required UV intensity /UV dosage growth inhibit a desired species of microorganisms.
- the extinction depths of the UV light source at 254 nm wavelength in various liquids needs to be taken into consideration, unless the surface of the container to be sterilized is completely dry.
- the application of UV light to sterilize a surface following a pressure wash would have to take into account the extinction depth of UV light at 254 nm in the remaining tap water.
- the depth of tap water the UV light must penetrate is minimal and would be equivalent to that of a film of water or at most interspersed water droplets.
- the effect of depth of tap water on the UV intensity /UV dosage required for determining the sterilization and kill rate will have to be tested using methods described herein and available in the art.
- UV intensity /UV dosage can be done with the help of software that performs non-sequential ray tracing, taking into account the variables cited above.
- software that can be used includes OpticsStudio (available from Zemax, 10230 E Points Dr. Suite 540, Kirkland, WA 98033 USA) or LightTools (available from Synopsis, 690 East Middlefield Road Mountain View, CA 94043).
- the ray trace software uses the light source configuration and parameters to calculate the UV light irradiance specific spatial locations relative to the source. Using these calculation a multidimensional lookup table is created, wherein the calculated irradiance is listed with the table variables being distance from the source and angular orientation. Typically, due to symmetry, two angular orientations may suffice, one parallel and one perpendicular to the UV light source orientation. In some embodiments, when symmetry does not exist, more
- the final calculation of the required illumination time uses the tabulated data to find the area of the space where the illumination is at a minimum, as that area determines the longest illumination time. This determination can be done by manual search of the table or by a dedicated search software routine.
- the required illumination time is calculated by dividing the required kill dose by the irradiance.
- irradiance tables ⁇ see, supra) are calculated for each UV light source individually. Once calculated individually, they are added to arrive at a sum irradiance.
- Table 8 shows calculated times for UV sterilization of interior surfaces a container of a given volume (in gallons), diameter (in feet) and height (in feet) when a UV device of the UVT-4 family of UV devices ⁇ see, FIGS. 3-13) is being used.
- the UV light sources employed were four (4) UV lamps of the type ZLA550/1500/4p-R comprising a protective Teflon sleeve (a UV light permissible housing) manufactured by LightSources (Article code: 200-00091; Connecticut, USA). Such bulb is approximately 1.5 m in length, i.e., about 59.05".
- UV device UVT-4 UV device comprises four (4) UV light sources, of which, when in operation, two (2) are in a horizontal orientation and two (2) are in a vertical orientation ⁇ e.g., see, FIGS. 16, 17).
- UV sterilization times for UV device of UVT-4 family calculated using an algorithm described herein and based on container size and UV light source ZLA550/1500/4p-R.
- the calculated UV intensity required to kill the species of microorganisms is converted in Table 8 into time, i.e., minutes of operation of the UV device, in other words, the time the UV device will be activated.
- UV devices of the present invention comprise a frame to which a UV light source is operatively attached to.
- the structure of frame is not important as long as the UV light source after being operatively attached to the frame is functional and a sterilization cycle can be applied.
- FIGS. 1-13 Exemplary frames, parts of frames and additional parts attached to such frames are shown in FIGS. 1-13, 15-19, 21, 22A-D, and 23-25.
- Frames can be of a variety of material. Frames can be made of plastic, metal or wood. Preferred are metal frames. For making the UV devices more light weight, frames may have a plurality of openings. Also preferred are plastic frames.
- a UV device comprises a detector or a sensor.
- the terms UV detector and UV sensor are used interchangeably herein.
- an exemplary UV sensor is indicated as 17 in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6-9.
- the use of a detector or sensor ensures that in addition to the algorithm (taking into account vessel size and shape, size and shape of a room, a space or defined environment, lamp intensity, distance of lamp or lamps from surfaces to be sterilized) a required or predetermined UV light intensity is achieved. Further, a detector ensures that all areas known to specifically accumulate microorganisms also receive the required or
- a detector solves a significant problem existing using the chemical and ozone disinfection methods. When those methods are used, there is no established protocol for verifying the level of sterilization achieved. In contrast thereto, methods of the present invention comprising the use of a detector offers a unique, quick, and reliable means of providing verifiable levels of the sterilization achieved. Once set at a predetermined UV dose, the detector upon measuring that predetermined UV dose, will shut of the UV light source when this predetermined amount of UV radiation has been attained.
- a UV light source is connected to one or more UV detectors or UV sensors.
- a germicidal light source is connected to one or more UV detectors or UV sensors.
- One or more UV detectors may be mounted to a different position within the UV device or may be placed elsewhere in the container, room, space or defined environment to be sterilized.
- a UV sensor 17 is exemplary attached to a second upper frame end 29 (see detailed description below).
- UV devices described herein are adapted to use a variety of commercially available detectors and sensors.
- UV-C detectors commercially available include, e.g., a PMA2122 germicidal UV detector (Solar Light Company, Inc., Glenside, PA 19038, USA). Detectors, such as the PMA2122 Germicidal UV detector, provide fast and accurate irradiance
- a UV detector is PMA2122 germicidal UV detector.
- Another preferred UV detector is Digital UV-sensor type with RS485 interface (Ziegler Electronic Devices GmbH, In den Mon Monalyzed UV detector.
- a UV detector is Digital UV-sensor type with RS485 interface.
- a UV producing lamp is monitored to insure that the microorganisms, such as bacteria, are receiving a desired dose of germicidal UV radiation.
- the UV lamps can also be monitored to get maximum life out of the lamp before replacement.
- a germicidal UV detector can also be used to insure that the proper lamp has been installed after replacement.
- a germicidal UV light source is operatively connected (e.g., electrically) to one or more UV detectors.
- a UV detector is operatively connected by wire to a radiation meter, which in turn can
- UV lamp communicates via the wire with a UV lamp and instruct it to turn it off, e.g., when a desired radiation level (dosage, intensity) has been attained.
- a germicidal light source is operatively connected to one or more UV detectors via a signal.
- a detector is placed at a location within a container where microorganisms, which negatively impact production and flavor of an alcoholic beverage, a dairy product, a liquid dairy, a liquid dairy composition, or a dry dairy composition, are known to accumulate.
- a detector is placed within a room, space or defined environment.
- the one or more UV detectors are placed in conjunction with a UV light source, preferably, a germicidal UV light source, so that the one or more detectors ensure that a desired UV intensity has been attained and/or maintained.
- a detector is placed strategically in corners or on uneven surfaces of containers such as weld seams where microorganisms may accumulate.
- a detector is arranged so that it is both furthest away from the UV light source and closest to the most uneven interior surface of a container (e.g., weld seam or a corner), a room, a space or defined environment.
- the purpose of the UV detector is to ensure that the required or predetermined UV dose is attained at a given interior location of a container, room, space or defined environment in order to achieve the desired log reduction of
- UV detector or more than one detector i.e., at least two UV detectors
- UV radiation UV dose, UV intensity
- the more problematic interior surfaces of a container e.g., weld seams and corners
- uneven surfaces in a room, space or defined environment will receive the required or predetermined UV dose.
- a UV light source communicates back and forth with a UV detector so that the UV light source is shut off when a desired specified germicidal level of UV radiation has been attained.
- a desired specified germicidal level (UV dose, UV intensity) is dependent on the log reduction or percentage reduction of microorganisms desired. If sterilization is required, a six log reduction in microorganisms may be specified. In the interest of saving time and electricity, however, a five log reduction or a four-log reduction may be desired. Once the desired UV intensity has been attained, the UV detector will cause the UV light source to shut off.
- UV detector in combination with a UV device to sterilize a container, a room, a space or defined environment according to a method of the present invention would not need to know the diameter of the container or dimension of a room, a space or defined environment as the detector would automatically detect the appropriate UV dose necessary to achieve a predetermined sterilization rate (log reduction value).
- the use of a UV detector is optional. Detectors are not required to practice methods of the present invention provided that the timing of the sterilization cycle has been calculated correctly. UV detectors can be used as a redundant system if the shape of the container, room, space or defined environment and/or UV lamp does allow the skilled artisan to apply a simple programmable calculation of the sterilization cycle duration.
- a UV device comprises a housing 15.
- Various housings for UV light sources 16 are indicated in the exemplary UV devices in FIGS. 4- 13, 15-19, 21, 22B, 22C, 22D, and 23-25 by 15.
- a germicidal UV light source 16 resides in a housing 15. In FIGS. 4-13, 15-19, 21, 22B, 22C, 22D, and 23-25, such arrangements is indicated by "15, 16.”
- a germicidal UV light source is positioned within a housing 15.
- a housing 15 surrounds or encloses a germicidal UV light source.
- FIGS. 13, 15-19, 21, 22B, 22C, 22D, and 23-25 Exemplary surroundings or enclosures of a UV light source by a housing are shown in FIGS. 13, 15-19, 21, 22B, 22C, 22D, and 23-25.
- the surrounding or enclosure may be complete or partial.
- Exemplary complete surroundings or enclosures of a UV light source by a housing 15 are shown in FIGS. 13, 15-19, 21, 22B, 22C, 22D, and 23-25.
- Housings 15 are designed to protect the UV light source from damage, e.g., during transport, during use, or when the UV light source is retracted from a container, a room, a space, or a defined environment according to a method of the present invention.
- a UV light source can be directly or indirectly attached to a housing 15 or alternatively, resides within a housing 15. Housings 15, however, are not necessary for a UV device of the present invention to function. They are optional.
- a housing 15 can be made of a variety of materials. It can be made from a polymer (e.g., plastic) or metal depending on the desired weight. In some embodiments, a housing is made of DuPont Teflon ® FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene).
- a housing 15 can have various shapes and forms.
- a housing is a mesh cage allowing the UV light to pass through.
- a housing 15 may comprises one or more circular structures, such as metal rings.
- the UV light source does not need to be released from the housing 15 to practice a method of the invention.
- a UV light source 16 is fully enclosed by a housing 15, which allows UV light to pass through.
- a housing 15 is a housing 15 which does not allow the UV light to pass through or which only allows the UV light to pass through partially.
- the UV light source is being released from the housing 15.
- the germicidal UV light source may be stationary or mobile.
- the housing can be of any shape. The shape of the housing is largely depending on the size and shape of the UV light source or of the size and shape of a UV lamp cluster.
- a single longitudinal UV lamp is used as a UV light source.
- the housing may surround or enclose the UV lamp either completely or partially.
- a housing 15 comprises two arms, a first arm and a second arm. The first arm may be positioned in a fixed position, while the second arm may be movably attached to the first arm. In some embodiments the second arm can reside completely or partially within the first arm. The movable attachment of the second arm to the first arm may be through a pivot point.
- a UV light source is operatively attached to such housing through an opening in the second arm and further connected to a part of the UV device through a rope, string, or a power cord.
- the UV lamp would then reside within the second arm.
- a rope, a string or a power cord prevents the second arm of the housing from moving downwardly.
- the UV light source along with the second arm will be released from the first arm of the housing.
- the rope, the string or the power cord can be lowered to a point whereupon the second and first arm form a 90 degree.
- the UV light source can be moved into almost any position within the confines of a container, room, space, or defined environment. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, such positioning depends on the length of the first arm, the length of the second arm and the angle formed between the first and second arm.
- first and second arms are various lengths of the first and second arms, depending, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, on the diameter and height of a container, a room, a space or defined environment to be sterilized.
- a second arm having a length of about 2.5 meters could position a UV device approximately in the middle of the container when the UV device is attached to an outer part on top of the container.
- the height positioning of a UV light source within a container can then be controlled conveniently by the extent to which the rope, string or power cord is further lowered. Lowering of the UV light source into a container, room, space or defined environment can be achieved as described herein by use of a motorized unit .
- a UV device or system comprises a range-finding device or guide, such as a laser range finder.
- a range-finding device may be placed or aligned at some point along the longitudinal axis of the UV device in order to prevent the UV light source(s) or UV device from contacting either the top or bottom surface of the container (depending on the embodiment the device may be suspended from the top of the container or supported from below by a mount).
- the range finder may be aligned in the same orientation ensuring that the UV light source(s) is positioned at the desired distance depending on the internal diameter of the container or dimension of the room, space or defined
- a range-finding device is used in conjunction with a system to guarantee that the UV light source(s) is in correct distance from the interior surface of a container to be sterilized or the surface, walls or ceilings of a room, a space or defined environment to be sterilized as well as preventing the UV lamp from impacting the interior surfaces of the container, room, space or defined environment.
- a range-finding device is a radiofrequency identifier (RFID), which is used to position a UV light source at a desired or predetermined position within a container, room, space or defined environment.
- RFID radiofrequency identifier
- An RFID receives information about the dimensions of the container, room, space or defined environment to be sterilized, such as depth, width, or radius.
- An RFID may be attached to a UV device of the present invention.
- an RFID is attached to the container, room, space or defined environment to be sterilized.
- FIGS. 28A-D and 29A-D schematically depict exemplary circuit boards for use in a UV device of the present invention. Circuit boards can be placed within a circuit board cavity within a frame. A circuit board may also be enclosed in a control box 1 (see below).
- a circuit board for use in a UV device of the present invention may have a variety of functionalities.
- Various exemplary circuit boards are described herein, e.g., in FIGS. 20A-C, 28A-D and 29A-D.
- UV devices of the present invention comprise a circuit board comprising at least three functionalities selected from the group consisting of (A) comprising a radiofrequency identifier reader, (B) communicating with a radiofrequency identifier, (C) controlling a movement of the first germicidal UV light source within the container, room, space, or defined environment, (D) controlling a rate of descent or ascent of the first germicidal UV light source within the container, room, space, or defined environment, (E) controlling a positioning of first germicidal UV light source within the container, room, space, or defined environment, (F) controlling an on/off status of a motor, wherein the motor controls the positioning of the first germicidal UV light source within the container, room, space, or defined environment, (G) controlling an
- the circuit board comprises at least four functionalities selected from (A) through (Y). In some embodiments, the circuit board comprises at least five functionalities selected from (A) through (Y). In some embodiments, the circuit board comprises at least six functionalities selected from (A) through (Y). In some embodiments, the circuit board comprises at least seven functionalities selected from (A) through (Y). In some embodiments, the circuit board comprises at least eight functionalities selected from (A) through (Y). In some embodiments, the circuit board comprises at least nine functionalities selected from (A) through (Y). In some embodiments, the circuit board comprises at least ten functionalities selected from (A) through (Y).
- functionalities (A) through (Y) may be included in a circuit board.
- Non-limiting examples of combinations of at least three functionalities selected from (A) through (Y) include,
- the functionality of the circuit board is comprising a radiofrequency identifier.
- the functionality of the circuit board is communicating with a radiofrequency identifier.
- the functionality of the circuit board is controlling a movement of a germicidal UV light source within a container, room, space, or defined environment.
- the functionality of a circuit board is controlling a rate of descent of a germicidal UV light source within a container, room, space or defined environment.
- the functionality of a circuit board is controlling a rate of ascent of a germicidal UV light source within a container, room, space or defined environment.
- the functionality of a circuit board is controlling a positioning of a germicidal UV light source within a container, room, space or defined environment.
- the functionality of the circuit board is controlling an on/off status of a motor, wherein the motor controls the positioning of a germicidal UV light source within a container, room, space, or defined environment.
- the functionality of a circuit board is controlling an on/off status of a germicidal UV light source based on measuring whether a predetermined UV intensity has been attained.
- the functionality of the circuit board is controlling extension of a germicidal UV light source from a housing.
- the functionality of the circuit board is controlling retraction of a germicidal UV light source into a housing.
- the functionality of the circuit board is responding to a jammed position status of a germicidal UV light source.
- the functionality of the circuit board is controlling an optical sensor which initiates a timer upon placing the first germicidal UV source into a container, room space, or defined environment.
- the functionality of the circuit board is controlling a speaker emitting an audible signal at the beginning or completion of a sterilization cycle.
- the functionality of the circuit board is controlling a plurality of LED lights indicting a status of the sterilization cycle.
- the functionality of a circuit board is relaying UV light intensity via a UV sensor to a container, room, space or defined environment.
- the functionality of a circuit board is uploading and relaying information from a radiofrequency identifier.
- the functionality of a circuit board is generating a report on time of a sanitization cycle.
- the functionality of a circuit board is generating a report on duration of a sanitization cycle.
- the functionality of a circuit board is generating a report on UV light intensity attained during a sanitization cycle.
- the functionality of a circuit board is relaying a message to an individual.
- a message relayed by a circuit board of a UV device of the present invention may be an email notification, an automated telephone voice mail message or a special message system to a hand held device such as a cell phone or tablet type device.
- the individual can receive an email notification that documents or reports generated are available to view and download online.
- the functionality of a circuit board is emailing, phoning or texting a report on time of a sanitization cycle.
- the functionality of a circuit board is emailing, phoning or texting a report on duration of a sanitization cycle.
- the functionality of a circuit board is emailing, phoning or texting a report on UV light intensity attained during a sanitization cycle.
- the functionality of a circuit board is emailing, phoning or texting an alert to an individual that a sanitization cycle is in progress, interrupted or complete.
- the functionality of a circuit board is emailing, phoning or texting an alert that a UV light source requires replacement.
- the functionality of a circuit board is logging date, time and individual who used the portable UV device.
- the functionality of a circuit board is logging information of a container, a room, or a defined environment in which the portable UV device will be and/or has been used.
- the functionality of a circuit board is relaying UV intensity via a sensor to a container, a room, a defined environment to ensure that a desired or predetermined irradiation is achieved during a specified time or duration.
- UV device UVT-4 comprises a lower frame and an upper frame.
- the functionality of a circuit board is controlling the rate of moving an upper frame and UV light source(s) attached thereto from a horizontal position to an angular position with respect to a lower frame and attached UV light source(s) of a UV device.
- the functionality of a circuit board is controlling the rate of moving an upper frame and UV light source(s) attached thereto from a perpendicular/vertical or angular position to a horizontal position with respect to a lower frame and attached UV light source(s) of a UV device. In some embodiments of the present invention, the functionality of a circuit board is controlling the rate of moving an upper frame and UV light source(s) attached thereto from a first angular position to a second angular position with respect to a lower frame and attached UV light source(s) of a UV device.
- Other useful functionalities that can be combined with either of the functionalities described above, include, but are not limited to: adjusting a current being sent to a UV light source to maximize efficiency of a sanitization cycle, controlling a servo or a motor and/or the rate with which a servo or motor operate, connecting to one or more fuses to protect the UV device against electrical surges, connecting to Zcon mini which measures incoming UVC in real time from a UV-C sensor, connecting a Zcon mini to a programmable logic control (PLC) unit, or using a PLC unit to connect with a touchscreen interface 5 located on an outside of a control box 1, interfacing with a PLC unit to indicate whether a bulb intensity is sufficient or inefficient for a desired sanitization cycle.
- PLC unit may have sanitization cycle times programmed into it.
- a UV device of the present invention can be operatively attached - movably, adjustably, temporarily, or permanently - to a container, to a surface of an object, to a floor, to a ceiling or to a wall of a room, space or defined environment by using a means for attaching.
- Such means for attaching include, but are not limited to a fastener, a screw, amounting tab, a bracket, a hanger, and the like.
- a UV device is positioned on top of a container 49, as e.g., schematically depicted in FIGS. 23, and 25. In some embodiments of the present invention, a UV device is positioned on the bottom of a container 49, as e.g.,
- a UV device is attached to an opening in a side wall of a container 49, as e.g., schematically depicted in FIG. 11.
- the UV devices described herein can be attached temporarily to a container, a room, space, or defined environment, e.g., for the time required to perform a method described herein.
- the UV devices described herein can also be attached to a container, a room, space or defined environment for a prolonged time, e.g., for the time required to perform a method described herein and an extended period of time before or after practicing the method.
- the UV devices described herein can also be configured to be attached permanently to a container, a room, space, or defined environment.
- the means for attaching the UV device to a container, a room, space or defined environment essentially serves to operatively attach the UV device on or at an outer perimeter of an opening of the container, to a fixture within the room or defined environment so that the UV light source and other parts of the UV device necessary to perform a method of the present invention can be movably inserted through the opening of the container into the interior part of the container and into the room, space or defined environment.
- the means for attaching the UV device to a container is a bracket, also referred to as mounting bracket.
- Non-limiting exemplary bracket embodiments 21 are depicted in the exemplary UV devices shown in FIGS. 4, 11, 12, 15, 16, 23, 25, and 26.
- a bracket 21 may comprise one or more of the following: a bracket tightening knob 26 and a plurality of rope or line posts 27, 28. A preferred configuration of those parts is shown in FIGS. 4, 11, 15, and 26.
- a bracket can have any shape or size as long as it is configured to operatively attach a UV device to a container, a room, space or defined environment to be sterilized.
- brackets shown in FIG. 26 include an extension of the mounting bracket 85, a main support channel 94 for guiding rope/cable 13 of a UV device.
- a bracket the bracket is an adjustable bracket in which the extension 85 can be extended or tilted so that the UV device can be positioned at any desired position within a container, a room, space or defined environment, e.g., in the center of the container, the room, space or defined environment or non-centrically and closer to a preferred wall of the container, the room, space or defined environment.
- a UV device of the present invention comprises an optical component.
- Optical components include, but are not limited to, a reflector, a shutter, a lens, a splitter, a mirror, and the like.
- the optical component may be of any shape.
- a UV device comprises a reflector.
- a reflector can have a variety of configurations.
- the reflector is a parabolic reflector.
- the reflector is an elliptical reflector.
- the reflector is a circular reflector. Exemplary embodiments comprising a reflector are depicted in the exemplary UV devices shown in FIGS. 21, 22A-D, and 23-25.
- Reflectors may be obtained from the manufacturer of UV light sources.
- reflectors of circular, elliptical and parabolic cross sections can be purchased from Hill Technical Sales Corp (Arlington Heights, Illinois, USA).
- a preferred supplier for parabolic reflector is Baldwin UV limited, 552 Farilie Road, Trading Estate, Berkshire, SL1 4PY, England.
- UV devices comprising a reflector are schematically shown in FIGS. 21, 22A-D, and 23-25. However, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, a reflector can be configured into other UV devices described herein. In the exemplary UV device schematically shown in FIGS.
- the UV devices two parabolic reflectors, referred to as a first or upper parabolic reflector 68 and a second or lower parabolic reflector 78, wherein each reflector surrounds a UV light source 16.
- reflectors individually and partially surrounding a UV light source may form a continuous reflecting wall.
- the UV devices schematically shown in FIGS. 21, 22A-D, and 23-25 are configured to be inserted through an opening located on top of a container so that the reflectors and UV light source move inwardly into the container while the sterilization cycle is being performed.
- the sterilization cycle begins when the UV device has been placed at a desired position within the container.
- FIGS. 21, 22A-D, and 23-25 depict exemplary embodiments of UV devices of the present invention and uses thereof. Those figures also show additional components of UV devices of the present invention, their positioning and how those components may be operatively connected to a container, a room, space or defined environment, a UV light source, a UV detector, a frame, a bracket, a housing, and a range-finding device, and the like. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, individual components described herein can be combined in various ways and configurations in a UV device for a use described herein without deviating from the scope of the present invention.
- a UV device comprises a motorized unit.
- a motorized unit can provide various functions, including, but not limited to positioning a UV light source within a container, a room, space or defined environment.
- a motorized unit may move a UV light source within a container, a room, space or defined environment to a horizontal position, to a vertical position or combination of both.
- the moving of a UV light source within a container, a room, space or defined environment depends on parameters, such as size and power of a UV light source, diameter and height of the container, the room, space or defined environment and areas within the container, the room, space or defined environment a practitioner desires to sterilize as described herein.
- a UV device comprises a rope, a cable or a rigid rod (indicated by 13 and 22 in the figures).
- a rope, a cable or a rigid rod is also useful for the positioning of a UV light source within a container, a room, space or defined
- a cable 13 is used to lower the UV devices shown inwardly and downwardly into the container 49.
- a cable 13 comprises a power cord 2 and additional cables connecting the UV light source 16 with a control box 1.
- a rope 22 is used to position or to move a germicidal UV light source connected to an upper frame into an angular or vertical position with respect to another germicidal UV light source connected to a lower frame (see below and FIGS. 12, 13, and 16).
- a UV device comprises one or more protective rods (indicated by 31 in the figures).
- a UV device comprises a hanging hook.
- a hanging hook provides a convenient way of storing a UV device when not in use, by e.g., hanging it on a hook.
- a hanging hook can be attached to a UV device at various locations. Form, shape, positioning of a hanging hook are not critical.
- a handle 19 or 51 e.g., as shown schematically in FIGS. 3, 10, 12, 13, 16, 18, 21, 22C, 22D, 23, can also be used as a hanging hook.
- the terms hanging hook and handle are used interchangeably herein.
- a handle provides for the convenient transport of a UV device by a user.
- a handle 51 can be part of a frame, i.e., an extension of a frame or attached to a frame (e.g., see 3, 10, 12, 13, 16, 18, 21, 22C, 22D, 23).
- the handle may be of a different thickness than the frame.
- the handle and the frame can be made of the same material or a different one.
- a preferred material is a plastic.
- a preferred plastic is Delrin.
- Another preferred material for a handle is a metal, preferably, a light-weight metal.
- a handle can be attached to a UV device at various locations. Form, shape, positioning and function of an exemplary handle 51 are schematically in FIGS. 3, 10, 12, 13, 16, 18, 21, 22C, 22D, 23.
- a UV device comprises an on/off or reset button (indicated by 3 in the figures).
- an on/off or reset button provides for the activation of the UV device.
- An on/off or reset button can be attached to a UV device at various locations. Form, shape, positioning and function of an exemplary on/off or reset button 3 are described in detail in the UV device embodiment UVT-4 (see FIGS. 1, 3 and below).
- a UV device comprises a power cord (indicated by 2 in the figures).
- a power cord can be attached to a UV device at various locations. Form, shape, positioning and function of an exemplary power cord 2 are described in detail in the UV device embodiment UVT-4 (see FIGS. 1, 2 and below).
- a power cord resides in rope 13, e.g., in exemplary UV devices UV6K and UV2K (FIGS. 21- 25).
- a UV device comprises one or more UV lamp/UV light source sockets or adaptors (indicated by 20 in the figures).
- a UV lamp socket or adaptor 20 attaches a UV lamp 16 to a UV device, preferably through pins.
- a UV lamp socket or adaptor can be attached to a UV device at various locations. Typically, each UV lamp 16 is attached to a UV lamp socket or adaptor 20. Form, shape, positioning and function of an exemplary UV lamp socket or adaptor 20 are described in detail in the UV device embodiment UVT-4.
- FIGS. 4-7 and 12 show non-limiting embodiments wherein UV lamp sockets or adaptors 20 are attached to either a lower frame 23 or an upper frame of a UV device of the UVT-4 family of UV devices.
- a UV device comprises a power supply of UV lamp ballast.
- a power supply can be attached to a UV device at various locations. Preferably, a power supply is not visible from the outside of a UV device and housed in an inner compartment (e.g., see control box 1 in FIGS. 1-3, 20A) or in a cavity within the UV device.
- a ballast/power supply may power one or more UV light sources 16.
- a single ballast/power supply powers a UV lamp cluster.
- a single ballast/power supply powers eight (8) UV light sources 16.
- a single ballast/power supply powers six (6) UV light sources 16 (e.g., UV device model UV6K).
- a single ballast/power supply powers four (4) UV lamps 16.
- two ballasts/power supplies may be employed.
- the ballast/power supply powers each UV light source 16 separately, i.e., each UV light source is powered by a separate electrical cable, wire or connector connecting the ballast/power supply with that particular UV lamp 16.
- the ballast/power supply powers in parallel a plurality of UV light sources 16, i.e., a plurality of UV light sources 16 is powered by a single electrical cable, wire or connector connecting the ballast/power supply with the plurality of UV light sources 16.
- the ballast/power supply powers in parallel a UV light source 16 of a UV lamp cluster, i.e., the UV light sources 16 of the UV lamp cluster are powered by a single electrical cable, wire or connector connecting the ballast/power supply with the UV light source 16 of the UV lamp cluster.
- the ballasts/power supplies are separated from the UV light source(s) 16. That distance can vary. Distances can be about lm, about 2m, about 3m, about 4m, about 5m, about 6m, about 7m, about 8m, about 9m, about 10m, about 1 1m, about 12m or even more.
- a UV device of the UVT-4 family of UV devices is preferably used to sanitize large containers, large rooms, large spaces or large defined environments.
- the UV light sources and the power supply are physically separated from each other. This option provides for a more light-weight portable UV device and also provides greater flexibility with respect to moving and positioning the UV device on its own or within such large container, large room or large defined environment.
- the UV light source(s) attached to those UV devices are powered by a power supply that resides in a control box 1 and wherein a cable 13 connects the power supply with the UV device and thus, with the germicidal UV light source(s) 16.
- cable 13 consists of two cables 13, one being attached to the control box 1 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and one being attached to the UV device as shown in FIG. 4. When in use and when power is to be provided to the UV device, those two cables 13 are then joined via a socket 57 (FIG. 17).
- a single long cable 13 is being used to connect the control box 1 to the UV device directly, i.e., without connecting two sockets as described above (e.g., see FIGS. 21-25).
- a container 49 comprises manhole or port (indicated by 48 in the figures) as an opening.
- a manhole or port 48 typically is found at large containers 49, such as tanks and fermenters.
- a manhole or port 48 can be positioned at a container 49 at various locations, preferably at a position close to the periphery of the upper part of the container 49 as exemplary depicted in FIGS. 23 and 25.
- a manhole or port can also be located at a lower portion of a side wall of a container 49, as exemplary depicted in FIGS 8-11, and 15.
- the manhole or port 48 is wide enough to allow insertion of a UV device of the present invention (e.g., see FIGS. 8-11, 15, 23 and 25).
- a UV device comprises a interface comprising a touchscreen interface 5.
- an interface comprises an on/off/reset button permitting a user to activate or inactivate or reset a UV device, by e.g., pushing the on/off/reset button.
- an interface permits a user to set the time it takes to perform a sterilization cycle.
- an interface permits a user to read the time remaining to complete a sterilization cycle.
- An interface can be attached to a UV device at various locations. Form, shape, and positioning of an interface are not critical.
- An exemplary touchscreen interface as used in a UV device system comprising an external control box 1, is indicated by 5 in FIGS. 1 and 2. The touchscreen interface is adapted to provide various inputs for functionalities as described herein.
- UV devices of the present invention comprise an easily accessible control box 1 with an on/off/reset switch 3 to activate and shut off (deactivate) the UV device Further, UV devices comprise circuitry for activating and shutting off (deactivating) the UV light source.
- the control box 1 may further include an emergency shutdown 4 and a status indicator/alarm light 6 to show whether power is being sent to the UV device and or alert the user to an alarm situation.
- FIGS. 1-26 Additional components that can be operatively attached to a UV device or to a system of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1-26.
- a UV light source is suspended from a manhole 48 of a container 49 of various dimensions.
- the UV light source may be moved within the container from a first position to a second position and from a second position to a third position.
- the UV light source is positioned in the approximate middle (center position) of a container 49 to practice a method of the invention.
- the height within a container at which a UV light source is positioned may also depend on the shape and volume (dimension) of the container, vessel, steel type used, and the shape, size and power output of the UV light source.
- UV device Models UV6K and UV2K permit descending a UV light source to a desired position within a container 49 by moving the UV light source from a first vertical position downwardly to a second vertical position within the container 49.
- UV device Models UV6K and UV2K permit ascending a UV light source to a desired position within a container 49 by moving the UV light source from a first vertical position upwardly to a second vertical position within the container 49.
- UV device Model UVT-1 when placed on the floor of a container 49 (see FIGS. 16 and 17), a plurality of wheels 37 attached to the frame of that UV device, permits the UV device to be moved into any desired position on the floor of the container 49 and subsequently deploy the UV light source attached to an upper frame so that it can be positioned at a desirable position within the container.
- the UV light source may be moved within the room, space or defined environment from a first position to a second position and from a second position to a third position.
- a UV device may be positioned on a bottom surface of such large container, large room, or large defined environment using an extension tool, as exemplary shown in FIGS. 14-17.
- UV light sources also referred to herein as UV lamps
- UV lamps can be configured in a variety of ways in a UV device.
- the configuration of one or more UV lamps within a UV device is referred to herein also as a UV lamp assembly or UV lamp cluster.
- more than one UV lamp is used for the sterilization of a container, a room, a space or defined environment.
- Multiple UV lamps can be clustered together or spaced apart either symmetrically or asymmetrically in order to achieve the desired reduction in microorganisms in a timely and efficient manner.
- FIGS. 4-13 and 15-19 depict an embodiment of the present invention showing a UV lamp assembly having four UV lamps arranged in two parallel configurations, two attached to an upper frame and two attached to a lower frame.
- FIGS 21-23 show an arrangement of six UV lamps and
- FIGS 24 and 25 show a UV device having a single UV light source.
- those UV lamps 16 are attached to or enclosed in a housing 15.
- each UV lamp may be the same or different.
- a UV device comprises more than one UV lamp.
- at least two UV lamps are clustered together.
- at least three UV lamps are clustered together.
- at least four UV lamps are clustered together.
- four UV lamps are clustered together.
- five UV lamps are clustered together.
- six UV lamps are clustered together.
- seven UV lamps are clustered together.
- eight UV lamps are clustered together. The clustering of the lamps may be at perpendicular angles or at any other angle.
- the more than one UV lamps in a UV lamp cluster can be positioned to each other at various angles ranging from about 0 to about 90 degree, from about 5 to about 45 degree, preferably from about 10 to about 30 degree, more preferably from about 15 to about 20 degree. In some embodiments of the present invention, the more than two UV lamps are positioned to each other in an about 5 degree angle. In some embodiments of the present invention, the more than two UV lamps are positioned to each other in an about 10 degree angle. In some embodiments of the present invention, the more than two UV lamps are positioned to each other in an about 15 degree angle. In some embodiments of the present invention, the more than two UV lamps are positioned to each other in an about 20 degree angle.
- the more than two UV lamps are positioned to each other in an about 25 degree angle. In some embodiments of the present invention, the more than two UV lamps are positioned to each other in an about 30 degree angle. In some embodiments of the present invention, the more than two UV lamps are positioned to each other in an about 40 degree angle. In some embodiments of the present invention, the more than two UV lamps are positioned to each other in an about 50 degree angle. In some embodiments of the present invention, the more than two UV lamps are positioned to each other in an about 60 degree angle. In some embodiments of the present invention, the more than two UV lamps are positioned to each other in an about 70 degree angle. In some embodiments of the present invention, the more than two UV lamps are positioned to each other in an about 80 degree angle. In some embodiments of the present invention, the more than two UV lamps are positioned to each other in an about 90 degree angle.
- more than one UV lamp is operatively attached to a frame. In some embodiments, at least two UV lamps are operatively attached to a frame. In some embodiments, at least three UV lamps are operatively attached to a frame. In some embodiments,
- At least four UV lamps are operatively attached to a frame.
- Four UV lamps may be operatively attached to a frame as shown exemplary in FIGS. 4-13 and 15-19.
- at least five UV lamps are attached to a frame.
- at least six UV lamps are attached to a frame.
- Six UV lamps may be operatively attached to a frame as shown exemplary in FIGS. 21-23.
- at least seven UV lamps are attached to a frame.
- at least eight UV lamps are attached to a frame.
- a UV device is a UV device depicted in Figures 3-19 and referred to herein as a member of the UVT-4 family of UV devices ("UVT- 4").
- UV device Model UVT-4 is a portable UV device. While referred to collectively herein as UVT-4, the portable UV devices of the UVT-4 family comprise various embodiments.
- members of the UVT-4 family of portable UV devices comprise a lower frame 23, an upper frame, a first hinge (or pivot) 38, at least one first germicidal UV light source, and at least one second germicidal UV light source.
- the first hinge 38 permits the multiple UV light sources of the UV device to move into different configurations as explained in greater detail below. Multiple orientations of UV light sources are particularly advantageous in view of UV light sources emitting UV light not symmetrically. As known in the art UV light sources may emit UV light strong at a direction perpendicular to the lamp axis and weaker at an angle to the axis, approaching zero in the orthogonal direction.
- the UV device of the UVT-4 family comprise two UV light sources which can move into a perpendicular orientation with respect to each other, i.e., when activated, one UV light source resides in a horizontal configuration and one UV light source moves into a vertical configuration.
- UV devices of the UVT-4 family of devices use multiple orientations and configurations of UV light sources to compensate for the asymmetrical light emittance. Those and other features of that UV device are described in detail below and are depicted in FIGS. 1-20.
- the lower frame 23 comprises a first lower frame end 25 and a second lower frame end 30.
- additional parts are attached to the lower frame 23, and, in particular to either first lower frame end 25 or second lower frame end 30.
- the lower frame 23 is made of stainless steel. Parts attached to it may be also made of stainless steel or of aluminum.
- the lower frame 23 of a UVT-4 family member of UV devices may be described as having a rectangular shaped form and comprising four sides, i.e., a first (left) side, a second (right) side, an upper side and a lower side and two ends, i.e., a first lower frame end 25 and a second lower frame end 30 (see FIGS. 4, 5, 10). While the drawings for a UVT-4 UV device depict an exemplary rectangular lower frame 23, the lower frame can also be round, oval or irregularly shaped. In some embodiments, to provide for a light-weight lower frame 23, the lower frame 23 comprises one or more openings 60.
- the lower side of the lower frame 23 comprises a coating.
- a preferred coating is a plastic coating.
- Another preferred coating is a teflon coating.
- Another preferred coating is ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene UHMP.
- the second lower frame end 30 comprises a first side plate 42 and a second side plate 43.
- the form thereof is rounded, but may also be not rounded.
- a side plate spacer 41 connects the first side plate 42 to the second side plate 43.
- the first side plate 42 and the second side plate 43 may comprise one or more openings 60.
- a set of wheels 37 is operatively attached to the first side plate 42 and to the second side plate 43, so that each side plate has at least one wheel attached to it.
- Wheels 37 facilitate moving and positioning of the UV device in a container, a room, space or defined environment.
- the material for making the wheels is not critical.
- the wheels can be made of plastic, metal or wood. Preferred are plastic wheels. In some
- the wheels 37 are swiveling so that the UV device can be easily maneuvered around from a first position into a second position within a container 49, a room, space or defined environment.
- the wheels 37 are attached in a fixed position and adapted to move the UV device forward and backwards into a desired position within a container 49, a room, space or defined environment.
- the second lower frame end 30 comprises a cross connector 44.
- the cross connector 44 has at least one opening 45 suitable for accommodating a UV lamp socket/adaptor 20 and for operatively attaching at least one first germicidal UV light source 16.
- the portable UV device comprises more than one at least first germicidal UV light source
- the cross connector 44 comprises an additional opening 45 into which an additional UV lamp socket 20 can be inserted.
- the second upper frame end 29, is positioned in between the first side plate 42 and the second side plate 43 of the lower frame 23 and is fastened to an upper side of both the first side plate 42 and the second side plate 43 so that the upper frame can be moved from the horizontal position with respect to the position of the lower frame 23 (as depicted in FIG. 19) into an angular position ranging from about 0 degree to 90 degrees with respect to the lower frame 23.
- a handle 51 is attached to the lower frame 23.
- the handle 51 allows easy maneuvering of the portable UV device from a first position into a second position within a container 49, a room, a space or within a defined environment, in addition to convenient transportation (e.g., hand carrying) and storing.
- a second anchoring post 50 for anchoring an extension spring 18 is attached to the lower frame 23.
- the handle 19, 51 is part of the second anchoring post 50.
- An exemplary embodiment of a portable UV device comprising such arrangement is shown in FIG. 18.
- a T-shaped cap 35 is attached to the first lower frame end 25.
- a bulb clamp 36 may be in between the T-shaped cap 35 and the first lower frame end 25. The T-shaped cap 35 keeps the bulb clamp 36 in place.
- the first lower frame end 25 comprises at least one opening 60 suitable for accommodating a UV lamp socket/adaptor 20 and for attaching at least one first germicidal UV light source 16.
- the portable UV device comprises more than one at least first germicidal UV light source 16, for each additional first germicidal UV light source, the cross connector 44 comprises an additional opening 60 into which an additional UV lamp socket 20 can be inserted.
- the length of the lower frame 23 is determined by the length of the UV light sources, i.e., the UV lamps 16. As depicted, e.g., in FIG. 18, the first lower frame end 25 and the second lower frame end 30 are spaced apart to accommodate the UV light source, i.e., the UV lamp 16, which is attached to UV lamp sockets 20 that are attached to either lower frame end.
- the UV light source i.e., the UV lamp 16
- a portable UV device comprises a means for attaching the portable UV device, temporarily or permanently for the time of sanitization to an opening of a container 49, to a fixture in a room, or to a fixture in or at a defined environment.
- such means is a mounting bracket or hanger 21.
- the mounting bracket or hanger 21 comprises a bracket tightening knob 26 (FIGS. 4, 11, 12, 15) or a clamping knob with stud 99 (FIG.
- bracket tightening knob 26 or clamping knob with stud 99 can be fastened so to keep the portable UV device in position for a desired time.
- a means for attaching the portable UV device, temporarily or permanently for the time of sanitization to an opening of a container 49, to a fixture in a room, space or defined environment can be operatively attached to a portable UV device in a several ways.
- the means for attaching the portable UV device, temporarily or permanently for the time of sanitization to an opening of a container 49, to a fixture in a room, space or defined environment is attached to the lower frame 23 via a second hinge 34.
- Such exemplary arrangement is shown, e.g., in FIGS. 4, 11, 15, 16 and 18.
- the second hinge 34 movably connects the lower frame 23 to the means for attaching the portable UV device, temporarily or permanently for the time of sanitization to an opening of a container 49, to a fixture in a room, space or defined environment.
- the means for attaching the portable UV device UVT-4, temporarily or permanently for the time of sanitization to an opening of a container 49, to a fixture in a room, space or defined environment comprises additional parts useful for performing an additional function of the portable UV device, e.g., moving the upper frame of the portable UV device into an angular position with respect to the lower frame 23.
- the means for attaching the portable UV device, temporarily or permanently for the time of sanitization to an opening of a container 49, to a fixture in a room, space or defined environment comprises a first rope post 27.
- such means further comprises a second rope post 28. Exemplary and non-limiting arrangements are shown in FIGS. 4, 11, 15, and 18. The functionality of the rope posts will be described further below.
- the upper frame comprises a first upper frame end 24 and a second upper frame end 29. In some embodiments, as described herein and as shown in FIGS. 3-19, additional parts are attached to either first upper frame end 24 or second upper frame end 29.
- a T-shaped cap 35 is attached to each of the first upper frame end 24, first lower frame end 25, second upper frame end 29, and second lower frame end 30. The T-shaped caps 35 hold in place UV bulb clamps 36.
- a plurality of rods 31 are positioned in between the first upper frame end 24 and the second upper frame end 29.
- the plurality of rods 31 are fastened to the first upper frame end 24 and to the second upper frame end 29 using fasteners.
- the plurality of rods 31 provides protection to the germicidal UV light source(s) 16.
- at least one rod 31 is positioned between the first upper frame end 24 and the second upper frame end 29.
- two rods 31 are positioned between the first upper frame end 24 and the second upper frame end 29.
- three rods 31 are positioned between the first upper frame end 24 and the second upper frame end 29.
- rods 31 are positioned between the first upper frame end 24 and the second upper frame end 29. In some embodiments, between two and ten rods 31 are positioned between the first upper frame end 24 and the second upper frame end 29.
- the number of rods 31 between the first upper frame end 24 and the second upper frame end 29 is not critical. For best functionality of the portable UV device, sufficient UV light should be provided and not blocked by the rods. In view thereof, it is desirable, to use the thin sturdy rods, i.e., allow as much UV light as possible to pass through and provide sufficient protection of the UV light source, e.g., so that objects that may damage the UV light source may not directly fall on it.
- An exemplary member of a portable UV device of the UVT-4 family is shown in FIG.
- FIG. 19 Another exemplary member of a portable UV device of the UVT-4 family is shown in FIG. 19 showing two rods 31 positioned on top of two UV light sources 16 (here, surrounded by a see-through housing 15 permitting the UV light to pass through and indicated by 15,16 in FIG. 19) and two rods 31 positioned beneath two UV light sources 16 (the two lower rods are not well seen in this drawing; however, discernable by the four fasteners attached to the second upper frame end, which are used to attach the rods 31 to the upper frame ends 24 and 29).
- FIGS. 5-10 A further exemplary member of a portable UV device of the UVT- 4 family is shown, e.g., in FIGS. 5-10 showing four rods 31 positioned around each UV light source 16 attached to the upper frame (here, surrounded by a see-through housing 15 permitting the UV light to pass through, and indicated by 15,16 in FIGS. 5-10).
- the rods 31 penetrate a plurality of cross connectors 32.
- the cross connectors 32 provide stability to the upper frame stabilizing the plurality of rods 31.
- the number of cross connectors is chosen, e.g., based on the length of the rods 31 and UV light sources 16.
- the exemplary UV devices depicted in FIGS. 4 and 18 each comprise two cross connectors 32.
- the length of the upper frame is determined by the length of the UV light sources, i.e., the UV lamps 16.
- the first upper frame end 24 and the second upper frame end 29 are spaced apart to accommodate the UV light source, i.e., the UV lamp, which is attached to UV lamp sockets 20 that are attached to either upper frame end.
- the upper frame is made of stainless steel. Parts attached to the upper frame may also be made of stainless steel or, alternatively, of aluminum.
- the upper frame end 29 is configured to comprise a handle 51.
- An exemplary member of a portable UV device of the UVT-4 family comprising a handle 51 at the upper frame end 29 is shown, e.g., in FIG. 18.
- a first hinge (pivot) 38 is attached to the second upper frame end 29.
- the first hinge (pivot) 38 will be described below in greater detail.
- the upper frame is positioned on top of the lower frame. Such arrangement is depicted, e.g., in FIGS. 3-11.
- the first hinge 38 movably connects the lower frame 23 to the upper frame. Further, the first hinge 38 is adapted to permit movement of the upper frame into an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame 23. In that regard, the first hinge 38 can also be described as a "swing.”
- FIG. 18 depicts the attachment of the first hinge (pivot) 38 to the second upper frame end 29.
- the first hinge (pivot) 38 comprises a first opening to allow a cable 58 running through.
- the first opening may be located at the lower side of the first hinge (pivot) 38 so that the cable 58 running through that opening can be connected to an extension spring 18 (see further below).
- the first hinge (pivot) 38 comprises a second opening to allow a cable 58 becoming fastened therein.
- the second opening is adapted to serve as a cable anchoring point 62.
- a first end of the cable 58 is anchored at the second opening (cable anchoring point 62) and the cable is guided on a cable guide 61 formed as part of the first hinge (pivot) 38 towards the first opening at the lower end of the hinge (pivot) 38, and extrudes therefrom so that the second end of the cable 61 forms a first anchoring post 46 with the first hook 59 of the extension spring 18 (see further below).
- the first hinge (pivot) 38 is made of stainless steel, or, alternatively, of aluminum.
- a UV device of the UVT-4 family of UV devices comprises at least one first germicidal UV light source operatively attached to the upper frame.
- the at least one first germicidal UV light source is operatively connected to the upper frame, via a UV lamp socket or adaptor 20.
- a UV device comprises additional first germicidal UV light sources connected to the upper frame.
- the at least first germicidal UV light source is a member of a plurality of first germicidal UV light sources, selected from the group consisting of two first germicidal UV light sources, three first germicidal UV light sources, four first germicidal UV light sources, five first germicidal UV light sources, six first germicidal UV light sources, seven first germicidal UV light sources, eight first germicidal UV light sources, nine first germicidal UV light sources, and ten first germicidal UV light sources.
- first germicidal UV light sources connected to the upper frame is not limited and may comprise more than ten.
- members of the plurality of first germicidal UV light sources are the same germicidal UV light sources.
- members of the plurality of first germicidal UV light sources are different germicidal UV light sources. 5.
- At Least One Second Germicidal UV Light Source Operatively
- a UV device of the UVT-4 family of UV devices comprises at least one second germicidal UV light source operatively attached to the lower frame 23.
- the at least one second germicidal UV light source is connected to the lower frame 23, via a UV lamp socket or adaptor 20.
- a UV device comprises additional second germicidal UV light sources connected to the lower frame 23.
- the at least second germicidal UV light source is a member of a plurality of second germicidal UV light sources, selected from the group consisting of two second germicidal UV light sources, three second germicidal UV light sources, four second germicidal UV light sources, five second germicidal UV light sources, six second germicidal UV light sources, seven second germicidal UV light sources, eight second germicidal UV light sources, nine second germicidal UV light sources, and ten second germicidal UV light sources.
- the number of second germicidal UV light sources connected to the lower frame is not limited and may comprise more than ten.
- members of the plurality of second germicidal UV light sources are the same germicidal UV light sources.
- members of the plurality of second germicidal UV light sources are different germicidal UV light sources.
- a UV device of the UVT-4 family of UV devices comprises at least one first germicidal UV light source operatively attached to the upper frame and at least one second germicidal UV light source operatively attached to the lower frame 23
- the first germicidal UV light source operatively attached to the upper frame and the second germicidal UV light source operatively attached to the lower frame 23 are the same germicidal UV light sources. In some embodiments, the first germicidal UV light source operatively attached to the upper frame and the second germicidal UV light source operatively attached to the lower frame 23 are different germicidal UV light sources. [00336] In some embodiments, a UV device comprises a lower frame to which two second germicidal UV light sources are operatively attached and an upper frame to which two first germicidal UV light sources are operatively attached.
- Suitable UV lamps for use in a UV device of the UVT-4 family of devices are described herein.
- First and second germicidal UV light sources for use in UV devices of the UVT-4 family are not limited and include, without limitation, low pressure mercury amalgam bulbs. It has been found that low pressure mercury amalgam bulbs are very efficient and cost effective UV light sources.
- medium pressure UV bulbs or pulsed UV Xenon type lamps are used. They are significantly higher priced. Medium pressure lamps typically operate at temperature in excess of 500F, making them somewhat less preferred.
- LED bulbs can also be used; however they lack the power necessary for large volumes (e.g., tanks up to and exceeding 500,000 gallons).
- Those UV light sources can also be used as a part or component of other portable UV devises described herein.
- first and second germicidal UV light source for use in UV devices of the UVT-4 family may depend on the size and volume of the container, room, space or defined environment to be sanitized. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, increasing the number of UV light sources 16 will decrease sanitization time and, in addition, will allow for greater sized and larger volume containers, rooms, spaces or defined environments to be sanitized. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that UV devices described herein can be adapted easily to accommodate a desired number and a desired size of UV light sources.
- the UV light intensity of the combined UV light sources (i.e., the combination of first germicidal UV light source(s) and second germicidal UV light source(s)) of a UV device of the UVT-4 family can be configured to efficiently irradiate interior surfaces (side walls, bottom and ceiling) of a container, a room, space or defined environment at a desired UV intensity.
- the combined UV light sources of a UV device of the UVT-4 family are configured to irradiate interior surfaces (side walls, bottom and ceiling) of a container, a room, space or defined environment with at least 10,000 microjoules/cm 2 .
- the combined UV light sources of a UV device of the UVT-4 family are configured to irradiate interior surfaces (side walls, bottom and ceiling) of a container, a room, space or defined environment with at least 20,000 microjoules/cm 2 . In some embodiments, the combined UV light sources of a UV device of the UVT-4 family are configured to irradiate interior surfaces (side walls, bottom and ceiling) of a container, a room, space or defined environment with at least 30,000 microjoules/cm 2 . In some embodiments, the combined UV light sources of a UV device of the UVT-4 family are configured to irradiate interior surfaces (side walls, bottom and ceiling) of a container, a room, space or defined environment with at least 40,000
- the combined UV light sources of a UV device of the UVT-4 family are configured to irradiate interior surfaces (side walls, bottom and ceiling) of a container, a room, space or defined environment with at least 50,000 microjoules/cm 2 . In some embodiments, the combined UV light sources of a UV device of the UVT-4 family are configured to irradiate interior surfaces (side walls, bottom and ceiling) of a container, a room, space or defined environment with at least 60,000 microjoules/cm 2 .
- the combined UV light sources of a UV device of the UVT-4 family are configured to irradiate interior surfaces (side walls, bottom and ceiling) of a container, a room, space or defined environment with at least 70,000 microjoules/cm 2 . In some embodiments, the combined UV light sources of a UV device of the UVT-4 family are configured to irradiate interior surfaces (side walls, bottom and ceiling) of a container, a room, space or defined environment with at least 80,000 microjoules/cm 2 . In some embodiments, the combined UV light sources of a UV device of the UVT-4 family are configured to irradiate interior surfaces (side walls, bottom and ceiling) of a container, a room, space or defined environment with at least 90,000
- the combined UV light sources of a UV device of the UVT-4 family are configured to irradiate interior surfaces (side walls, bottom and ceiling) of a container, a room, space or defined environment with at least 100,000 microjoules/cm 2 . In some embodiments, the combined UV light sources of a UV device of the UVT-4 family are configured to irradiate interior surfaces (side walls, bottom and ceiling) of a container, a room, space or defined environment with at least 110,000 microjoules/cm 2 .
- the combined UV light sources of a UV device of the UVT-4 family are configured to irradiate interior surfaces (side walls, bottom and ceiling) of a container, a room, space or a defined environment with at least 120,000 microjoules/cm 2 . In some embodiments, the combined UV light sources of a UV device of the UVT-4 family are configured to irradiate interior surfaces (side walls, bottom and ceiling) of a container, a room, space or a defined environment with at least 130,000 microjoules/cm 2 . In some embodiments, the combined UV light sources of a UV device of the UVT-4 family are configured to irradiate interior surfaces (side walls, bottom and ceiling) of a container, a room, space or defined environment with at least 140,000
- the combined UV light sources of a UV device of the UVT-4 family are configured to irradiate interior surfaces (side walls, bottom and ceiling) of a container, a room, space or defined environment with at least 150,000 microjoules/cm 2 .
- UV devices may comprise a housing 15 surrounding or encasing fully or partially a germicidal UV light source and/or a UV lamp 16.
- the at least one first germicidal UV light source 16 of the UV device UVT-4 resides in a first housing 15, In some embodiments, the first housing 15 fully surrounds the at least one first germicidal UV light source 16. In some embodiments, the first housing 15 partially surrounds the at least one first germicidal UV light source.
- a first housing 15 is a see-through housing 15 permitting the UV light to pass through, and surrounds a UV light source 16. Both are indicated by 15, 16 in those figures.
- the at least one second UV light source 16 is surrounded by a housing 15.
- the at least one second germicidal UV light source 16 of the UV device UVT-4 resides in a second housing 15, In some embodiments, the second housing 15 fully surrounds the at least one second germicidal UV light source 16. In some embodiments, the second housing 15 partially surrounds the at least one second germicidal UV light source.
- a second housing 15 is a see-through housing 15
- the at least one first germicidal UV light source and the at least one second germicidal UV light source will be fully functional for sanitization, as described herein, without being removed from the housing.
- a UV light permissible housing may be made of various materials known in the art, including, but not limited to, UV fused silica, CaF 2 , MgF 2 , BaF 2 , quartz, sapphire, teflon,
- TPX ® polydimethylsiloxane
- PMP polymethylpentene
- TPX ® is a 4-methylpentene-l based polyolefin manufactured and marketed by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
- a preferred housing material permitting UV light to pass through is teflon.
- UV devices of the UVT-4 family comprise a lower frame 23 and an upper frame, wherein the upper frame can move from a horizontal position with respect to the lower frame into an angular position ranging from about 0 degree to about 90 degrees, including, moving the upper frame into a vertical, a perpendicular position with respect to the lower frame 23.
- Members of the UV device family UVT-4 comprise various means for controlling or facilitating the movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame 23.
- a UV device comprises a means for controlling or facilitating the movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame.
- the means for controlling or facilitating the movement of the upper frame permits the at least one first germicidal UV light source connected to the upper frame be positioned at an angle ranging from about 0 degree to about 90 degrees with respect to the position of the at least second germicidal UV light source connected to the lower frame 23.
- a means for controlling or facilitating the movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame comprises an extension spring 18.
- a UV device comprises an extension spring 18 comprising a first end comprising a first hook 59 at and a second end comprising a second hook 50.
- the first hook 59 connects to a first anchoring post 46.
- the first anchoring post 46 is comprised of the second end of the cable 58.
- the second end of the cable 58 may form a loop and the loop connects with the first hook 59 of the extension spring 18.
- the second hook 50 connects to a second anchoring post 19.
- the second anchoring post 19 is attached to the lower frame 23 (see above). Such an arrangement, e.g., is depicted in FIG. 18.
- the upper frame of a UV device of a UVT-4 family is held in a horizontal position with respect to the lower frame 23, by virtue of an upper frame fixture clip 33.
- an upper frame fixture clip 33 is attached to the lower frame 23, preferably to the first lower frame end 25. Such arrangement, e.g., is shown in FIG. 5.
- the upper frame fixture clip 33 engages with the first upper frame end 24 and when engaged prevents the upper frame from moving into an angular position with respect to the lower frame 23.
- the upper frame fixture clip 33 is shown disengaged from the first upper frame end and the upper frame is shown in a slightly angular position with respect to the lower frame 23.
- the upper frame of a portable UV device of a UVT-4 family is held in horizontal position with respect to the lower frame 23, by virtue of a rope 22.
- a first end of the rope 22 is attached to the first upper frame end 24 at a rope anchoring point 52.
- the second end of the rope 22 is movably wound around a first rope post 27 (attached to e.g., a mounting bracket or hanger 21, see above, or directly to the lower frame 23).
- a second rope post 28 is present, the second end of the rope 7 may be wound around both the first rope post 27 and the second rope post 28.
- the rope 22 firmly would around the first rope post 27 and second rope post 28, prevents the upper frame from moving into an angular position with respect to the lower frame 23.
- the upper frame can move into an angular position with respect to the lower frame 23.
- the upper frame moves into a vertical or perpendicular position with respect to the lower frame 23.
- extension spring means for controlling or facilitating movement of the upper frame of the UV device to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame 23, one of ordinary skill in the art reading the disclosure herein, will appreciate that, upon disengaging the upper frame fixture clip 33 and/or upon loosening the rope 22 (i.e., unwinding from the rope post(s)), the extension spring 18 exerts a pull pressure.
- This pull pressure leads to the extension spring 18 pulling the second end of the cable 58 towards the extension spring 18 resulting in a swing movement of the first hinge (pivot) 38 due to the flexibility of fasteners 47 and thereby moving the upper frame from a horizontal position into an angular position ranging from about 0 degree to about 90 degrees, with respect to the position of the lower frame 23.
- a UV device of the UVT-4 family comprises at least one stop post 39.
- a portable UV device of the UVT-4 family comprises at least two stop posts 39.
- a first stop post 39 is attached to the first side plate 42.
- a second stop post 39 is attached to the second side plate 43.
- the stop post 39 is adapted to prevent movement of the upper frame, and thereby movement of a second germicidal UV light source connected to that upper frame, beyond a desired position.
- Such desired position may be any predetermined angular position between the upper frame and the lower frame 23.
- a preferred angular position is an about vertical or an about perpendicular position.
- the at least one stop post 39 is adapted to prevent movement of the at least one second germicidal UV light source (connected to the upper frame) beyond an about
- a means for controlling or facilitating the movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame is a pneumatic cylinder.
- Pneumatic cylinders also known in the art as air cylinders
- a piston is forced to move in a desired direction.
- a piston typically is a disc or cylinder, and a piston rod transfers the force it develops to the object to be moved, such as then upper frame of a portable UV device.
- a means for controlling or facilitating the movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame is a motor.
- a means for controlling or facilitating the movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame is a winch.
- a means for controlling or facilitating the movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame is a servo
- a UV device of the UVT-4 family of UV devices may comprise other components described herein.
- a UV device comprises a UV sensor 17.
- An embodiment, wherein the UV sensor 17 is attached to the upper frame is shown in FIGS. 3 and 6-8.
- the UV sensor 17 is a UV-C sensor.
- a UV-C sensor is adapted to keep real time track of UV-C output during a sanitization cycle.
- a UV light source is operatively connected to a control box 1.
- a UV light source of a UV device comprises a control box 1 that is part of the UV device itself.
- the control box 1 may be described as internal as it is an integral part of the respective UV device.
- a UV light source of a UV device is operatively connected to a control box 1 via a cable 13.
- the control box 1 may be described as external as it is not an integral part of the UV device.
- An external control box 1 can be made a various materials.
- an external control box 1 is made of stainless steel.
- the exterior of control box 1 is a stainless steel EMA4 enclosure.
- a control box 1 controls various functionalities of a portable UV device. This control typically is controlled by a circuit board that may reside in the control box 1.
- a UV light source of a UV device is connected to a control box 1, wherein the control box 1 comprises a circuit board controlling one or more functionalities of a UV device or relaying a response from the UV device. Those functionalities may be individually programmed and adjusted to the needs of an individual user. Non-limiting functionalities of a UV device controlled by or relayed by a circuit board are described herein.
- the control box 1 comprises a circuit board and at least three components selected from the group consisting of (1) a power supply, (2) electronics for activating/deactivating the first germicidal UV light source, (3) a timer for controlling the duration of the sterilization cycle, (4) a memory for storing a predetermined sterilization cycle, (5) a safety switch, (6) an on/off/reset button, (7) a status indicator light, (8) an alarm light; and (9) a user interface selected from the group consisting of a touch screen and a keyboard.
- control box 1 comprises at least four components selected from (1) through (9). In some embodiments, the control box 1 comprises at least five
- control box 1 comprises at least six components selected from (1) through (9). In some embodiments, the control box 1 comprises at least seven components selected from (1) through (9). In some embodiments, the control box 1 comprises at least eight components selected from (1) through (9). In some embodiments, the control box 1 comprises all components (1) through (9).
- components (1) through (9) may be included in a control box 1.
- Non-limiting examples of combinations of at least three components selected from (1) through (9) include: components (1), (2) and (3);
- control box 1 comprises a touchscreen interface 5.
- a control box 1 having a touchscreen interface 5 is shown, e.g., in FIGS. 1 and 3.
- the touchscreen interface 5 is adapted to provide an input for a functionality. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate input for a variety of functionalities may be provided.
- a touchscreen interface is adapted to provide an input for a functionality selected from the group consisting of activating a portable UV device, deactivating a portable UV device, providing time input for completing a UV sterilization of a container, a room, or a defined environment, providing time elapsed for UV sterilization of the container, the room, or the defined environment, setting a desired UV intensity level, adjusting a UV intensity level and logging in a code for a user.
- a UV intensity level may be adjusted based on the condition of a container 49, a room, space or defined environment, such as wet or dry interior surfaces, etc.
- a control box 1 may comprise additional features.
- a control box 1 comprises an on/off/reset switch 3.
- the on/off/reset switch 3 permits an individual to activate, deactivate and reset the system and UV device.
- a control box 1 comprising an on/off /reset switch 3 is shown, e.g., in FIGS. 1 and 3.
- a control box 1 comprises a button for emergency shutdown 4.
- the emergency shutdown button 4 permits an individual to quickly shut down the system and portable UV device.
- a control box 1 comprising an emergency shutdown button 4 is shown, e.g., in FIGS. 1 and 3.
- a control box 1 comprises a status indicator light 6.
- a control box 1 comprising a status indicator light 6 is shown, e.g., in FIGS. 1 and 3.
- a control box 1 comprises an alarm light.
- the alarm light when flashing, may alert an individual to a malfunction of the system or portable UV device, or to a completion of a sanitization cycle.
- a control box 1 comprises a status indicator light 6 that also functions as an alarm light.
- a control box 1 comprises an audible alarm system.
- the audible alarm system may alert an individual to a malfunction of the system or portable UV device, or to a completion of a sanitization cycle,
- FIGS. 20A-C Exemplary layouts of an interior of a control box 1 are shown in FIGS. 20A-C.
- a control box 1 comprises one or more lamp ballasts (or power supplies; FIG. 20B).
- a lamp ballast connects to a motor or servo through an electrical cable.
- a lamp ballast connects to a UV light source through an electrical cable.
- a control box 1 comprises a wireless communication device, including, but not limited to a wireless transponder and or transceiver to send a wireless signal to a user or to receive a wireless signal from a user.
- UV device Model UVT-4 While the above described various parts and features of members of the UV device Model UVT-4 family one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any arrangement or positioning of parts described can be varied without deviating from the scope of the invention.
- UV device Model UVT-4 depicted schematically in FIGS. 3-13 and 15-19 may comprise any additional component described herein.
- a UV device is a UV device of the UV6K family of UV devices.
- An exemplary family member thereof is depicted in FIGS. 21-23.
- This UV device embodiment comprises (i) a UV light source, (ii) a frame, (iii) a support cable, and (iv) at least one reflector.
- the UV light source of the UV6K family may comprise one or more UV lamps.
- the UV light source comprises one UV lamp.
- the UV light source comprises two UV lamps.
- the UV light source comprises three UV lamps.
- the UV light source comprises four UV lamps.
- the UV light source comprises five UV lamps.
- the UV light source comprises six UV lamps.
- a UV6K UV device having six UV bulbs is depicted schematically in FIGS. 21-23.
- the frame of a UV6K family UV device is a frame assembly.
- the frame assembly holds in place the UV light source.
- the frame assembly further provides protection against damage to the UV light source.
- the frame assembly further provides protection against damage to the reflector(s).
- the frame assembly comprises a means for holding the UV device during installation and transport.
- Parts of the frame assembly may include a handle 51, a top clamp 66, a top outer frame 69, an upper handle core 70, a lower handle core 72, a linear divider 73, a divider disk 74, a bottom clamp 76, and a bottom outer frame 77.
- Other parts of a non-limiting frame assembly of a UV6K UV device are shown in FIGS. 21-23.
- the support cable 13 of a UV6K UV device provides a means for holding the UV light source suspended in the container, room, space or defined environment that is being sanitized. Inside the support cable 13 is the electrical wiring that is required for providing functionality to the UV device. Because of its inclusion within the support cable 13, the electrical wiring is also protects from mechanical damage and excessive wear.
- control box 1 may include all or some of the following: power supply, electronics for the UV light source(s), a controller and assorted electronics (circuit board) for measuring UV dose, a timer/clock for controlling the duration of a sterilization cycle, memory for storing pre-configured sterilization cycle(s), safety switch, user interface (see also, FIGS. 1-3, 20A-C).
- the UV device UV6K When suspended into a container, room, space or defined environment, the UV device UV6K is operatively attached to a bracket 21, as shown in FIG. 23.
- a UV device of the UV6K family comprises one or more reflectors 68, 78. Those reflectors may be referred to as first or upper reflector 68 and second or lower reflector 78.
- a reflector is a parabolic reflector. Reflectors aid in distributing the UV light by directing it into angles where the UV light source itself has low remittance.
- One or more reflectors may be use and positioned close at the ends of the UV device as shown in FIGS. 21- 23.
- the one or more reflectors 68, 78 may be positioned elsewhere within the frame assembly, e.g., in the middle.
- the UV device depicted schematically in FIGS. 21-23 may comprise any additional component(s) described herein.
- a UV device is a UV device of the UV2K family of UV devices.
- An exemplary, non-limiting family member thereof is depicted in FIGS. 24-25.
- This UV device embodiment comprises (i) a UV light source, (ii) a frame assembly (iii) a support cable, and (iv) at least one reflector.
- the non-limiting UV device of the UV2K family shown in FIGS. 24-25 comprises a single UV lamp. Additional UV lamps may be added.
- the frame of a UV2K family UV device is a frame assembly
- the frame assembly holds in place the UV light source.
- the frame assembly further provides protection against damage to the UV light source.
- the frame assembly further provides protection against damage to the reflector(s).
- the frame assembly comprises a means for holding the UV device during installation and transport. In some embodiments such means is a plurality of openings in the frame (see, FIG. 24).
- a handle 51 can be operatively attached to the frame.
- FIGS. 24-25 A non-limiting frame assembly of a UV2K UV device having a single UV bulb is depicted schematically in FIGS. 24-25.
- Parts of the frame assembly may include a top outer frame 69, a bottom outer frame 77, and a vertical frame 90, Other parts of a non-limiting frame assembly of a UV2K UV device are shown in FIGS. 24-25. While the frame assembly of the UV2K UV device is different from that of the UV6K UV device, their functionalities are similar.
- the support cable 13 of a UV2K UV device provides a means for holding the UV light source suspended in the container, room, space or defined environment that is being sanitized. Inside the support cable 13 is the electrical wiring that is required for providing functionality to the UV device. Because of its inclusion within the support cable 13, the electrical wiring is also protects from mechanical damage and excessive wear.
- control box 1 may include all or some of the following: power supply, electronics for the UV light source(s), a controller and assorted electronics (circuit board) for measuring UV dose, a timer/clock for controlling the duration of a sterilization cycle, memory for storing pre-configured sterilization cycle(s), safety switch, user interface (see also, FIGS. 1-3, 20A-C).
- the UV device UV2K When suspended into a container, room, space or defined environment, the UV device UV2K is operatively attached to a bracket 21, as shown in FIG. 25.
- a UV device of the UV2K family comprises one or more reflectors 68, 78. Those reflectors may be referred to as first or upper reflector 68 and second or lower reflector 78. In some embodiments, a reflector is a parabolic reflector. Reflectors aid in distributing the UV light by directing it into angles where the UV light source itself has low remittance. One or more reflectors 68, 78 may be used, positioned close to the ends as shown in FIGS. 24-25.
- the one or more reflectors 68, 78 may be positioned elsewhere within the frame assembly, e.g., in the middle.
- the UV device depicted schematically in FIGS. 24-25 may comprise any additional component(s) described herein.
- a UV device preferably a UV light source, more preferably a germicidal UV light source, is introduced into a container, a room, space or defined environment.
- a container is exposed to UV radiation.
- a container accepts a UV light source for the purpose of sterilization of the interior of the container, including any and all objects, fluids, materials, and surfaces contained within the interior of the container.
- the objects, fluids, materials, and surfaces within the interior of the container are contained within the container temporarily. In other embodiments, they are contained within the container permanently.
- Containers include, but are not limited to a vat, a silo, a tub, a basket, a case, a box, a barrel, a storage bin, a barrel, a keg, a tank (e.g., a Porta tank), a container for biological fluids, a beverage container, and an aquarium.
- a container for biological fluid includes, but is not limited, to a container for blood, a container for blood products, a container for a fermentation product, a container for a cell culture product, or a container for a biotechnology product.
- a fermentation product is an alcoholic beverage.
- a fermentation product is wine.
- a beverage container includes, but is not limited, to a beverage container for water, milk, coffee, tea, juice, an alcoholic beverage, or a carbonated beverage.
- An alcoholic beverage includes, but is not limited to beer, wine, gin, vodka, or whisky.
- a preferred alcoholic beverage is wine.
- a preferred container is a container for the fermentation of wine.
- a container also includes any container for storing, transporting or selling a dairy product, a liquid dairy, a liquid dairy composition or a dry dairy composition.
- a "liquid dairy composition” is any source of milk or milk ingredient. In exemplary embodiments, the milk is from sheep, goats, or cows.
- Liquid dairy compositions include without limitations, for example, liquid milk, liquid skim milk, liquid non-fat milk, liquid low fat milk, liquid whole milk, liquid half & half, liquid light cream, liquid light whipping cream, liquid heavy cream, liquid lactose free milk, liquid reduced lactose milk, liquid sodium free milk, liquid reduced sodium milk, liquid dairy fortified with nutrients, such as vitamins A, D, E, K, or calcium, liquid high protein dairy, liquid whey protein concentrate, liquid whey protein isolate, etc. Milk concentrates and milk protein concentrates are particularly contemplated liquid dairy compositions.
- milk concentrate means any liquid or dried dairy-based concentrate comprising milk, skim milk, or milk proteins.
- Dry dairy components include without limitation, for example, whole dry milk, non-fat dry milk, low fat milk powder, whole milk powder, dry whey solids, de- mineralized whey powders, individual whey protein, casein dairy powders, individual casein powders, anhydrous milk fat, dried cream, lactose free dairy powder, dry lactose derivatives, reduced sodium dairy powder, etc. Also included are calorie-free dairy, cholesterol free dairy, low calorie dairy, low cholesterol dairy, light dairy, etc. Also included are combinations of any of the above liquid or dry dairy components in any ratio.
- Containers of various sizes, shapes, heights, and diameters can be used in the methods of the present invention as long as they have at least one opening through which a UV device or a UV lamp can be introduced.
- a container (tank) capacity is selected from the group consisting of at least about 5,000 gallons, at least about 6,000 gallons, at least about 10,000 gallons, at least about 15,000 gallons, at least about 20,000 gallons, at least about 25,000 gallons, at least about 50,000 gallons, at least about 75,000 gallons, at least about 100,000 gallons, at least about 125,000 gallons, at least about 150,000 gallons, at least about 175,000 gallons, at least about 200,000 gallons, at least about 225,000 gallons, at least about 250,000 gallons, at least about 300,000 gallons, at least about 350,000 gallons, at least about 400,000 gallons, at least about 450,000 gallons, at least about 500,000 gallons.
- a container to be sanitized has a capacity of from about 100,000 gallons to about 500,000 gallons. In some embodiments, a container to be sanitized has a capacity of from about 200,000 gallons to about 500,000 gallons. In some embodiments, a container to be sanitized has a capacity of from about 300,000 gallons to about 500,000 gallons. Individual tank capacities are described in detail in the Examples.
- Containers of various refractive indexes can be used in the methods of the present invention.
- the interior surface of a container is UV reflective.
- the interior surface of a container is stainless steel.
- a container for use in a method of the present invention is a closed container with one or more openings at the top (e.g., see FIGS. 23 and 25), at a side wall (e.g., see FIGS. 8-11 and 15), or at the bottom part of a side wall (e.g., see FIGS. 8-11 and 15).
- this opening is referred to as manhole and is shown in, e.g., FIGS 8-11, 15, 23 and 25.
- the manhole or port 48 provides access to the container 49 from the top of the container 49 and further allows, e.g., for the attachment of various pressure washing devices.
- the manhole or port 48 also allows the positioning of a UV device for practicing a method of the invention. As shown in FIGS. 8-11, 15, 23, and 25, part of the UV device rests at or on top of the manhole or port 48 when the UV device is used for the UV sterilization of the container 49..
- a means for attaching the UV device to a container 49 attaches the UV device to the manhole or port 48. This attachment is typically done using a hanger or a mounting bracket 21 (FIGS. 8-11, 15, 23, and 25).
- the means for attaching the UV device to a container attaches the UV device to an opening at a side of a container. This attachment is typically done using a hanger, more specifically, using a mounting bracket 21 (e.g., see, FIGS. 8-11, 15).
- a container comprises a lid.
- a container comprises a hinged lid.
- the lid itself may have one or more openings through which a UV device or parts thereof (such as the UV light source) may be inserted inwardly into the container.
- a UV device or parts thereof such as the UV light source
- the lid is closed so to not expose a practitioner or any other person to the UV light. If a lid cannot be completely closed because, e.g., the attachment or placement of a UV device at an opening of the container, a protective shield can be used to prevent UV light from escaping the container.
- a container is a container used in zymurgy or the production of an alcoholic beverage.
- a UV device of the present invention may be used in any large scale commercial steel vessel involved in the fermentation and production of an alcoholic beverage.
- the term "alcoholic beverage” is used to include the alcoholic beverage prescribed in Liquor Tax Law Chapter 1, Section 2.
- a fermentation container may be of various size, shape, height, and can be used in a method of the present invention as long as it has at least one opening through which a UV device or UV lamp can be introduced.
- a fermentation container may be made of a variety of materials, including stainless steel, wood, plastic, concrete, a polymer, or glass.
- a preferred fermentation container is made of wood.
- a room, space or defined environment is exposed to UV radiation.
- a room, space or defined environment accepts a UV light source for the purpose of sterilization of the interior of the room, space or defined environment, including any and all objects, fluids, materials, and surfaces contained within the interior of the room, space or defined environment.
- the objects, fluids, materials, and surfaces within the interior of the room, space or defined environment are contained within the room, space or defined environment temporarily. In other embodiments, they are contained within the room, space, or defined environment permanently.
- a room, space or defined environment is not limited to an enclosed room having walls, a ceiling, a floor or other barriers, but rather includes spaces open to at least on side and any defined environment.
- a room, a space or defined environment is selected from the group consisting of a commercial kitchen, a medical facility, an acute care area, an operating room, a medical equipment storage cabinet, a clean room, a bathroom, a food production area, a nursery home, a trailer, a truck, a wagon, a rail car, an airplane, a boat, a grocery store display case, and a deli counter.
- Rooms, spaces or defined environments of various sizes, shapes, heights, and diameters can be used in the methods of the present invention as long as they have at least one opening through which a UV device or a UV light source can be introduced.
- a system comprises a UV device.
- a UV device may include one or more components as described herein, e.g., a germicidal UV light source, a detector, a housing, a range-finding device, a bracket, an optical component, a circuit board, a frame, an upper frame, a lower frame, a UV sensor, one or more hinges (pivots) and/or a motorized unit.
- a system comprises (i) a UV device as described herein and (ii) a container as described herein.
- the container of such a system is selected from the group consisting of a container for fermenting an alcoholic beverage, a container for storing or transporting a dairy product, a liquid dairy, a liquid dairy composition or a dry dairy composition; a container for water, milk, coffee, tea, juice, or a carbonated beverage; and a container for a biological fluid.
- the container of such a system comprises wood, plastic, concrete, a polymer, etched aluminum, foil aluminum, polished aluminum, chromium, glass, nickel, silver, stainless steel, tri-plated steel, water paint, white cotton, white oil paint, white paper, white porcelain, white wall plaster or a fabric.
- a system comprises (i) a UV device as herein and (ii) a room, space or defined environment as described herein.
- a system comprises (i) a UV device as described herein and (ii) a container, room, space or defined environment as described herein.
- a system comprises (i) a UV device as described herein and (ii) a control box 1 as described herein.
- a system comprises (i) a UV device as described herein and (ii) a case, as described herein.
- a system comprises (i) a UV device, and (ii) a case 7, wherein, the UV device, when not in use, resides within the case 7.
- the case 7 is attached to a control box 1.
- a lower surface of the case 7 is attached to an upper surface of the control box 1 so that the case 7 resides on top of the control box 1.
- cart wheels 12 may be attached to the control box 1.
- one or more handrails 8 may be attached to the control box 1.
- a system comprising (i) a UV device (residing in a case and operatively attached or attachable to a control box 1) and (ii) a case 7 is shown, e.g., in FIGS. 1- 3.
- a system comprising (i) a UV device (residing in a case and operatively attached or attachable to a control box 1), and a (ii) a case 7 may be strapped to a transportation rack 10.
- a system comprises (i) a UV device, (ii) a case 7, wherein, the UV device, when not in use, resides within the case 7, and (iii) a transportation rack 10.
- the transportation rack 10 is configured to accommodate the control box 1 and case 7 for transportation.
- a transportation rack comprises a plurality of fastening brackets 9.
- the fastening brackets 9 comprise an opening through which fastenings 11 can be guided through to allow fastening of the control box 1 and case 7 to the transportation rack 10.
- a system comprising a UV device (residing in a case), a case 7, a control box 1 and a transportation rack 10, is shown, e.g., in FIGS. 1 and 2.
- a system is for use in a method for ultraviolet (UV) sterilization of an interior surface of a container. In other embodiments of the present invention, a system is for use in a method for ultraviolet (UV) sterilization of a room, a space or a defined environment.
- UV ultraviolet
- a system is for use in a method for inhibiting the growth of one or more species of microorganisms present in a container, preferably for inhibiting the growth of one or more species of microorganisms present on an interior surface of a container.
- a system is for use in a method for inhibiting the growth of one or more species of microorganisms present in a room, a space or a defined environment, preferably for inhibiting the growth of one or more species of microorganisms present on an interior surface of a room, a space or a defined environment.
- a method of using a UV device is a method for ultraviolet (UV) sterilization of an interior surface of a container, a room, space or defined environment.
- the method for UV sterilization of an interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment comprises the steps of movably and inwardly inserting through an opening of the container, room, space or defined environment a germicidal UV light source of a UV device of the present invention and activating the germicidal UV light source.
- the method for UV sterilization of an interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment further comprises the step of providing a container, room, space or defined environment having an opening through which a UV light source can be inserted.
- the method for UV sterilization of an interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment further comprises the step of moving the germicidal UV light source to a first vertical position within the container, room, space or defined environment.
- the method further comprises the step of moving the germicidal UV light source from the first vertical position to a second vertical position within the container, room, space or defined environment.
- the movement is downwardly, however, depending on the UV device employed for practicing a method, the movement can also be upwardly into a first vertical position and then into a second vertical position.
- UV devices UV6K and UV2K are preferably descended from the top of a container into a first vertical position and then second vertical position, they can also be pulled upwardly into a first and a second vertical position.
- the method for UV sterilization of an interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment further comprises the step of moving the germicidal UV light source to a first horizontal position within the container, room, space or defined environment. In some embodiments, as described herein, the method further comprises the step of moving the germicidal UV light source from the first horizontal position to a second horizontal position within the container, room, space or defined environment.
- the method further comprises the step of moving the germicidal UV light source from a horizontal position to a vertical position within the container, room, space or defined environment. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of moving the germicidal UV light source from a vertical position to a horizontal position within the container, room, space or defined environment.
- the method for UV sterilization of an interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment comprises the step of positioning a UV device on a bottom surface of a container, room, space or defined environment.
- the method for UV sterilization of an interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment further comprises the step of moving a UV device on a bottom surface of a container, room, space or defined environment from a first position to a second position.
- the method further comprises the step of attaching a UV device comprising the germicidal UV light source to the container, room, space or defined environment.
- the attachment is at an opening at the container, room, space or defined environment.
- An opening at a container, room, space or defined environment can be on top of the container, room, space or defined environment, at a side wall of the container, room, space or defined environment or at a bottom part of a side wall of the container, room, space or defined environment.
- the method further comprises the step of movably positioning a UV device comprising the germicidal UV light source in a container, room, space or defined environment.
- movably positioning a UV device in a container, room, space or defined environment comprises moving a UV device trough an opening into the container, room, space or defined environment.
- An opening at a container, room, space or defined environment can be on top of the container, room, space or defined environment at a side wall of the container, room, space or defined environment or at a bottom part of a side wall of the container, room, space or defined environment.
- the positioning of the UV device within the container, room, space or defined environment may be on the floor of the container, room, space or defined environment.
- a method of using a UV device is a method for inhibiting the growth of one or more microorganisms present on an interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment.
- the method for inhibiting the growth of one or more microorganisms present on an interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment comprises the steps of movably and inwardly inserting through the opening of a container, room, space or defined environment a germicidal UV light source and activating the germicidal UV light.
- the method for inhibiting the growth of one or more microorganisms present on an interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment further comprises the step of providing a container, room, space or defined environment having an opening through which the UV light source can be inserted.
- the method for inhibiting the growth of one or more microorganisms present on an interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment further comprises the step of moving the germicidal UV light source to a certain position within the container, room, space or defined environment.
- movements and positioning of a UV light source have been described supra and can also be used in the method for inhibiting the growth of one or more microorganisms present on an interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment.
- methods of attaching a UV device to a container, room, space or defined environment, as described supra can be used in those methods.
- a method for UV sterilization of an interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment comprises the step of providing a container, room, space or defined environment having an opening.
- a method for inhibiting the growth of one or more microorganisms present on an interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment comprises the step of providing a container, room, space or defined environment having an opening.
- Containers, rooms, spaces or defined environments useful for practicing methods of the present invention are described herein.
- a method of the present invention comprises the step of attaching a UV device to a container, room, space or defined environment. Attaching a UV device temporarily, for a prolonged time, or permanently to a container, room, space or defined environment is described herein.
- An exemplary embodiment of attaching a UV device to an opening at a side wall of a container is shown in FIGS. 11, 23 and 25. Thereby, a UV device is attached firmly and temporarily, e.g., for the duration of a sanitization cycle positioned to an opening of the container and is restricted from moving.
- a method of the present invention comprises the step of movably and inwardly inserting a germicidal UV light source through an opening of a container, room, space or defined environment.
- the opening of the container, room, space or defined environment may be on top of the container, room, space or defined environment ⁇ e.g., FIGS. 23 and 25).
- an opening of the container, room, space or defined environment may also be at the bottom of a container, room, space or defined environment or at a side of a container, room, space or defined environment (e.g., FIGS. 8-1 1).
- a UV light source can be movably and inwardly inserted into a container, room, space or defined environment through an opening on the top of the container, room, space or defined
- a UV light source once movably an inwardly inserted into a container, room, space or defined environment can be moved to any desired or predetermined position within the container, room, space or defined environment.
- a UV light source once movably an inwardly inserted into a container, room, space or defined environment can be moved to any desired or predetermined position within the container, room, space or defined environment.
- One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the methods described herein for positioning a UV light source within a container, room, space or defined environment can be easily modified to account for the point of where the UV light source is being movably inserted into a container, room, space or defined environment. Those would be considered design choices in view of the disclosure provided herewith.
- UV light source once the UV light source is movably and inwardly inserted into a container, room, space or defined environment, it remains in a stationary position for the time of the sterilization process. In some other embodiments, once the UV light source is movably and inwardly inserted into a container, room, space or defined environment, it is mobile. In some embodiments, a UV light source moves longitudinally within the container, room, space or defined environment. In some embodiments, a UV light source moves laterally. In some embodiments, a UV light source rotates on its own axis or about an axis.
- a combination of movements of some or all movements is used to achieve the desired result of positioning a UV light source at a desired or predetermined position within a container, room, space or defined environment.
- the movement of a UV light source can be achieved through use of a motorized unit, use of a hydraulic system, manually, or a combination thereof.
- Mobility of the UV light source may depend on the size and shape of the container, room, space or defined environment and on the size, shape, and intensity of the UV lamp(s).
- the use of a mobile UV light source will depend on the desired sterilization rate. If, for example, a faster rate is desired, the UV light source preferably is positioned closer to the inner surface of the container, room, space or defined environment to be sterilized. Thus, in this embodiment, a means by which the UV light source is positioned in closer proximity to the inner surface is recommended. Similarly, in some embodiments, the positioning of the UV light source is altered to avoid an obstruction, such as an internally mounted thermometer or the like. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, the longitudinal movement of a UV light source depends on the height of the vessel.
- the lateral movement of a UV light source depends on the diameter of the container.
- the rate of rotation will depend on the type of UV lamp used (continuous UVC vs. pulsed UV) and on the intensity of the UV lamp.
- a method of the present invention comprises the step of activating a germicidal UV light source. Thereby a necessary or predetermined dose of radiation will be delivered. Activating of the UV light source initiates the process of sterilization, disinfection and growth inhibition of the one or more microorganisms by providing a UV dose for effective sterilization of microorganisms, disinfection of the interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment and for the growth inhibition of the one or more
- a method of the present invention comprises the step of manually activating a germicidal UV light source.
- a UV device comprises an on/off/reset switch for manually activating the germicidal UV light source.
- a UV light source is connected to an external control box 1 comprising an on/off/reset switch 3 for manually activating the germicidal UV light source.
- a UV device comprises an interface for activating the UV device, for inactivating the UV device, for making a user aware of the time elapsed in a sterilization cycle and/or making a user aware of the time remaining for completion of a sterilization cycle.
- Some interface function may be operatively connected to a visual or audible alert or to an email notification, telephonic contacting or texting.
- a UV device is operatively connected to an external control box 1 comprising a touchscreen interface 5 adapted to provide input for functionalities as described herein.
- activation of the UV light source occurs at a predetermined time and may be controlled by an RFID communicating with a circuit board attached to the UV device.
- activation of the UV light source occurs for a predetermined time required to deliver a predetermined UV dose/UV intensity.
- the duration of the activation of the UV light source is provided for delivering a UV dose/UV intensity to cause an at least about 1 log reduction of microorganisms on the interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment, an at least about 2 log reduction of one or more microorganisms on the interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment, an at least about 3 log reduction of one or more microorganisms on the interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment, an at least about 4 log reduction of one or more microorganisms on the interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment, an at least about 5 log reduction of one or more microorganisms on the interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment, or an at least about 6 log reduction of one or more microorganisms on the interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment.
- UV light dose is measured by a UV sensor 17, as described herein. Data measured by the UV sensor are relayed to the control box 1 and may be shown on the touchscreen interface 5.
- the UV light source may be deactivated.
- deactivation is performed by a timer, which can be set to different times depending on the desired log reduction of the desired microorganisms (see calculations of killing rates in Example B).
- Deactivation can also be performed by a UV detector (or UV sensor 17), which will automatically shut off the UV lamp(s) when the desired UV intensity has been attained and measured.
- deactivation may also be controlled by a RFID.
- deactivation upon completing a sterilization cycle, is controlled by a circuit board attached to the UV device or by a circuit board residing in an external control box 1.
- the desired UV intensity will depend on the desired log reduction of the desired microorganisms. For example, using a UV lamp with an output of 190 micro watts/cm 2 at 254 nm (at a distance of 1 meter), placed within a
- the method for UV sterilization of an interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment comprises the step deactivating a germicidal UV light source.
- deactivation may occur automatically by using a preset UV detector.
- deactivation is performed manually.
- a UV device comprises an on/off/reset switch for manually deactivating the germicidal UV light source.
- a UV light source is connected to an external control box 1 comprising an on/off/reset switch 3 for manually deactivating the germicidal UV light source.
- the process of sterilizing the interior of a container, room, space or defined environment comprises the step of subjecting the interior of the container, room, space or defined environment to UV radiation.
- the interior surface of the container is exposed multiple times to UV radiation.
- Short-wave UV light is harmful to humans.
- UV light can produce extremely painful inflammation of the cornea of the eye, which may lead to temporary or permanent vision impairment. It can also damage the retina of the eye. For this reason, the light produced by a germicidal UV lamp must be carefully shielded against both direct viewing and reflections and dispersed light that might be viewed.
- the methods of sterilization a container, room, space or defined environment and methods for inhibiting the growth of one or more microorganisms present on an interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment comprise the step of covering the opening of the container through which the germicidal UV light source has been inserted with a lid, top, or cover.
- the lid, top or cover essentially does not allow the UV light to penetrate and thus, protects humans from the harmful UV light.
- a method of the present invention comprises the step of releasing a germicidal UV light source from a housing.
- a germicidal UV light source e.g., a UV lamp
- the releasing of the germicidal UV light source from the housing is accomplished by a motorized unit.
- the motorized unit may be operatively connected to a rope, cable or wire 22, which is connected to a UV lamp 16 and thus, can move the UV lamp 16 in an downward direction for use and moves the UV lamp 16 in an upward direction after use.
- the UV lamp 15 is moved in an upwardly direction for use and in a downwardly direction after use.
- releasing a germicidal UV light source from a housing is only necessary in the methods of the present invention, wherein the housing is not UV light permissible, i.e., wherein the housing is made of a material which does not allow UV light to penetrate through.
- the UV light source resides within a housing made of a material that permits UV light to pass through.
- the UV light source of such UV devices does not need to be released from its housing for use in a method of the present invention.
- members of the UVT-4, UV6K and UV2K families of UV devices comprise a housing made of a material allowing UV light to pass through even when the housing fully encases the UV light source.
- a method of the present invention comprises the step of placing a UV device comprising a bracket 21 to which the germicidal UV light source is operatively attached on the upper perimeter of a container 49.
- the UV device comprising the UV light source is firmly positioned on the upper perimeter of the container 49 is restricted from moving downwards due to the bracket 21.
- An exemplary placing of a bracket 21 to which the germicidal UV light source is operatively attached on the upper perimeter of a container is shown in FIGS. 23 and 25. While the bracket 21 is firmly placed on the upper perimeter of a container, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 25 other parts of the UV device can be moved downwards into the container 49.
- Other UV devices such as members of the UVT-4 family can be operatively attached to an opening at a side wall of a container 49 via a bracket 21 (e.g., FIGS. 8-1 1)
- a method of the present invention comprises the step of movably and inwardly inserting through an opening of a container, into a room, space or defined environment a second germicidal UV light source.
- the second germicidal UV light source can be inserted similarly as the first germicidal light source or differently. Insertion of the second germicidal UV light source can be simultaneously with insertion of the first germicidal light source or subsequently.
- both germicidal UV light sources are inserted simultaneously into the container, room, space or defined environment.
- the second germicidal light source differs from the first germicidal light source in dimension and/or intensity.
- a method of the present invention comprises the step of moving a germicidal UV light source to a first vertical position within a container, a room, space or defined environment. Moving a germicidal UV light source to a first vertical position within a container, a room or a defined environment is described herein.
- a method of the present invention comprises the step of moving a germicidal UV light source from a first vertical position to a second vertical position within a container, a room, space or defined environment.
- moving a germicidal UV light source from a first vertical position to a second vertical position within a container, a room, space or defined environment comprises moving the UV device either downwards or upwards into the second vertical position.
- moving a germicidal UV light source from a first vertical position to a second vertical position within a container, a room, space or defined environment comprises moving the UV light source in increments of inches or centimeters between the first vertical position and the second vertical position. Such movement can be terminated at any desired vertical position between the first vertical position and the second vertical position.
- UV light source Moving a germicidal UV light source from a first vertical position to a a second vertical position within a container, a room, space or defined environment is described herein.
- the UV light source maybe in operation, i.e., turned on.
- the UV light source may not be in operation, i.e., turned off.
- a method of the present invention comprises the step of moving a germicidal UV light source from a first vertical position to a horizontal position within a container, a room, space or defined environment.
- moving a germicidal UV light source from a first vertical position to a horizontal position within a container, a room, space or defined environment comprises moving the UV device through angular positions between the first vertical position and the horizontal position. Such movement can be terminated at any desired angular position between the first vertical position and the horizontal position. Moving a germicidal UV light source from a first vertical position to a horizontal position within a container, a room, space or defined environment is described herein.
- the UV light source maybe in operation, i.e., turned on. Alternatively, during the movement, the UV light source may not be in operation, i.e., turned off. K. Moving A Germicidal UV Light Source From a Horizontal Position To A Vertical Position Within A Container, Room, Space Or Defined
- a method of the present invention comprises the step of moving a germicidal UV light source from a horizontal position within a container, a room, space or defined environment to a vertical position within a container, a room, space or defined environment.
- moving a germicidal UV light source from a horizontal position to a vertical position within a container, a room, space defined environment comprises moving the UV light source through angular positions between the horizontal position and the vertical position. Such movement can be terminated at any desired angular position between the horizontal position and the vertical position.
- UV light source Moving a germicidal UV light source from a horizontal position within a container, a room, space or defined environment to a vertical position within a container, a room, space defined environment is described herein.
- the UV light source maybe in operation, i.e., turned on.
- the UV light source may not be in operation, i.e., turned off.
- a method of the present invention comprises the step of moving a germicidal UV light source from a first horizontal position within a container, a room, space or defined environment to a second horizontal position within the container, room, space or defined environment.
- moving a germicidal UV light source from a first horizontal position to a second horizontal position within a container, a room, space or a defined environment comprises moving the UV light source in increments of inches or centimeters between the first horizontal position and the second horizontal position. Such movement can be terminated at any desired position between the first horizontal position and the second horizontal position.
- UV light source Moving a germicidal UV light source from a first horizontal position within a container to a second horizontal position within a container is described herein.
- the UV light source maybe in operation, i.e., turned on.
- the UV light source may not be in operation, i.e., turned off.
- members of the UVT-4 family of UV devices are particular useful for sanitizing large containers, large rooms, large spaces and large defined environments.
- UV devices have been used to sterilize tanks having a capacity ranging from about 5,000 gallons to more than 200,000 gallons, ranging in diameters from several yards or meters to more than about ten yards or ten meters.
- an extension tool is provided (FIG. 14).
- an extension tool comprises an extension rod 56, which can be of varying length.
- the extension rod 56 is extendable by itself and the length of extension is locked in by a fastening mechanism.
- the extension tool comprises a base plate 55, having a front side and a back side (FIG. 14).
- an extension tool further comprises a top plate 54 having an upper side and a lower side (FIG. 14). In some embodiments of an extension tool, the top plate 54 is attached to the base plate 55 in a perpendicular orientation. Other attachments are within the art.
- FIG. 15 shows an exemplary attachment of an extension tool to a UV device of the UVT-4 family of UV devices.
- the extension tool is connected to a means for attaching the UV device to an opening of a container, to a fixture in a room, space or defined environment.
- the extension tool is connected to a mounting bracket 21 attached to the UV device.
- the mounting bracket 21 is configured to operatively attach the UV device to an opening 48 of e.g., a container 49, and is further configured to operatively connect with the extension tool.
- the top plate 54 of the extension tool is attached to the mounting bracket 21 and fastened to it by the bracket tightening knob 26. As further shown in FIG.
- the UV device is then positioned on the bottom of the large container 49 at a first horizontal position.
- the second horizontal position is in the middle of the container, room, space or defined environment.
- a germicidal UV light source is used to inhibit the growth of a microorganism or inhibit the growth of one or more microorganisms.
- the terms "inhibiting the growth of microorganisms,” “growth arresting microorganisms,” “reducing microorganisms,” “killing microorganisms,” or grammatically equivalents are used interchangeably herein.
- a microorganism is a yeast species.
- yeast species that are typically found in a fermentation container, and more specifically on an interior surface of a fermentation container.
- Yeast species that have been investigated for wine and beer production include those from the Candida, Kloeckera, Hanseniaspora, Zygosaccharomyces, Schizosaccharomyces, Torulaspora, Brettanomyces, Pichia, Hansenula, Metschnikowia, Torulespora, Debaryomyces,
- Saccharrmycodes (species ludwigii), and Williopsis genera.
- Cultured yeast species include Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces bay anus.
- the growth of non-Saccharomyces yeast in wine production is also being investigated and can be inhibited.
- 17,600 ⁇ / ⁇ 2 is necessary for a 2 log killing of Sacchahhmycodes and 6,600 ⁇ / ⁇ 2 for a 2 log killing of Brewer's yeast.
- UV intensities required for sterilization for unknown microorganism species can be determined by one of skill in the art using methods known in the art and described herein, including the algorithm provided herein.
- microorganisms found in a container, a room, space or defined environment are pathogenic.
- a microorganism is a pathogenic microorganism.
- microorganisms include, but are not limited to, Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium diphtheria, Salmonella paratyphi (causing enteric fever), Salmonella typhosa (causing typhoid fever), Shigella dysenteriae (causing dysentery), Shigella flexerni (causing dysentery), Staphylococcus albus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus hemolyticus, Streptococcus lactis, Streptococcus viridians and Vibrio comma (causing cholera).
- Escherichia coli Corynebacterium diphtheria
- Salmonella paratyphi causing enteric fever
- Salmonella typhosa causing typhoid fever
- Shigella dysenteriae causing dysentery
- Shigella flexerni causing dysentery
- Staphylococcus albus Staphylococcus aureus
- microorganism using a method of the present invention.
- microorganisms found in a fermentation container are detrimental in the production of a fermented beverage.
- Those microorganisms include, but are not limited to, Brettanomyces (Dekkera), lactic acid bacteria, Pediococcus, Lactobacillus, and Oenococcus.
- Brettanomyces species include B. abstinens, B. anomalus, B. bruxellensis, B. claussenii, B. custersianus, B. custersii, B.
- Brettanomyces meaning it can sporulate
- microorganisms may also be found in a room, space, or defined
- Bacteria genus include, but are not limited to,
- Acetobacter, Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, and Leuconostoc include, e.g., A. aceti, A. hansennii, A. liquefaciens, and A. pasteurienus.
- Lactobacillus species (ML bacteria, spoilage) include, e.g., L. fructivorans and others.
- Pediococcus species (ML bacteria, spoilage) include, e.g., P. damnosus and others.
- Leuconostoc species (ML bacteria) include, e.g., L. o and others. Those microorganisms may also be found in a room, space, or defined environment. Thus, in some embodiments, it is particularly desirable to inhibit the growth of a bacterial microorganism using a method of the present invention.
- the duration of sterilization i.e., the time of activating a UV light source and applying the calculated UV dosage/UV intensity, determines the percentage of how many microorganisms are growth arrested or killed.
- the duration of a sterilization cycle is based on the power output of the UV lamp and the distance of the UV light source from the walls and surfaces of the container, room, space or defined environment to be sterilized.
- an algorithm is used (and hence, the duration of sterilization is performed for a time) to ensure that at least 90% of the microorganisms present on the surface of a container, room, space or defined environment are growth arrested or killed.
- a 90% growth arrest of microorganisms corresponds to a 1 log reduction.
- an algorithm is used (and hence, the duration of sterilization is performed for a time) to ensure that at least 99% of the microorganisms present on the surface of a container, room, space or defined environment are growth arrested or killed.
- a 99% growth arrest of microorganisms corresponds to a 2 log reduction.
- an algorithm is used (and hence, the duration of sterilization is performed for a time) to ensure that at least 99.9% of the microorganisms present on the surface of a container, room, space or defined environment are growth arrested or killed.
- a 99.9% growth arrest of microorganisms corresponds to a 3 log reduction.
- an algorithm is used (and hence, the duration of sterilization is performed for a time) to ensure that at least 99.99% of the microorganisms present on the surface of a container, room, space or defined environment are growth arrested or killed.
- a 99.99% growth arrest of microorganisms corresponds to a 4 log reduction.
- an algorithm is used (and hence, the duration of sterilization is performed for a time) to ensure that at least 99.999% of the microorganisms present on the surface of a container, room, space or defined environment are growth arrested or killed.
- a 99.999% growth arrest of microorganisms corresponds to a 5 log reduction.
- an algorithm is used (and hence, the duration of sterilization is performed for a time) to ensure that at least 99.9999%) of the microorganisms present on the surface of a container, room, space or defined environment are growth arrested or killed.
- a 99.9999% growth arrest of microorganisms corresponds to a 6 log reduction.
- Examples 6 and 7 provide useful guidance for establishing an algorithm for sanitization of various containers.
- Examples 10 and 11 provide exemplary comparative studies of sanitization using a UV device of the present invention and other sanitization methods.
- Microbial concentration on interior surfaces of containers, rooms, spaces or defined environments may be assessed before and after performing a method of the present invention, such as the UV disinfection and UV sterilization methods described herein.
- a lower microbial concentration on interior surfaces of a container, room, space or defined environment after having performed a method of the present invention, e.g., performing a UV disinfection or UV sterilization method evidences the effectiveness of the method used.
- Methods for assessing microbial concentration are known in the art. Exemplary methods are described herein.
- a UV device preferably a UV light source, more preferably a germicidal UV light source, is used to sanitize a room, a space or a defined environment.
- a UV light source preferably a germicidal UV light source
- Some aspects of sanitization of a room, space or defined environment have been described above already. Some specific aspects of sanitization of a room, space or defined environment are set forth below.
- a room, a space or defined environment is selected from the group consisting of a commercial kitchen, a medical facility, an acute care area, an operating room, a medical equipment storage cabinet, a clean room, a bathroom, a food production area, a nursery home, a trailer, a truck, a wagon, a rail car, an airplane, a boat, a grocery store display case, and a deli counter.
- the present invention provides methods for sanitization (UV sterilization) of a room, space or defined environment.
- the method comprises the step of providing a room, space or defined environment in need of sanitization and exposing the room, space or defined environment to ultraviolet (UV) sterilization using a UV device described herein.
- the method comprises the step of selecting a room, a space or a defined environment in need of sanitization and exposing the room, the space or the defined environment to ultraviolet (UV) sterilization using a UV device.
- UV devices e.g., UV devices of the UVT-4, UV6K and UV2K families are described herein.
- Objects or structures to which a UV device can be attached include, but are not limited to, a conveyer belt, a hood, a cabinet, a display case, etc.
- a UV device can also be superimposed over or attached to a preexisting light fixture.
- Some embodiments of the method for sanitizing a room, space or defined environment comprise the step of moving a UV light source from a first position to a second position, as described herein. [00480] Some embodiments of the method for sanitizing a room, space or defined environment comprise the step of activating the UV light source.
- a portable UV device is used.
- an RFID tag is mounted to a doorway of a room, space or defined environment intended to be sanitized.
- an RFID tag reader is mounted to the UV device, such that when the UV device is brought into the room, space or defined environment, the tag is read.
- Information on the tag includes, but is not limited to, dimension and type of the room, space or defined environment, and a desired log reduction. This information is uploaded into the UV device and a sanitization cycle is preprogrammed.
- a room, space or defined environment is exposed to UV radiation. It is to be understood that the invention can be applied to any defined environment.
- an environment may be defined by solid surfaces or barriers, such as a wall or product packaging.
- a room, a space or a defined environment accepts a UV light source for the purpose of sterilization of a wall, a ceiling or a floor, including any and all objects, fluids, materials, and surfaces contained within the room, space or defined environment.
- the objects, fluids, materials, and surfaces within the room, space or defined environment are contained within the room, space or defined environment temporarily. In other embodiments, they are contained within the room, space or defined environment permanently.
- the present invention provides for the sanitization of a variety of rooms, spaces or defined environments.
- Rooms, spaces or defined environments include, but are not limited to a commercial kitchen, an operating room, a clean room (ISO 1 - ISO 9), a food production area, a nursery home.
- An exemplary application of a UV device described herein would be for sanitizing a sensitive area of a medical facility, such as an acute care area or an operating room.
- Other areas in a medical facility that can be sanitized using a UV device described herein include a waiting room, a bathroom, and a medical equipment storage cabinet.
- a UV device described herein may also be configured into a food processing equipment so that food is treated as it moves through the equipment, for example on a conveyor belt, automatic cutters and slicers and inspection areas. The product may be tumbled to promote uniform treatment.
- the UV device may also be configured to be placed in containers, trailers, cars, trucks, rail cars, airplanes or as a component to a refrigeration system of such containers, trailers, cars, trucks, rail cars and airplanes to sanitize the air therein while providing the beneficial preservative effects of ozone to any products stored therein.
- UV device described herein include the provision or incorporation of the UV device into grocery store display cases, such as deli counters and meat, fish and poultry display cases and floral display cases, both refrigerated and non- refrigerated.
- Still other examples of areas that can be sanitized with a UV device described herein include parcels, packages, and envelopes, also when moving on a conveyor belt.
- the parcels, packages, and envelopes may be tumbled or turned to promote uniform treatment.
- a UV device described herein may be configured for general room sanitization, space sanitization or defined environment sanitization applications wherein the UV device, or components thereof, may be placed on a moving part, either permanently or temporarily during the sanitization procedure.
- a moving part comprises a motorized unit.
- a moving part comprises a railing system to which a UV device is movably and operatively attached, either temporarily or permanently. The railing system then determines the movement of the UV light source within the room, space or defined environment.
- a railing system is attached to a ceiling of the room, space or defined environment.
- a UV device when used for sanitization of a room, space or defined environment, the UV device comprises a range finding device to determine the size of the room, space or defined environment to be sanitized. The range-finder then provides information to preprogram an effective sanitization cycle.
- a multi bulb UV cluster when used for sanitization of a room, space or defined environment, a multi bulb UV cluster extends from the ceiling of a room, space or defined environment with the UV light sources extending at varying angles to optimize coverage and UV exposure of the room, space or defined environment.
- a multi lamp UV cluster when used for sanitization of a room, space or defined environment, extends from the ceiling of a room, space or defined environment with individual UV light sources extending downwards independently at varying angles.
- the UV lamp cluster and an optional housing are permanently and operatively attached to either a wall, a floor, or a ceiling of the room, space or defined environment.
- the UV lamp cluster when used for sanitization of a room, space or defined environment, is operatively attached via a fixture to the ceiling of the room, space or defined environment.
- the fixture may be permanently attached and the UV bulb cluster and housing may be removable.
- a UV device when used for sanitization of a room, space or defined environment, the dimensions of the room, space or defined environment are
- UV intensity /UV dosage timing of sanitization
- a UV device when used for sanitization of a room, space or defined environment, the UV device is operatively linked to a motion detector. This may be helpful to ensure people and/or animals are absent from the room, space or defined environment prior to the beginning of the sanitization cycle. It will also be helpful for shutting off and deactivating the UV sterilization process if a person enters a room, space or defined environment while a UV sterilization process is in process.
- multiple UV lamp clusters are spread throughout the room, space or defined environment.
- the positioning of the UV lamps and angles are accounted for and this information is programmed into an algorithm allowing the timing of sanitization to be optimized and the minimal necessary UV intensity /UV dosage required for sanitation to be reached while minimizing power use.
- Preferred is an approximately 3 log reduction of microorganism or more, determined as described herein.
- the positioning of the UV light sources and angles can also be communicated via wireless technology.
- a rangefinder analyzes the shape and dimension of the room, space or defined environment and inputs that information into an algorithm allowing the timing of sanitization to be optimized and the minimal necessary UV dose required for sanitation to be reached while minimizing power use.
- Preferred is an approximately 3 log reduction of microorganisms or more, determined as described herein.
- the UV light source when used for sanitization of a room, space or defined environment, is operatively attached to the bottom of a robot having wheels and follows programming allowing it to both perform an effective moving pattern on the floor covering desired areas.
- the robot may also have an object and wall avoiding programming and technology.
- the robot may move at a speed allowing an effective UV intensity /UV dosage required for sanitization to be reached while minimizing power use. Preferred is an effective UV intensity /UV dosage required for sanitization to be reached while minimizing power use.
- the UV light source is attached to the bottom of a robot crawler that uses suction allowing it to crawl vertically on walls and horizontally on ceilings of a room, space or environment.
- the robot crawler may follow programming allowing it to perform an effective pattern on the wall and ceiling covering desired areas.
- the robot crawler may move at a speed allowing an effective UV intensity /UV dosage required for sanitization to be reached while minimizing power use. Preferred is an approximately 3 log reduction of microorganisms or more, determined as described herein.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the steps of attaching at least one first germicidal UV light source to an upper frame, attaching at least one second germicidal UV light source 16 to a lower frame 23, and attaching a first hinge 38 to the lower frame 23 and to the upper frame thereby connecting the lower frame 23 to the upper frame so that the upper frame can move in a position ranging from about 0 degree to about 90 degrees with respect to the position of the lower frame 23.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of attaching the first hinge 38 to the lower frame 23 and to the upper frame using fasteners 47 so that fasteners 47 movably connect the upper frame to the lower frame 23 wherein the upper frame is capable of swinging into an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame 23.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of attaching a means for controlling or facilitating movement of the upper frame into a position ranging from about 0 degree to about 90 degrees with respect to the position of the lower frame 23.
- a means for controlling or facilitating movement of the upper frame into a position ranging from about 0 degree to about 90 degrees with respect to the position of the lower frame 23 and individual components thereof for attaching are described herein.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of surrounding a first germicidal UV light source 16 with a UV light permissible housing 15.
- Suitable housings 15 are described herein.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of surrounding a second germicidal UV light source 16 with a UV light permissible housing 15. Suitable housings 15 are described herein.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of attaching to the lower frame 23 a means for operatively attaching the UV device to an opening 48 of a container 49, to a fixture in a room, or to a fixture in or at a space or defined
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a bracket tightening knob 26 to the means for attaching the UV device to an opening 48 of a container 49, to a fixture in a room, space or defined environment.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a first rope post 27 to the means for attaching the UV device to an opening 48 of a container 49, to a fixture in a room, or defined environment.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a second rope post 28 to the means for attaching the UV device to an opening 48 of a container 49, to a fixture in a room, space or defined environment. In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a means for attaching the UV device to an opening 48 of a container 49, to a fixture in a room, space or defined environment to the lower frame 23 via a second hinge 34.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a first upper frame end 24 to the upper frame. Suitable non-limiting, examples of first upper frame ends 24 are described herein and shown in the figures.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a second upper frame end 29 to the upper frame. Suitable non-limiting examples of second upper frame ends 29 are described herein and shown in the figures.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a first lower frame end 25 to the lower frame 23.
- first lower frame ends 25 are described herein and shown in the figures.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a second lower frame end 30 to the lower frame 23. Suitable non-limiting examples of second lower frame ends 30 are described herein and shown in the figures. [00510] In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a UV sensor 17 to the upper frame.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a UV sensor 17 to the lower frame 23.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a plurality of protective rods 31 between the first upper frame end 24 and the second upper frame end 29.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a plurality of protective rods 31 between the first lower frame end 25 and the second lower frame end 30.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a plurality of cross connectors 32 to the upper frame so that the plurality of protective rods 31 penetrates same.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching an upper frame fixture clip 33 to the first lower frame end 25 so that the upper frame fixture clip 33 can engage with the first upper frame end 24 and prevents the upper frame from moving.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively running a cable 58 through a cable guide 61 of the first hinge 38 so that a first end of the cable 58 can engage with a first hook 59 of an extension spring 18 and so that the second end of cable 58 is fixed in a cable anchoring point 62 within the first hinge 38.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a cross connector 44 to lower frame 23
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a first side plate 42 to the cross connector 44.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a second side plate 43 to the cross connector 44.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a side plate spacer 41 between the first and second side plates 42, 43.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a stop post 39 to the first side plate 42 so that the stop post 39 prevents the upper frame of the UV device to move beyond a perpendicular/vertical position with respect to the lower frame 23 of the UV device.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a stop post 39 to the second side plate 43 so that the stop post 39 prevents the upper frame of the UV device to move beyond a perpendicular/vertical position with respect to the lower frame 23 of the UV device.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a second anchoring post 19 for an extension spring 18 to the lower frame 23.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a first hook 59 of an extension spring 18 to the first end of cable 58 to form a first anchoring post 46 for the extension spring 18.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a second hook 50 of an extension spring 18 to second anchoring post 19 for the extension spring 18.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a handle 51 to the second anchoring post 19.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of coating the lower side of the lower frame 23 with a plastic or teflon.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of drilling an aperture into the first upper frame end 24 so that it can serve as a rope anchoring point 52.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching UV lamp sockets 20 to a first germicidal UV light source and attaching the UV lamp sockets 20/first germicidal UV light source to openings in the first upper frame end 24 and in the second upper frame end 29 so that the first germicidal UV light source is positioned in between the first upper frame end 24 and the second upper frame end 29.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching UV lamp sockets 20 to a second germicidal UV light source 16 and operatively attaching the UV lamp sockets 20/second germicidal UV light source to openings in the first lower frame end 25 and in the second lower frame end 30 so that the second germicidal UV light source 16 is positioned in between the first lower frame end 25 and the second lower frame end 30.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a rope 13 to the UV light source 16 and thereby operatively connecting the UV light source 16 with a control box 1 and permitting movement of the UV device in a container, room, space or defined environment.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching one or more reflectors 68 or 78 to a frame of a UV device.
- a method of manufacturing a UV device comprises the step of operatively attaching a UV light source 16 to a frame having a plurality of openings.
- UV Dose UV Radiation
- Tables 1-5 Per algorithm provided herein and to determine the UV intensity (UV dosage) on a surface at various distances from a germicidal UV light source a user divides the radiant energy (shown in microwatts per square centimeter at one meter distance) by the intensity factor as shown in Table 9 below.
- UV-C lamps Steril-Aire
- Three identical UV lamps were placed in a mount and put in a spiral configuration with each UV lamp set at a 15 degrees angle.
- UV readings to measure the UV-C exposure at various time points were done using a General UV512C Digital UV-C Meter (radiometer). Table 10 below provides the actual UV readings recorded for each exposure time:
- Table 11 summarizes the results of the above experiment and provides the log reduction results based on calculations from Bacillus subtilis recovery from test coupon vs. positive control.
- a comparative efficacy trial on three different tank sanitation methods was conducted at a winery in St. Helena, CA.
- the objective of this comparative trial was to evaluate the sanitization efficacies of various sanitizers (Steam, Peracetic Acid (PAA), and Ultraviolet Light C (UVC)) on the reduction of wine and environmental microbe populations on interior surfaces of stainless steel production tanks.
- the trial was conducted on four different tanks.
- the methodology of the trial was as follows: (i) tanks were emptied of wine; (ii) pre-treatment microbiological swab samples were collected from the ceiling, wall, and floor of each tank; (iii) tanks underwent appropriate sanitation protocol; (iv) post-treatment microbiological swab samples were collected from ceiling, wall, and floor of each tank; (v) microbiological swab samples were processed at a microbiology laboratory; and (vi) the survivability, percent Colony Forming Units (CFU) reduction, and Logio reduction of microbe populations after treatment with the various sanitizers was determined and compared.
- CFU Colony Forming Units
- Tank 1 was rinsed with water and treated with steam.
- Tank 2 was cleaned with caustic, rinsed with water, treated with PAA, and rinsed with water.
- Tank G13 was rinsed with water and treated with UVC for 10 minutes (using Model UVT-4 ).
- Tank G12 was cleaned with caustic, rinsed with water, treated with PAA, and rinsed with water.
- FIGS. 30A-D The data set of this trial and results are shown in FIGS. 30A-D.
- the results in FIGS 30B-D show that all three sanitizing methods significantly reduced microbial loads on the ceiling, wall, and floor of tanks.
- the percent CFU reduction of microbial loads on the ceiling, wall, and floor was 81%, 94%, and 90%, respectively.
- the Logio reduction of microbial loads on the ceiling, wall, and floor was 0.7, 1.2, and 1.0, respectively.
- PAA was used as the sanitizer
- the percent CFU reduction of microbial loads on the ceiling, wall, and floor was 77%, 91%, and 99.5%, respectively, for trial #1.
- the percent CFU reduction on ceiling, wall, and floor was 85%, 90%, and 99%, respectively.
- the Logio reduction of microbial loads on the ceiling, wall, and floor was 0.6, 1.0, and 2.3, respectively, for trial #1.
- the Logio reduction on ceiling, wall, and floor was 0.8, 1.0, and 2.0, respectively.
- UVC UVT-4 Model
- the Logio reduction of microbial loads on the ceiling, wall, and floor was 1.2, 1.6, and 2.8, respectively.
- UVC UVC
- FIGS 30C and 30D a significant difference in reduction of microbe populations by UVC (UVT-4 Model) compared to the other sanitizing methods is indicated in grey shades.
- a comparison between steam and PAA showed the following with respect to reducing microbial loads: steam and PAA were approximately equivalent on the ceiling of tanks, steam was slightly more effective on the wall of tanks, and PAA was significantly more effective on the floor of tanks.
- UVC UVT-4 Model
- UVC is a superior sanitizer for interior of winery stainless steel tanks compared to steam and chemical sanitizers currently used in the wine industry.
- Example 4 Comparative Efficacy Trial Of Sanitization Using UVC (UVT- 4 Model) Versus Chlorine Dioxide On Reduction Of Microbial Populations On Stainless Steel Tanks
- a comparative efficacy trial on two different tank sanitization methods was conducted at a winery in Sonoma, CA.
- the objective of this comparative trial was to evaluate the sanitation efficacies of two different sanitizers on the reduction of wine and environmental microbe populations on interior surfaces of stainless steel production tanks.
- the trial was conducted on four different tanks with two of the tanks receiving treatment with UVC (UVT-4 Model) and two tanks receiving treatment with ozone (chlorine dioxide). Briefly, the methodology of the trial was as follows: (i) tanks were emptied of wine; (ii) pre-treatment microbiological swab samples were collected from the ceiling, wall, and floor of each tank; (iii) tanks underwent appropriate sanitation protocol; (iv) post-treatment microbiological swab samples were collected from ceiling, wall, and floor of each tank; (v) microbiological swab samples were processed at a microbiology laboratory (BevTrac Mobile Quality Systems LLC (BevTrac)); and the survivability, percent Colony Forming Units (CFU) reduction, and Logio reduction of microbe populations after treatment with sanitizers was determined and compared.
- UVC UVC
- ozone chlorine dioxide
- Negative Control tank not exposed to Saccharomyces inoculum and not cleaned or sanitized after study was initiated; (8) .
- Efficacy testing method Surface-based swab recovery method to detect microbial populations;
- (E) The tanks were exposed to the following treatment methods. Tanks were exposed to chlorine dioxide for 10 minutes and exposed to UVC for 12 minutes.
- Negative Control (Tank 61) - tank not exposed to Saccharomyces inoculum and not cleaned or sanitized.
- Positive Control (Tank 62) - tank contaminated with Saccharomyces, but not treated with cleaner or sanitizer.
- Short wide tank (Tank 63) treated with cleaner (270 Extra) and chlorine dioxide.
- Tall thin tank (Tank 67) treated with cleaner (270 Extra) and chlorine dioxide. (6).
- FIGS 31 A-I The data for this trial are shown in FIGS 31 A-I.
- the Negative Control tank (not exposed to yeast inoculum and not cleaned or sanitized after start of study) showed very low levels of microbial contamination both at the pre- treatment and the post-treatment sample collection times (FIG. 31 A). This demonstrates that the tanks were effectively sanitized prior to the study and that tanks very likely did not accumulate environmental microbe contamination during the course of the study.
- the Positive Control tank inoculated with yeast and not treated with cleaner or sanitizer displayed high levels of microbial contamination both at the pre- treatment and the post- treatment sample collection times (FIG. 31 A).
- FIG. 3 IB schematically depicts the effect of cleaning two short wide tanks (tanks 63 and 64) with 270 Extra and then sanitizing with either chlorine dioxide or UVC, respectively, on the survivability of microbial populations on ceiling, wall, and floor of each tank.
- Microbe survival is represented as Logio CFU.
- the microbe survival results for the Negative Control tank and Positive Control tank are shown in FIG. 3 IB.
- the results in FIGS 3 IB and 31C show that both sanitizing methods in combination with the cleaner significantly reduced microbial loads on the ceiling, wall, and floor of tanks. Both sanitizers helped to produce a >3 Logio reduction.
- the Logio reduction of microbial loads on the ceiling, wall, and floor after cleaning and chlorine dioxide sanitation were 3.6, 3.5 and 3.9, respectively.
- the Logio reduction of microbial loads on the ceiling, wall, and floor after cleaning and UVC sanitation were 3.0, 5.0, and 4.6, respectively.
- the cleaner and chlorine dioxide was more effective at reducing microbial load on ceiling of tank than the combination of cleaner and UVC.
- the cleaner and UVC produced a significantly higher reduction of microbe load on the wall and floor compared to use of cleaner and chlorine dioxide.
- FIG. 31C a significant difference in reduction of microbe populations by cleaner/chlorine dioxide or cleaner/UVC is indicated in grey shades.
- FIG. 3 ID schematically depicts the effect of cleaning two tall thin tanks (tanks 67 and 68) with 270 Extra and then sanitizing with either chlorine dioxide or UVC, respectively, on the survivability of microbial populations on ceiling, wall, and floor of each tank.
- Microbe survival is represented as Logio CFU.
- the microbe survival results for the Negative Control tank and Positive Control tank are shown in FIG. 3 ID.
- the results in FIGS. 3 ID and 3 IE show that both sanitizing methods in combination with the cleaner significantly reduced microbial loads on the ceiling, wall, and floor of tanks. Both sanitizers helped to produce a >2.1 Logio reduction.
- the Logio reduction of microbial loads on the ceiling, wall, and floor after cleaning and chlorine dioxide sanitation were 3.3, 3.9, and 4.3, respectively.
- the Logio reduction of microbial loads on the ceiling, wall, and floor after cleaning and UVC sanitation were 2.1, 4.4 and 5.3, respectively.
- UVC can kill microbes more effectively than chlorine dioxide when surfaces are close to the ultraviolet light (i.e, walls and floors).
- the efficacy of UVC on the ceiling of tanks could possibly be improved by increasing UVC exposure time or increasing intensity of ultraviolet lights.
- chlorine dioxide the reduction in microbe populations was pretty consistent for both tanks shapes on all surfaces sampled (3.3 to 4.3 Logio reduction
- FIG. 3 IF schematically depicts the effect of sanitizing two short wide tanks (tanks 65 and 66) with either chlorine dioxide or UVC, respectively, on the survivability of microbial populations on ceiling, wall, and floor of each tank.
- Microbe survival is represented as Logio CFU.
- the microbe survival results for the Negative Control tank and Positive Control tank are shown in FIG. 3 IF.
- the results in FIGS. 3 IF and 31G show that both sanitizing methods significantly reduced microbial loads on the ceiling, wall, and floor of tanks. Both sanitizers helped to produce a >2.4 Logio reduction.
- the Logio reduction of microbial loads on the ceiling, wall, and floor after chlorine dioxide sanitation were 3.6, 3.9, and 4.6, respectively.
- the Logio reduction of microbial loads on the ceiling, wall, and floor after UVC sanitation were 2.4, 4.7, and 4.0, respectively.
- FIG. 31H schematically depicts the effect of sanitizing two tall thin tanks (tanks 69 and 57) with either chlorine dioxide or UVC, respectively, on the survivability of microbial populations on ceiling, wall, and floor of each tank.
- Microbe survival is represented as Logio CFU.
- FIGS. 31H and 3 II show that both sanitizing methods significantly reduced microbial loads on the ceiling, wall, and floor of tanks. Both sanitizers helped to produce a >2.7 Logio reduction.
- the Logio reduction of microbial loads on the ceiling, wall, and floor after chlorine dioxide sanitation were 2.8, 4.2 and 2.7, respectively.
- the Logio reduction of microbial loads on the ceiling, wall, and floor after UVC sanitation were 2.7, 4.2 and 4.6, respectively.
- UVC produced a significantly higher reduction of microbe loads on the floor compared to using chlorine dioxide.
- both sanitation methods were equally effective.
- FIG. 3 II a significant difference in reduction of microbe populations by chlorine dioxide or UVC is indicated in grey shade.
- UVC has a higher or equal efficacy compared to chlorine dioxide on the walls and floor.
- chlorine dioxide demonstrated a higher efficacy on tank ceiling than UVC. This confirms that UVC, even in the absence of a cleaner, can kill microbes more effectively than or just as effectively as chlorine dioxide when surfaces are close to UVC (i.e. walls and floors).
- the trial was conducted on two different tanks. Briefly, the methodology of the trial was as follows: tanks were emptied of wine; pre-treatment microbiological swab samples were collected from the floor, wall, ceiling, valve connection, bottom valve, and bottom door rim of each tank; tanks underwent appropriate sanitation protocol; post-treatment microbiological swab samples were collected from floor, wall, ceiling, valve connection, bottom valve, and bottom door rim of each tank; microbiological swab samples were processed at the BevTrac laboratory; and the survivability, percent Colony Forming Units (CFU) reduction, and Logio reduction of microbe populations after treatment with the two different sanitation methods was determined and compared.
- CFU Colony Forming Units
- Types of microbes monitored for on interior surfaces of tanks (a) wine and environmental yeast; (b) wine and environmental bacteria; (c) molds.
- Tank 29 was cleaned with caustic cleaner, rinsed with water, neutralized with citric acid, and rinsed with water; (2).
- Tank 10 was rinsed with water and treated with UVC for 40 minutes.
- FIG. 32A depicts the data set for the trial.
- the data set includes a description of two sanitation treatment methods performed on interior of stainless steel tanks; the tank number; the sites sampled on each tank (floor, wall, ceiling, valve connection, bottom valve, and bottom door rim); the total microbial load (includes yeast, bacteria, and mold) determined prior to each treatment; the total microbial load determined after each treatment; the percent CFU reduction in microbe populations after application of sanitation method; and the Logio reduction in microbe populations after application of sanitation method.
- FIG. 32B schematically depicts the effect of caustic cleaner/citric acid and UVC on the survivability of microbial populations on floor, wall, ceiling, valve connection, bottom valve, and bottom door rim of each stainless steel tank.
- Microbe survival is represented as Logio CFU.
- FIG. 32C shows the percent CFU reduction in microbes on floor, wall, ceiling, valve connection, bottom valve, and bottom door rim of stainless steel tanks after application of sanitation methods.
- FIG. 32D shows the Logio reduction in microbes on floor, wall, ceiling, valve connection, bottom valve, and bottom door rim of stainless steel tanks after application of sanitation methods.
- FIGS. 32B, 32C, and 32D show that both sanitation methods significantly reduced microbial loads on the floor, wall, ceiling, valve connection, bottom valve, and bottom door rim of tanks.
- UVC (Model UV6K) was significantly more effective at reducing microbial loads on the floor and at the valve connection sites on tanks. This was the case when looking at the data for both percent CFU reduction and Logio reduction of microbial loads in FIGS. 32C and 32D.
- the caustic cleaner/citric acid method reduced microbial loads to a greater extent on the bottom valve compared to UVC.
- both sanitation methods reduced microbial populations by an approximately equivalent amount.
- UVC was more effective than or equivalent to caustic cleaner/citric acid at reducing microbial loads on tank sites with the bottom valve being the only exception. UVC showed effective anti-microbial activity even in the absence of a cleaner.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
- Physical Water Treatments (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20155134.8A EP3735992A1 (en) | 2015-07-29 | 2016-07-29 | Uv devices, systems, and methods of making and use |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/813,057 US10046073B2 (en) | 2010-06-01 | 2015-07-29 | Portable UV devices, systems and methods of use and manufacturing |
PCT/US2016/044924 WO2017020028A1 (en) | 2015-07-29 | 2016-07-29 | Uv devices, systems, and methods of making and use |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20155134.8A Division EP3735992A1 (en) | 2015-07-29 | 2016-07-29 | Uv devices, systems, and methods of making and use |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3328444A1 true EP3328444A1 (en) | 2018-06-06 |
EP3328444A4 EP3328444A4 (en) | 2019-08-07 |
Family
ID=54011314
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20155134.8A Withdrawn EP3735992A1 (en) | 2015-07-29 | 2016-07-29 | Uv devices, systems, and methods of making and use |
EP16831460.7A Withdrawn EP3328444A4 (en) | 2015-07-29 | 2016-07-29 | Uv devices, systems, and methods of making and use |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20155134.8A Withdrawn EP3735992A1 (en) | 2015-07-29 | 2016-07-29 | Uv devices, systems, and methods of making and use |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP3735992A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN107921158A (en) |
AU (2) | AU2015210393B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017020028A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN112774040A (en) * | 2020-12-26 | 2021-05-11 | 徐鑫林 | Surgical wound sterilization method |
US11007292B1 (en) | 2020-05-01 | 2021-05-18 | Uv Innovators, Llc | Automatic power compensation in ultraviolet (UV) light emission device, and related methods of use, particularly suited for decontamination |
Families Citing this family (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP6549456B2 (en) | 2015-09-25 | 2019-07-24 | 日機装株式会社 | Fluid sterilizer |
US11747266B2 (en) | 2016-10-24 | 2023-09-05 | Phoseon Technology, Inc. | Systems and methods for bio-inactivation |
US10588993B2 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2020-03-17 | Osram Sylvania Inc. | UV downlight with intelligent irradiance control |
CN107998664A (en) * | 2017-12-27 | 2018-05-08 | 深圳华侨城卡乐技术有限公司 | A kind of track transfer |
GB2587922B (en) * | 2018-03-30 | 2022-02-09 | Uv Partners Inc | Disinfection behavior tracking and ranking |
CN109059884A (en) * | 2018-08-09 | 2018-12-21 | 王凯旋 | A kind of adjustable laser alignment telescope of multi-angle |
CN109928454B (en) * | 2019-03-14 | 2021-10-15 | 西安建筑科技大学 | Device for inactivating biological membrane in pipeline |
CN110256890B (en) * | 2019-06-19 | 2022-10-28 | 河北晨阳工贸集团有限公司 | Primer-free radon-proof interior wall putty powder and preparation method thereof |
WO2021134533A1 (en) * | 2019-12-31 | 2021-07-08 | 李庆远 | Directed ultraviolet disinfection device |
CN112641968A (en) * | 2020-04-15 | 2021-04-13 | 西安优势物联网科技有限公司 | Intelligent control system and method for ultraviolet disinfection lamp for elevator car |
US20210386883A1 (en) * | 2020-06-11 | 2021-12-16 | The Boeing Company | Ultraviolet sanitizing pacing systems and methods |
US11957810B2 (en) | 2020-05-08 | 2024-04-16 | The Boeing Company | Ultraviolet light sanitizing pacing systems and methods |
US20220047229A1 (en) * | 2020-08-17 | 2022-02-17 | Fujifilm Corporation | Radiodiagnostic apparatus and method of operating radiodiagnostic apparatus |
EP3957333A1 (en) * | 2020-08-19 | 2022-02-23 | Analytik Jena GmbH | Uv module, system and method for deactivating biologically contaminated surfaces in an interior of a device |
CN112147270B (en) * | 2020-11-10 | 2022-04-12 | 佛山市南海正业建设工程质量检测有限公司 | Sampling and sample conveying device of energy-saving material monomer combustion testing machine |
CN112516357B (en) * | 2020-11-26 | 2021-12-10 | 江苏中慧元通生物科技有限公司 | Disinfection cabinet is used in bacterin production |
WO2022130366A1 (en) * | 2020-12-16 | 2022-06-23 | Atlantium Technologies Ltd | Ultraviolet disinfection with augmented reality monitoring |
CN112856628B (en) * | 2021-01-06 | 2022-04-19 | 宁波方太厨具有限公司 | Disinfection cabinet |
CN113816245A (en) * | 2021-11-04 | 2021-12-21 | 广东国志激光技术有限公司 | Laser purifies elevator handrail degassing unit |
WO2023144812A1 (en) * | 2022-01-26 | 2023-08-03 | Atlantium Technologies Ltd | Water treatment of small water reservoirs with limited infrastructure and no addition of chemicals |
CN115646387A (en) * | 2022-10-27 | 2023-01-31 | 邹虎 | Quick closed chemical industry reation kettle of sealing |
Family Cites Families (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1788906A (en) * | 1926-12-11 | 1931-01-13 | Gen Electric Vapor Lamp Co | Sterilizing system |
US2194463A (en) * | 1937-07-27 | 1940-03-26 | Powley & Sons Ltd R | Method for sterilizing empty vessels and apparatus therefor |
GB495499A (en) * | 1937-07-27 | 1938-11-15 | Powley & Sons Ltd R | Method for the destruction of bacteria present in empty vessels, tanks or the like and means therefor |
US2499153A (en) * | 1947-06-13 | 1950-02-28 | Hanson Boyden J | Apparatus for treating liquids with light rays |
US5920075A (en) * | 1997-10-22 | 1999-07-06 | Whitehead; Michael D. | Ultraviolet sterilization device |
US6953940B2 (en) * | 2000-05-17 | 2005-10-11 | Spectronics Corporation | Hand-held germicidal lamp with safety features |
US6299770B1 (en) * | 2000-07-24 | 2001-10-09 | Ray R. Diener | Portable ultraviolet water disinfection device |
US6403030B1 (en) * | 2000-07-31 | 2002-06-11 | Horton, Iii Isaac B. | Ultraviolet wastewater disinfection system and method |
US6585392B2 (en) * | 2001-10-04 | 2003-07-01 | Jong-Jiing Shiau | Portable lamp having both a germicidal and black-glass lamp tubes |
US20090274576A1 (en) * | 2006-01-18 | 2009-11-05 | Barry Ressler | System and method for container sterilization using UV light source |
KR20070090652A (en) * | 2006-03-03 | 2007-09-06 | 에센시아주식회사 | A toothbrush sterilizer |
US20080073595A1 (en) * | 2006-07-12 | 2008-03-27 | Devaraj Thiruppathi | Ultra-violet cleaning device |
GB2454642A (en) * | 2007-07-09 | 2009-05-20 | Dezac Group Ltd | Portable UV steriliser |
US9707306B2 (en) * | 2010-06-01 | 2017-07-18 | Bluemorph, Llc | UV sterilization of containers |
CN204261070U (en) * | 2011-11-29 | 2015-04-15 | 日光医疗有限公司 | A kind of equipment for sterilised object |
KR102257700B1 (en) * | 2013-09-05 | 2021-05-31 | 서울바이오시스 주식회사 | Mobile disinfector using UV LED |
CN203564568U (en) * | 2013-09-24 | 2014-04-30 | 李晓东 | Medical equipment disinfecting box |
CA2930861A1 (en) * | 2013-11-26 | 2015-06-04 | Bluemorph, Llc | Uv devices, systems and methods for uv sterilization |
-
2015
- 2015-08-06 AU AU2015210393A patent/AU2015210393B2/en not_active Ceased
-
2016
- 2016-07-29 EP EP20155134.8A patent/EP3735992A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2016-07-29 EP EP16831460.7A patent/EP3328444A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2016-07-29 WO PCT/US2016/044924 patent/WO2017020028A1/en active Application Filing
- 2016-07-29 CN CN201680043967.5A patent/CN107921158A/en active Pending
-
2018
- 2018-11-08 AU AU2018260924A patent/AU2018260924B2/en not_active Ceased
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11007292B1 (en) | 2020-05-01 | 2021-05-18 | Uv Innovators, Llc | Automatic power compensation in ultraviolet (UV) light emission device, and related methods of use, particularly suited for decontamination |
US11020502B1 (en) | 2020-05-01 | 2021-06-01 | Uv Innovators, Llc | Ultraviolet (UV) light emission device, and related methods of use, particularly suited for decontamination |
US11116858B1 (en) | 2020-05-01 | 2021-09-14 | Uv Innovators, Llc | Ultraviolet (UV) light emission device employing visible light for target distance guidance, and related methods of use, particularly suited for decontamination |
US11565012B2 (en) | 2020-05-01 | 2023-01-31 | Uv Innovators, Llc | Ultraviolet (UV) light emission device employing visible light for target distance guidance, and related methods of use, particularly suited for decontamination |
US11883549B2 (en) | 2020-05-01 | 2024-01-30 | Uv Innovators, Llc | Ultraviolet (UV) light emission device employing visible light for operation guidance, and related methods of use, particularly suited for decontamination |
CN112774040A (en) * | 2020-12-26 | 2021-05-11 | 徐鑫林 | Surgical wound sterilization method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3328444A4 (en) | 2019-08-07 |
WO2017020028A1 (en) | 2017-02-02 |
AU2018260924A1 (en) | 2018-11-29 |
AU2018260924B2 (en) | 2020-10-01 |
AU2015210393A1 (en) | 2015-09-03 |
EP3735992A1 (en) | 2020-11-11 |
CN107921158A (en) | 2018-04-17 |
AU2015210393B2 (en) | 2018-08-16 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11040121B2 (en) | UV sterilization of container, room, space or defined environment | |
EP3735992A1 (en) | Uv devices, systems, and methods of making and use | |
US9687575B2 (en) | UV devices, systems and methods for UV sterilization | |
US9682161B2 (en) | Compositions and methods for UV sterilization | |
US11260138B2 (en) | UV sterilization of container, room, space or defined environment | |
US20180207303A1 (en) | Uv devices, systems, and methods of making and use | |
AU2012241072B2 (en) | Compositions and methods for UV sterilization | |
EP2582401B1 (en) | Uv sterilization of containers | |
WO2015080768A1 (en) | Uv devices, systems and methods for uv sterilization | |
US8536541B2 (en) | Station for disinfecting publicly-used equipment | |
US20160206766A1 (en) | Apparatus and method for sanitizing articles | |
EP3129069A1 (en) | Uv devices, systems and methods for uv sterilization | |
JP2005261954A (en) | Sterilization method and sterilization apparatus | |
JPS5940028B2 (en) | Whole room sterilization device |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20180226 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
DAV | Request for validation of the european patent (deleted) | ||
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: F21S 2/00 20160101ALI20190320BHEP Ipc: B01J 19/08 20060101ALI20190320BHEP Ipc: A61L 2/10 20060101AFI20190320BHEP Ipc: A61L 9/20 20060101ALI20190320BHEP Ipc: G01N 21/33 20060101ALI20190320BHEP |
|
A4 | Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched |
Effective date: 20190708 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: A61L 2/10 20060101AFI20190702BHEP Ipc: A61L 9/20 20060101ALI20190702BHEP Ipc: F21S 2/00 20160101ALI20190702BHEP Ipc: G01N 21/33 20060101ALI20190702BHEP Ipc: B01J 19/08 20060101ALI20190702BHEP |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 20200205 |