GB2595468A

GB2595468A - A device

Info

Publication number: GB2595468A
Application number: GB2007847.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clemente Angelo; Clemente Raffaele
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-05-26
Filing date: 2020-05-26
Publication date: 2021-12-01
Also published as: GB202007847D0

Abstract

A device 1 defining an irradiation zone 20 for ingress of an individual, the individual being a human comprising key animate surfaces (e.g. head, neck, hands etc). The irradiation zone 20 is irradiatable by ultraviolet (UV) radiation 23a at a UV dose of 5-50 mJ/cm2, the UV radiation 23a having a wavelength of 200-230nm for inactivating a microorganism, such as a bacteria or virus. The device 1 preferably comprises one or more UV radiation sources 23 which may be excimer lamps and which most preferably emit a wavelength of 222nm. In one embodiment the device 1 comprises a means for measuring the body temperature of the person 30 and a visual display 31 which may show the temperature as well as a time for the irradiation zone to be irradiated. Also provided is a method of inactivating a microorganism comprising using the device 1.

Description

A DEVICE

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a device and, more particularly, to a device defining an irradiation zone for ingress of an individual.

Background of the Invention

An on-going challenge in society is how to control the spread of diseases caused by microorganisms and, in particular, bacteria and viruses. This has been especially bought to the fore by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 emerged in the human population in late 2019 in Wuhan, China and subsequently spread around the world, with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring it to be a pandemic on 11 March 2020.

SARS-00V-2 is challenging today's world in a way never seen before. Countries all over the world are fighting the virus on two fronts, from one side governments are trying to reduce its deadly effect via medical therapy and, at the same time, restrictive measures are being implemented to reduce the virus's highly contagious nature. With no clear timeline as to when a vaccine will be available, a great deal of uncertainty has been created as to when society will be able to return to "normality" and, indeed, what will be the safest way to do so.

One means by which to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and thus the incidence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This is relevant to controlling the spread of other disease-causing agents as well. In a pandemic, the global demand for PPE creates shortages and this has been seen to affect hospitals, frontline care workers and other key workers in society. Furthermore, the allocation of such PPE has exposed various political "frictions".

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has established antimicrobial properties. UV radiation includes UVA (wavelengths of 400 to 315 nanometres (nm)), UVB (wavelengths of 315 to 280 nm) and UVC (wavelengths of 280 to 100 nm). Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is typically in the UVC range and uses short-wave UV light to inactivate microorganisms by destroying nucleic acids, leaving them unable to perform essential cellular functions. Accordingly, UVGI is used as a disinfection method in various applications, such as food, air, and water purification. UVGI is typically produced by mercury-vapour lamps that emit UVC light at a wavelength of around 254 nm.

However, such conventional UVGI light sources are hazardous to human health, being both carcinogenic and cataractogenic. Thus such UVGI light sources are unsuitable for human exposure.

Recent research has indicated that far-UVC light (around 200 to 230 nm) does not pose a hazard to human health. Far-UVC light has a strong absorbance in biological materials and so cannot penetrate the outer (non-living) layers of human skin (the stratum corneum) or the cornea of the eye. Furthermore, it is not expected to penetrate the cytoplasm of individual human cells. In contrast, bacteria and viruses, which are of micrometre (pm) or smaller dimensions are penetrated and inactivated by far-UVC light.

Welch et al., Sci Rep. 2018 Feb 9;8(1):2752 demonstrates that far-UVC inactivates airborne aerosolised viruses. A dose of 2 mJ/crn2 of 222-nm light was shown to inactivate >95% of aerosolized H1N1 influenza virus. The use of continuous, overhead, low level far-UVC light in indoor public locations is disclosed.

US 2015/0265346 discloses selectively killing and/or affecting bacteria using radiation having a wavelength in a range of 190 to 230 nm in the context of reducing surgical site infections. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) inactivation after exposure to 207 nm and 222 nm UV radiation was shown.

US 2020/0085984 discloses selectively killing and/or affecting viruses and bacteria using radiation having a wavelength in a range of 200 to 230 nm. The irradiation of circulating room air with a germicidal UV lamp located in the upper part of the room (upper-room UV germicidal irradiation) is discussed.

The CLEANSE® PORTAL (https://healthelighting.com/products/cleanse-portal) discloses a UV entry gate with five far-UVC modules.

The present invention arises out of the recognition that safe, cost-effective, easy-to-source sterilisation and disinfection solutions that are sufficiently flexible to allow broad usage within a population are required to limit the spread of infections. This will be important as countries around the world begin to emerge from the lockdown imposed as a result of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Thus there is a need for devices and methods to support healthcare systems, communities and businesses in limiting the spread of infections.

The present invention seeks to address one or more of the above problems.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first embodiment, there is provided a device defining an irradiation zone for ingress of an individual, the individual comprising key animate surfaces, the irradiation zone being irradiatable by UV radiation, the UV radiation having a wavelength of between approximately 200 to approximately 230 nanometres for inactivating a microorganism, wherein the UV radiation of the irradiation zone is sufficient to irradiate one or more of the key animate surfaces of a substantial proportion of a notional population of which the individual is a member.

Preferably, the irradiation zone is irradiatable by UV radiation at a UV dose of between approximately 5 to approximately 50 mJ/cm2 and wherein the UV radiation of the irradiation zone is sufficient to irradiate, at the UV dose, one or more of the key animate surfaces of a substantial proportion of a notional population of which the individual is a member.

Conveniently, the device comprises a UV radiation source for irradiating the irradiation zone.

Preferably, the UV radiation source comprises a plurality of UV radiation sources.

Conveniently, the UV radiation source comprises an excimer lamp.

Preferably, the UV radiation has a wavelength of approximately 222 nanometres.

Advantageously, the device comprises a first and a second opposing side portion connectable by a transverse portion for defining the irradiation zone.

Alternatively, the device comprises a moveable portion for defining the irradiation zone.

Conveniently, the irradiation zone defined by the moveable portion comprises a longitudinal axis and wherein the moveable portion is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the irradiation zone.

Advantageously, the moveable portion is rotatable substantially 3600 about the longitudinal axis of the irradiation zone.

Conveniently, the moveable portion comprises a first and a second opposing side portion connectable by a transverse portion for defining the irradiation zone.

Preferably, the first and the second opposing side portion and the transverse portion each comprise a plurality of UV radiation sources for irradiating the irradiation zone.

Advantageously, the first and the second opposing side portions each comprise a first and a second end portion and a length therebetween and wherein the plurality of UV radiator sources are distributed substantially along the length of each of the first and the second opposing side portions.

Conveniently, the first and the second opposing side portions each comprise a first and a second end portion and a length therebetween and wherein the plurality of UV radiator sources are distributed within each third along the length of each of the first and the second opposing side portions.

Preferably, the key animate surfaces comprise the head and/or the neck and/or the hands of the individual.

Conveniently, the microorganism is a virus and/or a bacterium.

Advantageously, the device comprises a means for measuring a body temperature of the individual Preferably, the device comprises a visual display.

Advantageously, the visual display is configured to output a time for which the irradiation zone is to be irradiated.

Conveniently, the visual display is configured to output the body temperature of the individual.

In accordance with a second embodiment, there is provided a method of inactivating a microorganism, comprising the use of the device of the invention.

The term "irradiation zone" as used herein refers to an area that is capable of being exposed to UV radiation.

The term "ingress of an individual" as used herein refers to a space into which an individual can enter. The space is thus sufficiently sized to accommodate a human being. In one embodiment, the individual exits the space at the same point at which they enter it. In an alternative embodiment, the individual exits the space at a different point thus the individual can traverse the space.

The term "animate surface" as used herein refers to a surface forming part of an individual, which can be exposed to the outside environment. The term "key animate surface" comprises a subset of these surfaces, including the head and/or the neck and/or the hands of the individual.

The term "UV dose" as used herein refers to an amount of UV radiation. In one embodiment, the "UV dose" is measured in units of mJ/cm2. In one embodiment, the term "UV dose" as used herein refers to a function of the intensity of UV radiation and the exposure time. That is to say, the "UV dose" is obtained by multiplying the UV intensity (units "mW/cm2") by the exposure time in seconds. In one embodiment, the term "UV dose" as used herein has substantially the same meaning as the term "UV fluence" or "integrated illuminance". In one embodiment, the "UV dose" is a range. In one embodiment, the range is approximately 5 to 50 mJ/cm2. In an alternative embodiment, the range is approximately 0.8 to 50 mJ/cm2 or approximately 2 to 50 mJ/cm2.

The term "microorganism" as used herein refers to a microscopic organism, such as a bacterium. In the present invention, the term "microorganism" also includes a virus. In one embodiment, the term "microorganism" as used herein refers to an organism (or virus) that is approximately 1 or 2 micrometres (pm) or less in diameter.

The term "bacterium" or "bacteria" as used herein refers to a biological cell belonging to the domain of life "Bacteria" and which is a type of prokaryotic cell. The term includes pathogenic bacteria which are capable of causing infectious disease. In one embodiment, the "bacteria" is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

The term "virus" as used herein refers to an infectious agent that can only replicate within a host organism. The term "virus" as used herein comprises a virus having a DNA and/or an RNA genome (a "DNA virus" or an "RNA virus"). In one embodiment, the DNA and/or RNA genome is double-stranded or single-stranded. In one embodiment, the virus is an influenza virus. The influenza viruses comprise influenza A and influenza B, which are capable of infecting humans. In one embodiment, the virus is a coronavirus. The coronaviruses include severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19 in humans.

The term "inactivating a microorganism" as used herein refers to a reduction in the viability or a reduction in the infectivity of a microorganism. In one embodiment, the microorganism is a bacterium and the viability of the bacteria is determined by measuring colony forming units (CFU)/ml. In one embodiment, the CFU/ml are measured without UV radiation and at one or more of a range of UV radiation doses to determine a change (or reduction) in viability. In one embodiment, the microorganism is a virus and the infectivity of the virus is determined by a viral infectivity assay. In one embodiment, the ability of the virus to infect a host cell is measured without UV radiation and at one or more of a range of UV radiation doses to determine a change (or reduction) in infectivity. In one embodiment, the term "inactivating a microorganism" refers to a 1-log, 2-log or 3-log reduction in the viability and/or infectivity of the microorganism. In one embodiment, the term "inactivating a microorganism" refers to inactivation of 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.9%, 99.99% or more of the microorganism.

The term "a notional population" refers to a theoretical population of individuals from which the individual comprising the key animate surfaces is drawn. In one embodiment, the "notional population" comprises individuals having differing characteristics, such as age and/or size and/or height. In one embodiment, the distribution of a given characteristic in the notional population has a substantially normal distribution.

The term "a substantial proportion of a notional population" as used herein refers to an appreciable proportion of the notional population. That is to say, an appreciable proportion of the individuals of the notional population would be encompassed. In one embodiment, "a substantial proportion" refers to 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99% or more of the notional population. In one embodiment, the notional population has a normal distribution for a characteristic and the term "substantial proportion" refers to individuals within one standard deviation away from the mean and/or two standard deviations away from the mean and/or three standard deviations away from the mean. In one embodiment, the characteristic is height.

The term "the UV radiation of the irradiation zone is sufficient to irradiate, at the UV dose, one or more of the key animate surfaces" as used herein refers to one or more of the key animate surfaces of the individual being exposed to UV radiation in the irradiation zone. In one embodiment, a proportion of one or more of the key animate surfaces is exposed to UV radiation in the irradiation zone, preferably at the "UV dose". In a further embodiment, a substantial proportion of one or more of the key animate surfaces is exposed to UV radiation in the irradiation zone, preferably at the "UV dose".

In one embodiment, a substantial proportion refers to 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99% or more of the surface area of one or more of the key animate surfaces. In one embodiment, a proportion or a substantial proportion of each of the key animate surfaces is exposed to UV radiation in the irradiation zone, preferably at the "UV dose".

The term "UV radiation source" as used herein refers to an origin of UV radiation. That is to say, the "UV radiation source" is capable of emitting UV radiation. In one embodiment, the "UV radiation source" is capable of emitting UV radiation having a wavelength of between approximately 200 to approximately 230 nanometres (nm). In one embodiment, the "UV radiation source" is capable of emitting UV radiation having a wavelength of approximately 222 nm. In one embodiment, the term "UV radiation source" as used herein refers to an "excimer lamp" that is capable of emitting UV radiation. In one embodiment, the "UV radiation source" is at a distance of approximately 2.5 metres (m) or less from one or more of the key animate surfaces of the individual that is to be irradiated in the irradiation zone. In one embodiment, the "UV radiation source" is at a distance of approximately 10 millimetres (mm) or more from one or more of the key animate surfaces of the individual that is to be irradiated in the irradiation zone. Thus in one embodiment, the "UV radiation source" is at a distance of between approximately 10 mm to 2.5 m from one or more of the key animate surfaces of the individual that is to be irradiated in the irradiation zone.

The term "excimer lamp" or "excilamp" as used herein refers to a source of UV radiation that is based on the formation of excimers, which spontaneously transition from an excited state to a ground state and emit UV radiation. In one embodiment, the "excimer lamp" is a mercury-free excimer lamp. In a further embodiment, the "excimer lamp" is a mercury-free LED excimer lamp. In one embodiment, the "excimer lamp" is a krypton-bromine (KrBr) or a krypton-chlorine (KrCI) excimer lamp. In one embodiment, the excimer lamp comprises a filter to facilitate emission of a dominant wavelength or a specific range of wavelengths. In one embodiment, the dominant wavelength is approximately 222 nm. In one embodiment, the specific range of wavelengths is approximately 200 to approximately 230 nm In one embodiment, the filter is a bandpass filter.

The term "distributed within each third along the length" as used herein in relation to the plurality of UV radiation sources refers to the UV radiation sources being shared along a given length such that each third of that length comprises one or more UV radiation source.

The term "distributed substantially along the length" as used herein in relation to the plurality of UV radiation sources refers to the UV radiation sources being shared along a given length such that they are located along a significant proportion of that length. In one embodiment, they are located along 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or more of the length. In one embodiment, the UV radiation sources are closely-spaced and/or extend in a substantially continuous manner along the length. In a further embodiment, the UV radiation sources are distributed in a discrete manner along the length, each separated by a distance. In one embodiment, the UV radiation sources are distributed substantially evenly along the length.

The term "a means for measuring a body temperature of the individual" as used herein refers to any means capable of detecting and determining the body temperature of an individual. In one embodiment, the "means for measuring a body temperature of the individual" as used herein refers to an infrared temperature scanner. In one embodiment, the individual is positioned in the irradiation zone in order for the means to measure their body temperature.

The term "a visual display" as used herein refers to any means for outputting visual information. In one embodiment, the term "visual display" as used herein refers to a monitor display.

The term "configured to output a time for which the irradiation zone is to be irradiated" as used herein refers to the communication of a time for which the irradiation zone is to be exposed to UV radiation. In one embodiment, this time ("exposure time") is a time suitable for the irradiation zone to be irradiated at the UV dose. In one embodiment, the individual is positioned in the irradiation zone for the duration of the exposure time. In one embodiment, the time is communicated by the visual display. In an alternative embodiment, it is communicated by an audio output. In one embodiment, the time is communicated in seconds. In one embodiment, the time for which the individual is to be irradiated is between approximately 10 seconds and 50 seconds. In one embodiment, the time is 30 seconds.

The term "configured to output a body temperature of the individual" as used herein refers to the communication of the body temperature of the individual who is using the device. In one embodiment, the temperature is communicated by the visual display. In one embodiment, the temperature is communicated in °C.

Brief Description of the Figures

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a plan view of a device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 3 to 5 are perspective views of a device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 6 to 8 are perspective views of a device in accordance with a variant of the second embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

A Device Referring to Figure 1, a device 1 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The device comprises first and second opposing side portions 2, 3. Each of the first and second side portions 2, 3 extends between a lower end portion 4, 5, which is contactable with the ground, and an upper end portion 6, 7 where each side portion 2, 3, terminates. In one embodiment, each of the first and second side portions 2, 3, extends to a height of 2400 mm. The first and second side portions 2, 3 extend substantially parallel to each other. The lower end portions 4, 5 of each of the first and second side portions 2, 3 are flanked at either side by first and second supports 12, 13, 14, 15. In one embodiment, each support 12, 13, 14, 15 has a height of 65 mm.

A transverse portion 16 extends between the inner surfaces 2a, 3a of the first and second side portions 2, 3. Thus the length of the transverse portion is substantially the same as the distance between the inner surfaces 2a, 3a of the first and second side portions 2, 3. The transverse portion comprises an upper, outer surface 16b and a lower, inner surface 16a, which both extend substantially horizontally from the inner surfaces 2a, 3a of the first and second side portions 2, 3. The transverse portion 16 is positioned towards the upper end portions 6, 7 of the first and second side portions 2, 3. In one embodiment, the upper end portions 6, 7 of each of the first and second side portions 2, 3, extend above the outer surface 16b of the transverse portion 16 for a distance. In one embodiment, the distance is 65 mm.

The inner surface 2a, 3a of the first and second side portions 2, 3 and the inner surface 16a of the transverse portion 16 define an irradiation zone 20 for ingress of an individual. The distance between the inner surfaces 2a, 3a of the first and second side portions 2, 3 defines a width of the irradiation zone 20. In one embodiment, the width of the irradiation zone is 700 mm. The distance between the lower end portions 4, 5 of the first and second side portions 2, 3, where they are contactable with the ground, and the inner surface 16a of the transverse portion 16 defines a length of the inner surface 2a, 3a of the first and second side portions 2, 3 as well as a height of the irradiation zone 20. In one embodiment, the height of the irradiation zone 20 is 2000 mm.

The irradiation zone 20 comprises a first facing side 21 and a second facing side 22, which each extend in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to that of each inner surface 2a, 3a of the first and second side portions 2, 3. The first and second facing sides 21, 22 of the irradiation zone 20 are open for ingress of an individual such that the individual can traverse the irradiation zone 20 and thus the device 1.

The inner surfaces 2a, 3a of the first and second side portions 2, 3 and the inner surface 16a of the transverse portion 16 each comprise a plurality of UV radiation sources 23. Thus each of the UV radiation sources 23 faces inwards to the irradiation zone 20 and is capable of irradiating it. Each UV radiation source 23 that is situated on the inner surface 2a, 3a, 16a of either the first or second side portion 2, 3 or the transverse portion 16 is separated by a distance. In one embodiment, the separation distance is 75 mm. The plurality of UV radiation sources 23 extend substantially along the length of each inner surface 2a, 3a of the first and second side portions 2, 3 as well as substantially along the length of the inner surface 16a of the transverse portion 16.

The first side portion 2 comprises an infrared temperature scanner 30 for measuring a body temperature of an individual when positioned within the irradiation zone 20. The transverse portion 16 comprises a monitor display 31, which is located between its outer and inner surfaces 16b, 16a and is visible from the first facing side 21 of the irradiation zone 20. The monitor display 31 is configured to output a time for which the irradiation zone 20 is to be irradiated and/or to output the body temperature of the individual as measured by the infrared temperature scanner 30.

Referring to Figure 2, the device 1 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention is shown from above. The outer surfaces 2b, 3b of the first and second side portions 2, 3 define a width of the device 1. In one embodiment, the width is 860 mm. The distance between the sides 24, 25 of the first and second side portions 2, 3, which border the first facing side 21 of the irradiation zone 20 and the sides 26, 27 of the first and second side portions 2, 3, which border the second facing side 22 of the irradiation zone 20 define a depth of the irradiation zone 20. In one embodiment, the depth is 560 mm. In one embodiment, the depth of the device 1 including the first and second supports 12, 13, 14, 15 (not all shown) is 670 mm.

In use, the device 1 is connected to an electricity supply (not shown). An individual enters the irradiation zone 20 through its first facing side 21. The device 1 is turned on such that each of the UV radiation sources 23 emits UV radiation 23a and thus irradiates the irradiation zone 20. The UV radiation 23a is emitted at a wavelength of between 200 and 230 nm. In one embodiment, the UV radiation 23a is emitted at a wavelength of 222 nm. The UV radiation 23a is sufficient to irradiate the irradiation zone 20 at a UV dose of 5 to 50 mJ/cm2.

The individual comprises key animate surfaces, which include a head, a neck and hands. When positioned in the irradiation zone 20, one or more (or a proportion thereof) of the key animate surfaces of the individual (provided they are not covered with clothing that would block the UV radiation) are irradiated with the UV radiation 23a such that a microorganism (not shown) present on a key animate surface is inactivated. In the present embodiment, the microorganism is a bacterium and/or a virus. In one embodiment, one or more (or a proportion thereof) of the key animate surfaces of the individual is irradiated at the UV dose of 5 to 50 mJ/cm2. In one embodiment, the UV dose depends on the intensity of UV radiation 23a emitted from the UV radiation sources 23 and the time to which the individual is exposed to the UV radiation 23a. The distribution of the UV radiation sources 23 substantially along the length of the inner surfaces 2a, 3a, 16a of the first and second side portions 2, 3 and transverse portion 16 provides good coverage of the irradiation zone 20 with UV radiation 23a.

Thus one or more (or a proportion thereof) of the key animate surfaces of a substantial proportion of a notional population of which the individual is a member are irradiated at the UV dose. In one embodiment, the aforementioned coverage of the irradiation zone 20 with UV radiation 23a enables individuals including children and those in a wheelchair to use the device 1 effectively.

The monitor display 31 outputs a time for which the individual is to be irradiated. In one embodiment, the time for which the individual is to be irradiated is between approximately 10 seconds and 50 seconds. At the end of this time period, the individual exits the irradiation zone 20 through the second facing side 22. In one embodiment, whilst the individual is positioned within the irradiation zone 20, the infrared temperature scanner 30 measures the body temperature of the individual and this is displayed on the monitor display 31. If the device 1 is not required for a further individual then it is turned off such that the UV radiation 23a is no longer emitted into the irradiation zone 20.

Referring to Figure 3, a device 50 in accordance a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The device comprises a cylindrical casing 51 surrounding an irradiation assembly 80 that defines an irradiation zone 81 for ingress of an individual. The cylindrical casing 51 comprises a base portion 52, which extends across a first end 54, and a roof portion 53, which extends across a second end 55, each of which is substantially circular in cross-section. The base portion 52 and the roof portion 53 each comprise an inner surface 52a, 53a and an outer surface 52b, 53b which face inwards and outwards of the cylindrical casing 51 respectively. The inner surface 53a of the roof portion 53 is adjacent to a supporting band 56, which extends around a substantial proportion of the circumference of the cylindrical casing 51 at the second end 55. The outer surface 52b of the base portion 52 is contactable with the ground and the inner surface 52a defines a floor of the device 50 on which an individual can stand. Between the outer surface 52b of the base portion 52 and the inner surface 52a there is a stepped ridge 57 such that the diameter of the outer surface 52b is larger than that of the inner surface 52a.

Six spaced upright supports 60 a-f (not all visible in Figure 3) each comprising a first end 61 a-f and a second end 62 a-f extend between the base portion 52 and the roof portion 53. With reference to a first upright support 60a, the first end 61a of the upright support 60a fits against a side of the base portion 52 and extends to the outer surface 52b thereof. It is attachable at the stepped ridge 57 of the base portion 52. The second end 62a of the upright support 60a is attachable at the supporting band 56 and extends to the inner surface 53a of the roof portion 53. The attachment of the remaining upright supports 60 b-f is substantially the same as that described in relation to this first upright support 60a. A space between the first and a second upright support 60a, 60b defines a doorway 63 for ingress and egress of an individual. The remaining spaces between the upright supports (60b round through to 60a) are covered by a transparent material 64, which together with the upright supports 60 a-f, define a wall of the cylindrical casing 51.

Abutting the base 52 at the doorway 63 is a ramp 70 to allow step-free access to the device 50. The doorway 63 comprises a monitor display 71, positioned adjacent to the inner surface 53a of the roof portion 53 and extending between the first and second upright supports 60a, 60b. The second upright support 60b comprises an infrared temperature scanner 72 for measuring a body temperature of an individual when positioned within the irradiation zone 81. In one embodiment, the infrared temperature scanner 72 is comprised on an outer side of the second upright support 60b (i.e. a side facing outward from the cylindrical casing 51). The monitor display 71 is configured to output a time for which the irradiation zone 81 is to be irradiated and/or to output the body temperature of the individual as measured by the infrared temperature scanner 72.

Referring to Figure 4, the device 50 in accordance with the second embodiment of the present embodiment is shown and the irradiation assembly 80, which defines the irradiation zone 81, is described in further detail.

The irradiation assembly 80 comprises first and second opposing side portions 82, 83.

Each of the first and second side portions 82, 83 extends between a lower end portion 84, 85, which is contactable with the inner surface 52a of the base portion 52 of the cylindrical casing 51, and an upper end portion 86, 87 that is continuous with a transverse portion 88 that extends horizontally between the first and second side portions 82, 83. The transverse portion 88 is mounted on the inner surface 53a of the roof portion 53 of the cylindrical casing 51 through a central attachment point 90.

The irradiation assembly 80 is rotatable about this central attachment point 90 such that an irradiation zone 81 within the cylindrical casing 51 is defined having a longitudinal axis about which the first and second side portions 82, 83 rotate. In one embodiment, the first and second side portions 82, 83 are rotatable at least 360° about the longitudinal axis of the irradiation zone 81. In particular, the first and second side portions 82, 83 and the transverse portion 88 each comprise an inner surface 82a, 83a, 88a which defines the irradiation zone 81. The distance between the lower end portion 84, 85 and the upper end portion 86, 87 of each side portion 82, 83 defines a length of the inner surface 82a, 83a of each of the first and second side portions 82, 83. Furthermore, the distance between the inner surface 82a, 83a of each side portion 82, 83 defines a length of the inner surface 88a of the transverse portion 88.

The inner surface 82a, 83a of each of the first and second side portions 82, 83 and the inner surface 88a of the transverse portion 88 each comprise a plurality of UV radiation sources 91. Thus each of the UV radiation sources 91 faces inwards to the irradiation zone 81 and is capable of irradiating it. Each UV radiation source 91 that is situated on the inner surface 82a, 83a, 88a of either the first or second side portion 82, 83 or the transverse portion 88 is separated by a distance. In the present embodiment, the separation distance is 75 mm. The plurality of UV radiation sources 91 extend substantially along the length of each inner surface 82a, 83a of the first and second side portions 82, 83 as well as substantially along the length of the inner surface 88a of the transverse portion 88. In one embodiment, the UV radiation sources 91 do not extend over the central attachment point 90.

Referring to Figure 5, the device 50 in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention is shown from a further perspective view.

In use, the device 50 is connected to an electricity supply (not shown). An individual enters the irradiation zone 81 through the doorway 63 of the cylindrical casing 51. The device 50 is turned on such that each of the UV radiation sources 91 emits UV radiation 91a and thus irradiates the irradiation zone 81. The UV radiation 91 is emitted at a wavelength of between 200 and 230 nm. In one embodiment, the UV radiation is emitted at a wavelength of 222 nm. The UV radiation 91a is sufficient to irradiate the irradiation zone 20 at a UV dose of 5 to 50 mJ/cm2. Furthermore, as the device 50 is turned on, the irradiation assembly 80 rotates about the central attachment point 90 and thus the individual is irradiated from 3600 about the longitudinal axis of the irradiation zone 81.

The individual comprises key animate surfaces, which include a head, a neck and hands. When positioned in the irradiation zone 81, one or more (or a proportion thereof) of the key animate surfaces of the individual (provided they are not covered with clothing that would block the UV radiation) are irradiated with the UV radiation 91a such that a microorganism (not shown) present on a key animate surface is inactivated.

In the present embodiment, the microorganism is a bacterium and/or a virus. In one embodiment, one or more (or a proportion thereof) of the key animate surfaces of the individual is irradiated at the UV dose of 5 to 50 mJ/cm2. In one embodiment, the UV dose depends on the intensity of UV radiation 91a emitted from the UV radiation sources 91 and the time to which the individual is exposed to the UV radiation 91a.

The distribution of the UV radiation sources 91 substantially along the length of the inner surfaces 82a, 83a, 88a of the first and second side portions 82, 83 and transverse portion 88 provides good coverage of the irradiation zone 81 with UV radiation 91a. Thus one or more (or a proportion thereof) of the key animate surfaces of a substantial proportion of a notional population of which the individual is a member are irradiated at the UV dose. In one embodiment, the aforementioned coverage of the irradiation zone 81 with UV radiation 91a enables individuals including children and those in a wheelchair to use the device 50 effectively.

The monitor display 71 outputs a time for which the individual is to be irradiated. In one embodiment, the time for which the individual is to be irradiated is between approximately 10 seconds and 50 seconds. At the end of this time period, the device is turned off such that the UV radiation 91a is no longer emitted into the irradiation zone 81 and the irradiation assembly 80 ceases to rotate. The individual exits the irradiation zone 81 through the doorway 63. In one embodiment, whilst the individual is positioned within the irradiation zone 81, an infrared temperature scanner 72 measures the body temperature of the individual and this is displayed on the monitor display 71.

Referring to Figure 6, a device 50 in accordance with a variant of the second embodiment is shown. In particular, the inner surfaces 82a, 83a of the first and second side portions 82, 83 of the irradiation assembly 80 comprises a plurality of closely-spaced UV radiation sources 91 which extend substantially along the length between the lower end portions 84, 85 and the upper end portions 86, 87 of each of the first and second side portions 82, 83. In one embodiment, the plurality of UV radiation sources 91 extend in a substantially continuous manner along this length. Thus the inner surfaces 82a, 83a of the first and second side portions 82, 83 are capable of emitting UV radiation 91a substantially along this length.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the device 50 in accordance with the variant of the second embodiment of the present invention is shown from further perspective views.

In use, the variant of the second embodiment operates in substantially the same manner as that described above in relation to the second embodiment. The monitor display 71 as described above in relation to the second embodiment, outputs the body temperature of the individual and the time for which the individual is to be irradiated ("exposure time). In one embodiment, the time for which the individual is to be irradiated is between approximately 10 seconds and 50 seconds. In one embodiment (which is also relevant to the first and the second embodiments described above) the exposure time is 30 seconds.

Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

It is to be appreciated that a range of dimensions of the device 1, 50 and the irradiation zone 20, 81 are within the scope of the invention insofar as the irradiation zone is suitable for ingress of an individual. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the device 1, 50 and the irradiation zone 20, 81 are such that a distance from a UV radiation source 23, 91 to one or more of the key animate surfaces of an individual that is to be irradiated in the irradiation zone 20, 81 is approximately 2.5 m or less, preferably between approximately 10 mm and 2.5 m.

In the first embodiment, the lower end portions 4, 5 of each of the first and second side portions 2, 3 are flanked at either side by first and second supports 12, 13, 14, 15. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second supports 12, 13, 14, 15 are not present. In one embodiment, a different number of supports (i.e. more or fewer) are present at the first and second side portions 2, 3.

In the first embodiment, the upper end portions 6, 7 of each of the first and second side portions 2, 3, extend above the outer surface 16b of the transverse portion 16 for a distance of 65 mm. In an alternative embodiment, the distance is more or less than 65 mm. In one embodiment, the upper end portions 6, 7 are substantially flush with the outer surface 16b of the transverse portion 16.

In relation to the first embodiment, it is to be understood that the first and second facing sides 21, 22 of the irradiation zone 20 are open for ingress of an individual such that an individual can enter or exit the device 1 through either the first facing side 21 or the second facing side 22 of the irradiation zone 20.

In relation to the second embodiment, it is to be understood that various shapes and configurations of the cylindrical casing 51 are within the scope of the invention insofar as the casing is suitable to surround an irradiation assembly 80 that defines an irradiation zone 81 for ingress of an individual. In one embodiment, the base portion 52 does not comprise a ridged step 57. In one embodiment, more or fewer upright supports 60 a-f extend between the base portion 52 and the roof portion 53. In one embodiment, the upright supports 60 a-f are attachable to the base and roof portions 52, 53 via a different configuration; for example, the supporting band 56 is not present. In one embodiment, the ramp 70 is not present.

In the first and the second embodiments above, the irradiation zone 20, 81 is defined by first and second side portions 2, 3, 82, 83 and a transverse portion 16, 88. It is to be appreciated that alternative configurations are within the scope of the invention insofar as they are suitable to define an irradiation zone 20, 81 for ingress of an individual. In one embodiment, the first and second side portions 82, 83 are rotatable for less than 360° around the longitudinal axis of the irradiation zone 81. In one embodiment, the irradiation zone 81 is defined by a moveable portion, wherein the movement includes but is not limited to a rotational movement.

In the first and the second embodiments above, the inner surfaces 2a, 3a, 82a, 83a, 16a, 88a of the first and second side portions 2, 3, 82, 83 and transverse portion 16, 88 each comprise a plurality of UV radiation sources 23, 91 that are separated by a distance of 75 mm. In an alternative embodiment, the separation distance is greater or less than 75 mm. In one embodiment, the separation distance is 75 mm or less. In the variant of the second embodiment as described above, the plurality of UV radiation sources 91 are closely-spaced. This variant is also relevant to the first embodiment described above.

In the embodiments described above, the UV radiation sources 23, 91 extend substantially along the length of the inner surfaces 2a, 3a, 82a, 83a, 16a, 88a of the first and second side portions 2, 3, 82, 83 and/or the transverse portion 16, 88. This provides good coverage of the irradiation zone 20, 81 with UV radiation 23a, 91a. In one embodiment, the plurality of UV radiation sources 23, 91 extend along 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or more of the length of the inner surface 2a, 3a, 82a, 83a, 16a, 88a of the first and/or second side portion 2, 3, 82, 83 and/or the transverse portion 16, 88. In one embodiment, each half and/or each third and/or each quarter of the length of the inner surface 2a, 3a, 82a, 83a, 16a, 88a of the first and/or second side portion 2, 3, 82, 83 and/or the transverse portion 16, 88 comprises one or more UV radiation sources 23, 91.

In the embodiments described above, the device 1, 50 comprises a monitor display 31, 71. In one embodiment, the monitor display 31, 71 is any type of visual display suitable for outputting information. In one embodiment, the visual display is located at a position other than that described above for the first and second embodiments. In the embodiments described above, the device 1, 50 comprises an infrared temperature scanner 30, 72 for measuring a body temperature of an individual. In an alternative embodiment, the device comprises an alternative means for measuring a body temperature of an individual. In one embodiment, the infrared temperature scanner 30, 72 or the means for measuring a body temperature of an individual is located at a position other than that described above for the first and second embodiments.

A Method In one embodiment, there is provided a method of inactivating a microorganism, comprising the use of a device 1, 50 in accordance with any one of the embodiments as described above. In one embodiment, the microorganism is a bacterium and/or a virus. A bacterium and/or a virus present on a key animate surface of an individual is irradiated with UV radiation 23a, 91a when the individual is positioned in the irradiation zone 20, 81 of the device 1, 50. In one embodiment, the UV radiation 23a, 91a in the irradiation zone 20, 81 is at a UV dose of 5 to 50 mJ/cm2. The UV radiation 23a, 91a having a wavelength of between 200 and 230 nm penetrates through the bacteria and/or the virus owing to their small physical size and inactivates them. A typical bacterial cell is approximately 1 pm or less in diameter and a typical virus is in the range of 20 to 400 nm.

In the present embodiment, the UV radiation 23a, 91a inactivates the bacteria and/or virus without causing harm to the individual. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the UV radiation 23a, 91a at a wavelength between 200 and 230 nm does not harm the individual because it cannot penetrate through the outer (non-living) layer of human skin (which in humans is approximately 5 to 20 pm thick) nor the cornea thus leaving the underlying layers of the skin and the eye substantially undamaged. Furthermore, not only is the UV radiation 23a, 91a at this wavelength unable to penetrate these outer structures of the key animate surfaces of the individual, it is also unable to penetrate the cytoplasm of individual human cells and thus is unable to reach the nucleus, which contains radiation-sensitive nucleic acids (in particular, DNA). A typical human cell is between 10 and 25 pm in diameter and the thickness of the cytoplasm around the nucleus is typically between 1 and 4.5 pm (depending on whether the cell has a spherical or flattened shape). Thus owing to the strong absorbance in biological materials of UV radiation 23a, 91a at a wavelength of between 200 and 230 nm, a bacterium and/or a virus having a diameter of 1 pm or less within the irradiation zone 20, 81 is inactivated whilst the cells of the individual in the same irradiation zone 20, 81 are unharmed.

In one embodiment, the virus is SARS-00V-2. A SARS-00V-2 virion has a diameter of 50 to 200 nm (Chen et a/. Lancet. 2020 Feb 15;395(10223):507-513); thus it is of a size that one would expect to be inactivated by UV radiation 23a, 91a having a wavelength between 200 and 230 nm. In a further embodiment, the virus is the influenza virus. In one embodiment, the virus is an influenza A or an influenza B virus. The virions of influenza A and B are approximately 100 nm in diameter (Bouvier and Palese, Vaccine. 2008 Sep 12; 26(Suppl 4): D49-D53). Inactivation of the influenza A virus by UV radiation having a wavelength of 222 nm has been demonstrated by Welch et al. 2018. In one embodiment, the bacteria is one having a diameter of approximately 1 pm or less. In one embodiment, the bacteria is S. aureus or methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). S. aureus cells have a diameter of approximately 1 pm (Missiakas and Schneewind, Curr Protoc Microbiol. 2013 Feb; CHAPTER 9: Unit-9C.1); US 2020/085984 demonstrates inactivation of M RSA after exposure to UV radiation with a wavelength of 207 nm or 222 nm. The inactivation of a range of species of bacteria and/or viruses within the aforementioned size range is expected using the device 1, 50 of the present invention.

An advantage of the device 1, 50, whereby the UV radiation is provided in an irradiation zone 20, 81, as opposed to the provision of continuous, overhead UV radiation is that the latter would inactivate bacteria and other biological material which does not necessarily represent a hazard to humans. For example, continuous exposure to UVC radiation would have negative side effects on plants and elements used in the food industry, such as yeasts. Furthermore, certain individuals with specific medical conditions could be adversely affected by exposure to continuous UV radiation and as such would be excluded from spaces where continuous UV radiation was employed.

EU Directive 2006/25/EC relates to the minimum health and safety requirements regarding exposure of workers to risks arising from, for example, UV radiation. The Directive refers to continuous exposure from UVA, UVB and UVC radiation. The present invention relates to UV radiation within the UVC range (and, in particular, to wavelengths between 200 to 230 nm). The provision of UV radiation in an irradiation zone 20, 81 avoids the need for continuous exposure to inactivate a microorganism, as discussed above. In one embodiment, the device 1, 50 is compliant with the EU Directive.

A further advantage of the irradiation zone 20, 81 is that it does not necessitate any major structural modifications to buildings and public spaces. For example, continuous UVC radiation sources (meeting the required specifications in order to be effective) cannot be installed in open-air spaces, such as parks, if a structure holding those radiation sources overhead is not place. Thus embodiments of the present invention provide a more flexible and cost-effective solution as compared to continuous, overhead UV radiation sources, with a lower environmental impact.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A device defining an irradiation zone for ingress of an individual, the individual comprising key animate surfaces, the irradiation zone being irradiatable by UV radiation at a UV dose of between approximately 5 to approximately 50 mJ/crre, the UV radiation having a wavelength of between approximately 200 to approximately 230 nanometres for inactivating a microorganism, wherein the UV radiation of the irradiation zone is sufficient to irradiate, at the UV dose, one or more of the key animate surfaces of a substantial proportion of a notional population of which the individual is a member.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a UV radiation source for irradiating the irradiation zone.
3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the UV radiation source comprises a plurality of UV radiation sources.
4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the UV radiation source comprises an excimer lamp
5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the UV radiation has a wavelength of approximately 222 nanometres.
6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device comprises a first and a second opposing side portion connectable by a transverse portion for defining the irradiation zone.
7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device comprises a moveable portion for defining the irradiation zone.
8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the irradiation zone defined by the moveable portion comprises a longitudinal axis and wherein the moveable portion is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the irradiation zone.
9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the moveable portion is rotatable substantially 3600 about the longitudinal axis of the irradiation zone.
10. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the moveable portion comprises a first and a second opposing side portion connectable by a transverse portion for defining the irradiation zone.
11. The device according to claim 6 or 10, wherein the first and the second opposing side portion and the transverse portion each comprise a plurality of UV radiation sources for irradiating the irradiation zone.
12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the first and the second opposing side portions each comprise a first and a second end portion and a length therebetween and wherein the plurality of UV radiator sources are distributed substantially along the length of each of the first and the second opposing side portions.
13. The device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the first and the second opposing side portions each comprise a first and a second end portion and a length therebetween and wherein the plurality of UV radiator sources are distributed within each third along the length of each of the first and the second opposing side portions.
14. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the key animate surfaces comprise the head and/or the neck and/or the hands of the individual.
15. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the microorganism is a virus and/or a bacterium.
16. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a means for measuring a body temperature of the individual.
17. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a visual display.
18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the visual display is configured to output a time for which the irradiation zone is to be irradiated.
19. The device according to claim 17 or 18, as dependent on claim 16, wherein the visual display is configured to output the body temperature of the individual.
20. A method of inactivating a microorganism, comprising the use of the device according to any one of claims 1 to 19.