US20190336628A1 - Ultraviolet light-sterilized and illuminating caster wheel sets - Google Patents
Ultraviolet light-sterilized and illuminating caster wheel sets Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190336628A1 US20190336628A1 US16/428,407 US201916428407A US2019336628A1 US 20190336628 A1 US20190336628 A1 US 20190336628A1 US 201916428407 A US201916428407 A US 201916428407A US 2019336628 A1 US2019336628 A1 US 2019336628A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- caster wheel
- led
- caster
- emitting diode
- enclosure
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
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Images
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
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
-
- 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
- A61L2/24—Apparatus using programmed or automatic operation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23P—METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; COMBINED OPERATIONS; UNIVERSAL MACHINE TOOLS
- B23P19/00—Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformation; Tools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes
- B23P19/04—Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformation; Tools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes for assembling or disassembling parts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B33/00—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B33/00—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors
- B60B33/006—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by details of the swivel mechanism
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G1/00—Stretchers
- A61G1/02—Stretchers with wheels
-
- 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
Definitions
- a caster is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary to be any of a set of wheels or rotating balls mounted in a swivel frame and used for the support and movement of furniture, trucks, and portable equipment.
- Such carts and beds must often be transported by staff into dimly lit areas such as occur during evening hours or during power outages.
- pathogens including viruses and bacteria may accumulate and colonize on the surfaces of the wheels of the caster sets in such equipment and be spread by the transport and movement of such equipment throughout such facilities.
- pathogens including viruses and bacteria may accumulate and colonize on the surfaces of the wheels of the caster sets in such equipment and be spread by the transport and movement of such equipment throughout such facilities.
- the present disclosure describes significant and non-obvious technical features to address needs for illumination and ultraviolet sterilization of pathogens in the aforementioned buildings and facilities by disclosing a lighting assembly that includes at least one enclosure defining an internal volume configured and disposed to receive in the internal volume a portion of at least one caster wheel that includes a rotatable shaft enabling rotation of the at least one caster wheel; at least one structural mounting member configured and disposed to attach the one or more enclosures to the rotatable shaft; and at least one ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) disposed in the internal volume of the one or more enclosures to interface the portion of the caster wheel thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED to illuminate the portion of the caster wheel to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least a portion of the portion of the caster wheel received in the internal volume and to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings.
- the one or more enclosures, the one or more structural mounting members and the one or more UV LEDs defining thereby a caster enclosure and UV LED
- one or more LEDs are disposed on an external surface of the one or more enclosures to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings such that the one or more enclosures, the one or more structural mounting members, and the one or more LEDs define thereby a caster enclosure and LED illumination lighting assembly.
- combinations of the one or more enclosures, the one or more structural mounting members and the one or more UV LEDs define thereby a caster enclosure and UV LED sterilization and illumination lighting assembly and the one or more enclosures, the one or more structural mounting members, and the one or more LEDs define thereby a caster enclosure and LED illumination lighting assembly.
- the lighting assembly may further include an electrical power supply in electrical communication with the one or more LEDs.
- the lighting assembly may further include a motion detector and timer switch; an electrical braking component configured to enable braking of the one or more caster wheels; and an electrical power supply in electrical communication with the motion detector and timer switch and the electrical braking component and with the one or more LEDs disposed on a surface of the one or more enclosures.
- the one or more LEDs disposed on a surface of the one or more enclosures is at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) disposed on the surface of the one or more enclosures to interface a portion of the caster wheel thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED to illuminate the portion of the caster wheel to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the caster wheel wherein, upon a predetermined time of motion or distance of motion of the caster wheel assembly, the motion detector and timer switch transmit a signal to the electrical braking component to halt motion of, or brake, the caster wheel assembly and to electrically activate the one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LED) to illuminate the portion of the caster wheel to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the caster wheel.
- UV ultraviolet
- the motion detector and timer switch upon expiration of a predetermined activation time of at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED), the motion detector and timer switch transmit a signal to the electrical braking component to enable motion of the caster wheel and to deactivate the one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LED).
- UV ultraviolet
- the present disclosure relates also to a caster wheel assembly that includes a swivel frame configured to receive at least one caster wheel; a wheel rotatably coupled to the swivel frame via an axle to define thereby a caster wheel assembly, wherein the swivel frame includes, or is configured to enable coupling to, a rotatable shaft enabling rotation of the at least one caster wheel; and at least one light emitting diode (LED) disposed on a surface of the swivel frame to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings.
- LED light emitting diode
- the at least one LED disposed on a surface of the swivel frame is at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) disposed on the surface of the swivel frame to interface a portion of the caster wheel thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED to illuminate the portion of the caster wheel to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the at least one caster wheel.
- UV ultraviolet
- LED light emitting diode
- the one or more light emitting diodes is disposed on an external surface of the swivel frame to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings.
- an electrical power supply is in electrical communication with the one or more LEDs.
- the caster wheel assembly further includes: a motion detector and timer switch; an electrical braking component configured to enable braking of the caster wheel; and an electrical power supply in electrical communication with the motion detector and timer switch and the electrical braking component and with the one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LED) disposed on a surface of the swivel frame,
- UV ultraviolet
- LED ultraviolet
- the motion detector and timer switch Upon a predetermined time of motion or distance of motion of the caster wheel assembly, the motion detector and timer switch transmit a signal to the electrical braking component to brake, or halt, motion of the caster wheel assembly and to electrically activate the one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LED) to illuminate the portion of the caster wheel to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the one or more caster wheels.
- UV ultraviolet
- the motion detector and timer switch upon expiration of a predetermined activation time of the one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LED), the motion detector and timer switch transmit a signal to the electrical braking component to enable motion of the at least one caster wheel and to deactivate the at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED).
- UV ultraviolet
- the present disclosure relates also to a method of mounting a lighting assembly that includes: providing at least one enclosure defining an internal volume configured and disposed to receive in the internal volume a portion of at least one caster wheel that includes a rotatable shaft enabling rotation of the one or more caster wheels; attaching via at least one structural mounting member the one or more enclosures to the rotatable shaft; and disposing at least one of at least one ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) in the internal volume of the one or more enclosures to interface the portion of the one or more caster wheels thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED to illuminate the portion of the one or more caster wheels to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least a portion of the portion of the one or more caster wheels received in the internal volume and to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings, wherein the steps of providing at least one enclosure, attaching the enclosure to the rotatable shaft and disposing the at least one UV LED in the internal volume of the one or more enclosures define thereby a method of mounting
- the method of mounting a lighting assembly further includes: mounting a power supply such that the power supply is in electrical communication with the one or more UV LEDs of the caster enclosure and UV LED sterilization and illumination lighting assembly or with the one or more LEDs of the caster enclosure and LED illumination lighting assembly or combinations thereof.
- the method of mounting a lighting assembly further includes: providing a motion detector and timer switch; and an electrical braking component configured to enable braking of the one or more caster wheels; and disposing on a surface of the swivel frame an electrical power supply in electrical communication with the motion detector and timer switch and the electrical braking component and with the one or more LEDs, wherein the one or more LEDs disposed on a surface of the swivel frame is at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) disposed on the surface of the swivel frame to interface a portion of the one or more caster wheels thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED to illuminate the portion of the one or more caster wheels to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the one or more caster wheels; wherein, upon a predetermined time of motion or distance of motion of the caster wheel assembly, the motion detector and timer switch transmit a signal to the electrical braking component to brake motion of the caster wheel assembly and to electrically activate the
- UV
- the method of mounting a lighting assembly includes, wherein upon expiration of a predetermined activation time of at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED), the motion detector and timer switch transmit a signal to the electrical braking component to enable motion of the one or more caster wheels and to deactivate the one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LED).
- UV ultraviolet
- LED ultraviolet
- the present disclosure also relates to a method of mounting a light emitting diode (LED) that includes providing a caster wheel assembly having a swivel frame; and disposing on a surface of the swivel frame at least one LED to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings.
- LED light emitting diode
- the method of mounting a light emitting diode includes wherein the disposing on a surface of the swivel frame at least one LED to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings includes disposing at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) on the surface of the swivel frame to interface a portion of at least one caster wheel of the caster wheel assembly thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED to illuminate the portion of the one or more caster wheels to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the one or more caster wheels and to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings.
- UV ultraviolet
- the method of mounting a light emitting diode includes wherein the disposing on a surface of the swivel frame at least one LED to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings includes disposing the one or more LEDs on an external surface of the swivel frame to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings.
- the method of mounting a light emitting diode further includes mounting a power supply to the caster wheel assembly such that the power supply is in electrical communication with the one or more LEDs.
- the method of mounting a light emitting diode further includes providing a motion detector and timer switch; and an electrical braking component configured to enable braking of, or halting motion of, at least one caster wheel of the caster wheel assembly; and disposing on a surface of the caster wheel assembly an electrical power supply in electrical communication with the motion detector and timer switch and the electrical braking component and with the one or more LEDs, wherein the one or more LEDs disposed on a surface of the swivel frame is at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) disposed on the surface of the swivel frame to interface a portion of at least one caster wheel of the caster wheel assembly thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED to illuminate the portion of the caster wheel to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the one or more caster wheels; wherein, upon a predetermined time of motion or distance of motion of the caster wheel assembly, the motion detector and timer switch transmit a signal to the UV light emitting dio
- the method of mounting a light emitting diode includes wherein upon expiration of a predetermined activation time of at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED), the motion detector and timer switch transmit a signal to the electrical braking component to enable motion of the one or more caster wheels and to deactivate the at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED).
- UV ultraviolet
- the electrical power supply may be selected from the group consisting of a battery, an ultracapacitor, an electrical generator, a photovoltaic cell, or a wall socket or combinations thereof.
- the electrical power supply may be wirelessly rechargeable.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a single wheel soft tread type swiveling caster
- FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C illustrate examples of polished zinc-plated soft tread swivel casters for hospital service
- FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate examples of stainless steel soft tread swivel casters
- FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate examples of heavy duty top plate hospital and medical soft tread swivel casters
- FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a twin wheel soft tread swivel caster for hospitals and medical facilities
- FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an attachable and removable caster enclosure and UV LED lighting assembly according to the present disclosure that is mounted on a caster representing one of the casters of FIGS. 1-5 ;
- FIG. 7 illustrates an end view of the UV LED caster enclosure assembly that is mounted on a caster taken along section line 7 - 7 of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 illustrates the caster wheel of FIG. 1 that has been modified as a caster wheel and sterilization lighting assembly that includes UV LEDs mounted under the caster to illuminate the wheel that rotates on an axle;
- FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C illustrate the caster wheels of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C , respectively, that have been modified as caster wheel and sterilization lighting assemblies that include UV LEDs mounted under the casters to illuminate the wheels that rotate on axles;
- FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate the caster wheels of FIGS. 3A and 3B , respectively, that have been modified as caster wheel and sterilization lighting assemblies that include UV LEDs mounted under casters to illuminate wheels that rotate on axles;
- FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate the caster wheels of FIGS. 4A and 4B , respectively, that have been modified as caster wheel and sterilization lighting assemblies that include UV LEDs mounted under casters to illuminate wheels that rotate on an axle;
- FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of another aspect of the present disclosure wherein a caster wheel assembly having an integrated electrical braking device further includes at least one UV LED for UV sterilization following braking of the caster wheel;
- FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of the caster wheel assembly of FIG. 12 with the electronic braking component separated to reveal the bolt, which screws into the top surface of the caster wheel mounting bracket;
- FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the caster wheel assembly having an integrated electrical braking device
- FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the caster wheel assembly of FIG. 14 with the electronic braking component along line 15 - 15 in FIG. 14 with the brake in the off position;
- FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the caster wheel assembly of FIG. 14 with the electronic braking component along line 15 - 15 in FIG. 14 with the brake in the on position;
- FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the various components of the caster wheel assembly having an integrated electrical braking device that further includes at least one UV LED for UV sterilization according to FIGS. 12-16 .
- the present disclosure relates to lighting assemblies that includes ultra-violet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on inner surfaces of enclosures that are configured and disposed to interface with the rolling surfaces of one or more caster wheels.
- UV ultra-violet
- LEDs light-emitting diodes
- a lighting assembly according to the present disclosure is configured and disposed to be mounted on commercially available casters, for example, such as those supplied by Service Caster Corporation (West Reading, Pa., USA). See the following website:
- FIGS. 1-5 illustrate various types of caster wheels that are utilized in the type of facilities described wherein the spread of viruses, bacteria and pathogens is of particular concern.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a single wheel soft tread type swiveling caster 501 .
- FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate examples of polished zinc-plated soft tread swivel casters 502 A, 502 B and 502 C, respectively, for hospital service.
- FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate examples of stainless steel soft tread swivel casters 503 A and 503 B, respectively.
- FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate examples of heavy duty top plate hospital and medical soft tread swivel casters 504 A and 504 B, respectively.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a twin wheel soft tread swivel caster 505 for hospitals and medical facilities.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an attachable and removable caster enclosure and UV LED lighting assembly according to the present disclosure that is mounted on a caster representing one of the casters of FIGS. 1-5 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates an end view of the UV LED caster enclosure assembly that is mounted on a caster taken along section line 7 - 7 of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates the caster wheel 501 of FIG. 1 that has been modified as a caster wheel and sterilization lighting assembly 501 ′ that includes UV LEDs 110 mounted under swivel frame or caster 54 to illuminate wheel 50 that rotates on axle 52 .
- a sterilization lighting assembly 100 includes at least one enclosure or housing 100 a and/or 100 b defining an internal volume 102 a and/or 102 b that is configured and disposed to receive in the internal volume 102 a and/or 102 b , a portion of at least one caster wheel 50 that includes a rotatable shaft 52 enabling rotation of the at least one caster wheel 50 , respectively.
- At least one structural mounting member e.g., cross-brace 131 and/or 132 , is (are) configured and disposed to attach the at least one chord-shaped enclosure or housing 100 a and/or 100 b to the rotatable shaft 52 .
- the enclosure or housing 100 a and/or 100 b may be chord-shaped which is illustrated in FIGS. 6-7 by way of example, and will be described herein as such.
- Other shapes of the enclosure or housing 100 a and/or 100 b may include rectangular or multilateral, e.g., semi-hexagon or semi-octagon, etc.
- the sterilization lighting assembly 100 further includes at least one ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) 110 a and/or 110 b disposed in the internal volume 102 a and/or 102 b of the at least one chord-shaped enclosure 100 a and/or 100 b to interface the portion of the at least one caster wheel 50 thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED or additional UV LEDs 110 a and/or 110 b disposed along the internal surfaces defined by the at least one chord-shaped enclosure 100 a and/or 100 b to illuminate the portion of the at least one caster wheel 50 to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least a portion of the portion of the at least one caster wheel 50 received in the internal volume 102 a and/or 102 b.
- UV ultraviolet
- LED ultraviolet light-emitting diode
- the at least one chord-shaped enclosure 100 a and/or 100 b , the at least one structural mounting member, e.g., cross-brace 131 and/or 132 , and the at least one UV LED or additional UV LEDs 110 a and/or 110 b define thereby a caster enclosure and UV LED sterilization lighting assembly 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 6 further discloses additional UV LEDs 120 a that may be mounted within the internal volume 102 a of UV LED enclosure or housing 100 a and UV LEDs 120 b mounted within internal volume 102 b of UV LED enclosure or housing 100 b that are configured and disposed to illuminate the side surfaces of the caster wheel or wheels 50 .
- an extended height enclosure 101 may be provided which further encloses the side surfaces of caster wheel or wheels 50 and which further join the UV LED housings or enclosures 100 a and 100 b.
- FIG. 7 further discloses cross-braces 132 are mounted on side 50 ′′ of caster wheel or wheels 50 and cross-braces 131 are mounted on side 50 ′ of the caster wheel or wheels 50 .
- cross-braces 131 are mounted to the caster wheel rotating shaft 52 on side 50 ′ via a cross-brace joint 133 that enables rotation of the shaft 52 and thereby the caster wheel 50 .
- cross-braces 132 are mounted to the caster wheel rotating shaft 52 on side 50 ′′ via a cross-brace joint 134 that also enables rotation of the shaft 52 and thereby the caster wheel 50 .
- UV LEDs 110 a and 110 b inherently provide at least partial illumination to the ambient surroundings.
- illumination LEDs 110 a ′ and 110 b ′ may be mounted on the exterior surface of chord-shaped enclosures 100 a and 100 b , respectively, and may be in electrically communication with power supply 140 through wiring 145 a directed to the at least one LED 110 a ′ and through wiring 145 b directed to the at least one LED 110 b ′ thereby providing at least partial illumination to the ambient surroundings.
- the enclosures 100 a and 100 b can be made from microbial resistant materials and titanium dioxide nanoparticles can be applied to the surfaces of caster wheel or wheels 50 to enhance sterilization:
- Power Supply 140 is in electrical communication with the UV LEDs 110 a and 110 b through wiring 145 a directed to the at least one UV LED 110 a and through wiring 145 b directed to the at least one UV LED 110 b may be a dedicated rechargeable battery pack or one or more ultracapacitors mounted on the caster enclosures 100 a or 100 b or on the equipment being transported or power can be generated by electromagnetic induction from rotation of the casters themselves, etc.
- the UV LEDs 110 may include self-contained wirelessly rechargeable power supplies (not shown).
- one or more photovoltaic cells that capture indoor lighting could be used either directly or to charge batteries in the power supply 140 while the cart or equipment mounted on the caster wheels 501 to 505 is stationary.
- the power supply 140 may be supplied power for recharging via an extension cord (not shown) connected to a conventional electrical wall socket (not shown) in the vicinity of the sterilization lighting assembly 100 .
- the power supply 140 may be the conventional electrical wall socket in the vicinity of the sterilization lighting assembly 100 to which an extension cord (not shown) is connected.
- power supply 140 may be utilized individually or in combination.
- FIG. 8 illustrates the caster wheel 501 of FIG. 1 that has been modified as a caster wheel and sterilization lighting assembly 501 ′ that includes UV LEDs 110 mounted under swivel frame or caster 54 to illuminate wheel 50 that rotates on axle 52 .
- the UV LEDs 110 are supplied electrical power in a similar manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7 via power supply 140 and power cord(s) 145 through or via a caster swivel shaft 56 .
- the UV LEDs 110 may include self-contained wirelessly rechargeable power supplies (not shown).
- one or more photovoltaic cells that capture indoor lighting could be used either directly or to charge batteries in the power supply 140 while the cart or equipment mounted on the caster wheels 501 ′ is stationary.
- one or more illumination LEDs 110 ′ may be mounted on an external surface 54 ′ of swivel frame or caster 54 and may be electrically coupled to power supply 140 via power cords 145 and/or 145 ′, thereby enabling the caster wheel 50 to provide at least partial illumination to the ambient surroundings.
- the power supply 140 , power cords 145 and/or 145 ′ and illumination LEDs 110 ′ may be made water-proof to militate against flooding conditions that may be encountered.
- FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C illustrate the caster wheels 502 A, 502 B and 502 C of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C that have been modified as caster wheel and sterilization lighting assemblies 502 A′, 502 B′ and 502 C′, respectively, that include UV LEDs 110 mounted under casters 54 to illuminate wheels 50 that rotate on axle 52 .
- the UV LEDs 110 are supplied electrical power in a similar manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7 via power supply 140 and power cord(s) 145 through or via caster wheel swivel shaft receptacle 56 ′ ( 502 A′ in FIG. 9A or 502C ′ in FIG.
- the UV LEDs 110 may include self-contained wirelessly rechargeable power supplies (not shown).
- one or more photovoltaic cells that capture indoor lighting could be used either directly or to charge batteries in the power supply 140 while the cart or equipment mounted on the caster wheels 502 A′, 502 B′ or 502 C′ is stationary.
- one or more illumination LEDs 110 ′ may be mounted on an external surface 54 ′ of swivel frame or caster 54 of caster wheels 50 as illustrated in FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C and may be electrically coupled to power supply 140 via power cords 145 and/or 145 ′, thereby enabling the caster wheel 50 to provide at least partial illumination to the ambient surroundings.
- the power supply 140 , power cords 145 and/or 145 ′ and illumination LEDs 110 ′ may be made water-proof to mitigate against flooding conditions that may be encountered.
- FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate the caster wheels 503 A and 503 B of FIGS. 3A and 3B that have been modified as caster wheel and sterilization lighting assemblies 503 A′ and 503 B′, respectively, that include UV LEDs 110 mounted under casters 54 to illuminate wheels 50 that rotate on axle 52 .
- the UV LEDs 110 are supplied electrical power in a similar manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7 via power supply 140 and power cord(s) 145 through or via caster wheel swivel shaft receptacle 56 ′ ( 503 A′ in FIG. 10A ) or caster swivel shaft 56 ( 503 B′ in FIG. 10B ).
- the UV LEDs 110 may include self-contained wirelessly rechargeable power supplies (not shown).
- one or more photovoltaic cells that capture indoor lighting could be used either directly or to charge batteries in the power supply 140 while the cart or equipment mounted on the caster wheels 503 A′ or 503 B′ is stationary.
- one or more illumination LEDs 110 ′ may be mounted on an external surface 54 ′ of swivel frame or caster 54 of caster wheels 50 as illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B and may be electrically coupled to power supply 140 via power cords 145 and/or 145 ′, thereby enabling the caster wheel 50 to provide at least partial illumination to the ambient surroundings.
- the power supply 140 , power cords 145 and/or 145 ′ and illumination LEDs 110 ′ may be made water-proof to mitigate against flooding conditions that may be encountered.
- FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate the caster wheels 504 A and 504 B of FIGS. 4A and 4B that have been modified as caster wheel and sterilization lighting assemblies 504 A′ and 504 B′, respectively, that include UV LEDs 110 mounted under casters 54 to illuminate wheels 50 that rotate on axle 52 .
- the UV LEDs 110 are supplied electrical power in a similar manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7 via power supply 140 and power cord(s) 145 through or via caster wheel swivel shaft receptacle 56 ′ ( 504 A′ in FIG. 11A and 504B ′ in FIG. 11B ).
- the UV LEDs 110 may include self-contained wirelessly rechargeable power supplies (not shown).
- one or more photovoltaic cells that capture indoor lighting could be used either directly or to charge batteries in the power supply 140 while the cart or equipment mounted on the caster wheels 504 A′ or 504 B′ is stationary.
- one or more illumination LEDs 110 ′ may be mounted on an external surface 54 ′ of swivel frame or caster 54 of caster wheels 50 as illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B and may be electrically coupled to power supply 140 via power cords 145 and/or 145 ′, thereby enabling the caster wheel 50 to provide at least partial illumination to the ambient surroundings.
- the power supply 140 , power cords 145 and/or 145 ′ and illumination LEDs 110 ′ may be made water-proof to mitigate against flooding conditions that may be encountered.
- the UV LEDs 110 a , 110 b or 110 illustrated in FIGS. 6-11B may be activated for a desired adjustable period of time or adjustable distance traveled by the equipment to which the caster wheels 50 are mounted and can be set by a user via a power switch (not shown) or by a processor (not shown).
- FIGS. 6-7 those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure relates to a method of mounting sterilization lighting assembly 100 that includes the steps of providing at least one chord-shaped enclosure, e.g., 102 a and/or 102 b , defining an internal volume configured and disposed to receive in the internal volume a portion of at least one caster wheel 50 that includes rotatable shaft 52 enabling rotation of the caster wheel 50 .
- the method includes attaching via at least one structural mounting member, e.g., 131 and/or 132 , the at least one chord-shaped enclosure, e.g., 102 a and/or 102 b , to the rotatable shaft 52 and disposing at least one ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) 110 a and/or 110 b in the internal volume of the chord-shaped enclosure 102 a / 102 b to interface the portion of the caster wheel 50 thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED 110 a and/or 110 b to illuminate the portion of the caster wheel 50 to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least a portion of the portion of the caster wheel 50 received in the internal volume.
- UV ultraviolet
- the method includes providing the chord-shaped enclosure 102 a and/or 102 b , attaching the at least one structural mounting member 131 and/or 132 to the rotatable shaft 52 disposing at least one ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) 110 a and/or 110 b in the internal volume of the chord-shaped enclosure 102 a / 102 b to interface the portion of the caster wheel 50 enables assembly thereby of a caster enclosure and UV LED sterilization lighting assembly.
- UV ultraviolet
- the method may further include mounting power supply 140 to the caster wheel assembly 100 such that the power supply 140 is in electrical communication with the UV LED(s) 110 a via wiring 145 a and/or with the UV LED(s) 110 b via wiring 145 b.
- the method may include mounting an electrical power supply 140 selected from the group consisting of a battery, an ultracapacitor, an electrical generator, a photovoltaic cell, or a wall socket or combinations thereof.
- an electrical power supply 140 selected from the group consisting of a battery, an ultracapacitor, an electrical generator, a photovoltaic cell, or a wall socket or combinations thereof.
- the mounting may include mounting an electrical power supply 140 that is wirelessly rechargeable.
- FIGS. 8-11B those skilled in the art will recognize and understand that in addition to the sterilization lighting assembly 100 described with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the present disclosure relates also to a caster wheel assembly, e.g., 501 ′ in FIG. 8, 502A ′ in FIG. 9A, 502B ′ in FIG. 9B, 502C ′ in FIG. 9C, 503A ′ in FIG. 10A, 503B ′ in FIG. 10B, 504A ′ in FIG. 11A and 504B ′ in FIG. 11B , that includes a swivel frame or caster 54 configured to receive a caster wheel 50 .
- a caster wheel assembly e.g., 501 ′ in FIG. 8, 502A ′ in FIG. 9A, 502B ′ in FIG. 9B, 502C ′ in FIG. 9C, 503A ′ in FIG. 10A, 503B ′ in FIG. 10B, 504A ′ in FIG. 11
- the wheel 50 is rotatably coupled to the swivel frame or caster 54 via axle 52 to define thereby the caster wheel assembly.
- the swivel frame or caster 54 includes, or is configured to enable coupling to (e.g., caster wheel swivel shaft receptacle 56 ′ in FIGS. 9A, 9C, 10A, 11A and 11B ), rotatable shaft 56 enabling rotation of caster wheel 50 around the shaft 56 .
- the sterilization lighting assembly 100 further includes at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) 110 disposed on a surface of the swivel frame or caster 54 to interface a portion of the caster wheel 54 thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED 110 to illuminate the portion of the caster wheel 50 to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the caster wheel.
- UV light emitting diode LED
- the present disclosure relates also to a method of mounting an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) for sterilization of pathogens.
- the method includes providing a caster wheel assembly, e.g., 501 ′, 502 A′, 502 B′, 502 C′, 503 A′, 503 B′, 504 A′ and 504 B′, having a swivel frame, e.g., swivel frame or caster 54 , and mounting at least one UV LED 110 to the swivel frame or caster 54 to interface a portion of at least one caster wheel 50 of the caster wheel assembly 501 ′ or 502 A′ thereby enabling UV light emitting from the one or more LEDs 110 to illuminate the portion of the caster wheel 50 to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the at least one caster wheel 50 .
- a caster wheel assembly e.g., 501 ′, 502 A′, 502 B′, 502 C′,
- the method may further include mounting power supply 140 to the caster wheel assembly, e.g., 501 ′, 502 A′, 502 B′, 502 C′, 503 A′, 503 B′, 504 A′ and 504 B′, such that the power supply 140 is in electrical communication with the UV LED(s) 110 via wiring 145 .
- the power supply 140 is in electrical communication with the UV LED(s) 110 via wiring 145 .
- the method may include mounting electrical power supply 140 selected from the group consisting of a battery, an ultracapacitor, an electrical generator, a photovoltaic cell, or a wall socket or combinations thereof.
- the mounting may include mounting electrical power supply 140 that is wirelessly rechargeable.
- FIGS. 12-17 illustrate a caster wheel assembly 600 having an integrated electrical braking device 610 and further includes at least one UV LED, e.g., 620 A and/or 620 B for UV sterilization after the electrical braking device 610 receives a signal from motion detector and timer switch 615 to brake motion of at least one caster wheel 611 of the caster wheel assembly 600 to subject the surface of the caster wheel 611 to the UV sterilization provided by the UV LEDs 620 A and/or 620 B.
- at least one UV LED e.g., 620 A and/or 620 B for UV sterilization after the electrical braking device 610 receives a signal from motion detector and timer switch 615 to brake motion of at least one caster wheel 611 of the caster wheel assembly 600 to subject the surface of the caster wheel 611 to the UV sterilization provided by the UV LEDs 620 A and/or 620 B.
- the electrical braking device 610 includes an electrical braking assembly 612 that is formed in an upper section 612 A and a lower section 612 B.
- the upper section 612 A includes a solenoid 613 that causes motion of a pin 614 that contacts the surface of the caster wheel 611 to effect braking of the caster wheel.
- the pin 614 passes through a bolt 608 A along a bottom surface 613 C′ and a threaded opening 611 C along a top surface 6130 ′′ of lower section 612 B.
- the solenoid 613 is electrically wired via wiring 613 C to motion detector and timer switch 615 , which is wired to a power supply 618 .
- the lower section 612 B includes caster wheel 611 mounted to swivel frame 611 ′ via a mounting bracket 611 A, and a ball bearing 611 B.
- the upper section 612 A of electrical braking component 612 is secured to the lower section 612 B and thereby to caster wheel 611 by screwing the bolt 608 A of the upper section 612 A of electrical braking component 612 into the threaded opening 611 C on the mounting bracket 611 A of lower section 612 B.
- the ball-bearing 611 B is in rotatable contact with the mounting bracket 611 A in the lower section 612 B thereby enabling rotation of the swivel frame 611 ′ and accordingly the caster wheel 611 to rotate about the mounting bracket 611 A, which in turn enables rotation of the electrical braking component 612 .
- the threaded opening 612 B enables the electrical braking component 612 to be secured to the bottom surface of an object (not shown) for which the integrated electrical braking device 610 is being used in the same fashion as if the caster wheel 611 had been directly attached to the object.
- the pin 614 attaches to a brake 616 , which is positioned adjacent a spring 617 located on the bottom surface of the mounting bracket 611 A.
- the spring 617 insures that a biasing force is placed upon the brake 616 as well as the pin 614 .
- the spring 617 biases the pin upwards to ensure against unintentional braking of the caster wheel 611 when the solenoid 613 is not powered.
- the total force output of the solenoid 613 must be sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the spring 617 in addition to a braking force required to successfully stop the caster wheel 611 via the brake 616 .
- the pin 614 attaches to the brake 616 via an attaching means comprising welding, bolting, screwing, molding, or adhesive or other suitable methods in the art.
- the pin 614 and the brake 616 are made of a material comprising metal, rubber, durable plastic, aramid fibers, carbon fibers, or wood.
- the bottom surface of lower section 612 B further includes at least one UV LED, e.g., 620 A and/or 620 B for UV sterilization after the electrical braking device 610 receives a signal from motion detector and timer switch 615 to brake motion of at least one caster wheel 611 of the caster wheel assembly 600 to subject the surface of the caster wheel 611 to the UV sterilization provided by the UV LEDs 620 A and/or 620 B.
- at least one UV LED e.g., 620 A and/or 620 B for UV sterilization after the electrical braking device 610 receives a signal from motion detector and timer switch 615 to brake motion of at least one caster wheel 611 of the caster wheel assembly 600 to subject the surface of the caster wheel 611 to the UV sterilization provided by the UV LEDs 620 A and/or 620 B.
- the motion detector and timer switch 615 transmits the signal to the electrical braking component 612 to halt motion of the caster wheel assembly 600 and to electrically activate at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED), e.g., UV LEDs 620 A and/or 620 B, to illuminate the portion of the caster wheel 611 via UV beams 620 UVa and 620 UVb, respectively, to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the one or more caster wheels 611 .
- UV ultraviolet
- the magnitudes of the predetermined time of motion or distance of motion are each adjustable either by a user via the motion detection and timer switch 615 or by a processor (not shown) in communication with the motion detector and timer switch 615 that may be mounted on a cart or other equipment which is transportable via the caster wheel assembly 600 .
- the motion detector and timer switch 615 Upon expiration of an adjustable predetermined activation time of at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED), e.g., 620 A and/or 620 B, the motion detector and timer switch 615 transmits a signal to the electrical braking component 612 to enable motion of the one or more caster wheels 611 , i.e., the electrical braking component 612 releases the one or more caster wheels 611 , and to deactivate the one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LED) e.g., 620 A and/or 620 B,
- UV ultraviolet
- the orientation of UV LED 620 B may be at an angle with respect to the bottom surface of mounting bracket 611 A to minimize distance from the UV LED 620 B to the surface of the caster wheel 611 .
- the caster wheel assembly 600 having integrated electrical braking device 610 and respective components as described above with respect to FIGS. 12-17 may also be applied to the sterilization lighting assembly 100 that includes at least one enclosure or housing 100 a and/or 100 b as described above with respect to FIGS. 6-7 .
- the caster wheel assembly 600 having integrated electrical braking device 610 together with the UV LEDs 620 A and/or 620 B for UV sterilization together with the related components as described above may be adapted for all typical applications including caster wheels and may be integrated into either an existing caster wheel or part of a new caster wheel.
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- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/900,195, filed on Feb. 20, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/474,244, filed on Mar. 21, 2017, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.
- A caster is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary to be any of a set of wheels or rotating balls mounted in a swivel frame and used for the support and movement of furniture, trucks, and portable equipment.
- In hospital, medical, nursing home, rehabilitation facilities and some portions of assisted living facilities and the like, and including pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, medical equipment, diagnostic devices and supplies, etc., are mounted on carts that include casters for transport. Similarly, patients are transported on beds that are mounted on casters.
- Such carts and beds must often be transported by staff into dimly lit areas such as occur during evening hours or during power outages.
- In addition, regardless of the ambient lighting conditions within a facility, pathogens including viruses and bacteria may accumulate and colonize on the surfaces of the wheels of the caster sets in such equipment and be spread by the transport and movement of such equipment throughout such facilities.
- As a result, pathogens including viruses and bacteria may accumulate and colonize on the surfaces of the wheels of the caster sets in such equipment and be spread by the transport and movement of such equipment throughout such facilities.
- The present disclosure describes significant and non-obvious technical features to address needs for illumination and ultraviolet sterilization of pathogens in the aforementioned buildings and facilities by disclosing a lighting assembly that includes at least one enclosure defining an internal volume configured and disposed to receive in the internal volume a portion of at least one caster wheel that includes a rotatable shaft enabling rotation of the at least one caster wheel; at least one structural mounting member configured and disposed to attach the one or more enclosures to the rotatable shaft; and at least one ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) disposed in the internal volume of the one or more enclosures to interface the portion of the caster wheel thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED to illuminate the portion of the caster wheel to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least a portion of the portion of the caster wheel received in the internal volume and to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings. The one or more enclosures, the one or more structural mounting members and the one or more UV LEDs defining thereby a caster enclosure and UV LED sterilization and illumination lighting assembly.
- Alternatively, one or more LEDs are disposed on an external surface of the one or more enclosures to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings such that the one or more enclosures, the one or more structural mounting members, and the one or more LEDs define thereby a caster enclosure and LED illumination lighting assembly.
- Alternatively, combinations of the one or more enclosures, the one or more structural mounting members and the one or more UV LEDs define thereby a caster enclosure and UV LED sterilization and illumination lighting assembly and the one or more enclosures, the one or more structural mounting members, and the one or more LEDs define thereby a caster enclosure and LED illumination lighting assembly.
- In an aspect, the lighting assembly may further include an electrical power supply in electrical communication with the one or more LEDs.
- In an aspect, the lighting assembly may further include a motion detector and timer switch; an electrical braking component configured to enable braking of the one or more caster wheels; and an electrical power supply in electrical communication with the motion detector and timer switch and the electrical braking component and with the one or more LEDs disposed on a surface of the one or more enclosures.
- The one or more LEDs disposed on a surface of the one or more enclosures is at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) disposed on the surface of the one or more enclosures to interface a portion of the caster wheel thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED to illuminate the portion of the caster wheel to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the caster wheel wherein, upon a predetermined time of motion or distance of motion of the caster wheel assembly, the motion detector and timer switch transmit a signal to the electrical braking component to halt motion of, or brake, the caster wheel assembly and to electrically activate the one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LED) to illuminate the portion of the caster wheel to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the caster wheel.
- In a further aspect, upon expiration of a predetermined activation time of at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED), the motion detector and timer switch transmit a signal to the electrical braking component to enable motion of the caster wheel and to deactivate the one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LED).
- The present disclosure relates also to a caster wheel assembly that includes a swivel frame configured to receive at least one caster wheel; a wheel rotatably coupled to the swivel frame via an axle to define thereby a caster wheel assembly, wherein the swivel frame includes, or is configured to enable coupling to, a rotatable shaft enabling rotation of the at least one caster wheel; and at least one light emitting diode (LED) disposed on a surface of the swivel frame to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings.
- In a further aspect, the at least one LED disposed on a surface of the swivel frame is at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) disposed on the surface of the swivel frame to interface a portion of the caster wheel thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED to illuminate the portion of the caster wheel to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the at least one caster wheel.
- In one aspect, the one or more light emitting diodes (LED) is disposed on an external surface of the swivel frame to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings.
- In an aspect, an electrical power supply is in electrical communication with the one or more LEDs.
- In another aspect, the caster wheel assembly further includes: a motion detector and timer switch; an electrical braking component configured to enable braking of the caster wheel; and an electrical power supply in electrical communication with the motion detector and timer switch and the electrical braking component and with the one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LED) disposed on a surface of the swivel frame,
- Upon a predetermined time of motion or distance of motion of the caster wheel assembly, the motion detector and timer switch transmit a signal to the electrical braking component to brake, or halt, motion of the caster wheel assembly and to electrically activate the one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LED) to illuminate the portion of the caster wheel to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the one or more caster wheels.
- In a further aspect, upon expiration of a predetermined activation time of the one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LED), the motion detector and timer switch transmit a signal to the electrical braking component to enable motion of the at least one caster wheel and to deactivate the at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED).
- The present disclosure relates also to a method of mounting a lighting assembly that includes: providing at least one enclosure defining an internal volume configured and disposed to receive in the internal volume a portion of at least one caster wheel that includes a rotatable shaft enabling rotation of the one or more caster wheels; attaching via at least one structural mounting member the one or more enclosures to the rotatable shaft; and disposing at least one of at least one ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) in the internal volume of the one or more enclosures to interface the portion of the one or more caster wheels thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED to illuminate the portion of the one or more caster wheels to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least a portion of the portion of the one or more caster wheels received in the internal volume and to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings, wherein the steps of providing at least one enclosure, attaching the enclosure to the rotatable shaft and disposing the at least one UV LED in the internal volume of the one or more enclosures define thereby a method of mounting a caster enclosure and UV LED sterilization and illumination lighting assembly, or of disposing at least one LED on an external surface of the one or more enclosures to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings, wherein the steps of providing the one or more enclosures, disposing the one or more LED on an external surface of the one or more enclosures, and attaching via at least one structural mounting member the one or more enclosures to the rotatable shaft define thereby a method of mounting an LED illumination lighting assembly, or combinations of the steps of providing at least one enclosure, attaching the one or more enclosures to the rotatable shaft and disposing the one or more UV LEDs in the internal volume of the one or more enclosures defining thereby a method of mounting a caster enclosure and UV LED sterilization and illumination lighting assembly and of providing the one or more enclosures, disposing the one or more LEDs on an external surface of the one or more enclosures, and attaching via at least one structural mounting member the one or more enclosures to the rotatable shaft defining thereby a method of mounting an LED illumination lighting assembly.
- In an aspect, the method of mounting a lighting assembly further includes: mounting a power supply such that the power supply is in electrical communication with the one or more UV LEDs of the caster enclosure and UV LED sterilization and illumination lighting assembly or with the one or more LEDs of the caster enclosure and LED illumination lighting assembly or combinations thereof.
- In an aspect, the method of mounting a lighting assembly further includes: providing a motion detector and timer switch; and an electrical braking component configured to enable braking of the one or more caster wheels; and disposing on a surface of the swivel frame an electrical power supply in electrical communication with the motion detector and timer switch and the electrical braking component and with the one or more LEDs, wherein the one or more LEDs disposed on a surface of the swivel frame is at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) disposed on the surface of the swivel frame to interface a portion of the one or more caster wheels thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED to illuminate the portion of the one or more caster wheels to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the one or more caster wheels; wherein, upon a predetermined time of motion or distance of motion of the caster wheel assembly, the motion detector and timer switch transmit a signal to the electrical braking component to brake motion of the caster wheel assembly and to electrically activate the one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LED) to illuminate the portion of the one or more caster wheels to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the one or more caster wheels.
- In an aspect, the method of mounting a lighting assembly includes, wherein upon expiration of a predetermined activation time of at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED), the motion detector and timer switch transmit a signal to the electrical braking component to enable motion of the one or more caster wheels and to deactivate the one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LED).
- The present disclosure also relates to a method of mounting a light emitting diode (LED) that includes providing a caster wheel assembly having a swivel frame; and disposing on a surface of the swivel frame at least one LED to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings.
- In an aspect, the method of mounting a light emitting diode (LED) includes wherein the disposing on a surface of the swivel frame at least one LED to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings includes disposing at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) on the surface of the swivel frame to interface a portion of at least one caster wheel of the caster wheel assembly thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED to illuminate the portion of the one or more caster wheels to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the one or more caster wheels and to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings.
- In an aspect, the method of mounting a light emitting diode (LED) includes wherein the disposing on a surface of the swivel frame at least one LED to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings includes disposing the one or more LEDs on an external surface of the swivel frame to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings.
- In an aspect, the method of mounting a light emitting diode (LED) further includes mounting a power supply to the caster wheel assembly such that the power supply is in electrical communication with the one or more LEDs.
- In an aspect, the method of mounting a light emitting diode (LED) further includes providing a motion detector and timer switch; and an electrical braking component configured to enable braking of, or halting motion of, at least one caster wheel of the caster wheel assembly; and disposing on a surface of the caster wheel assembly an electrical power supply in electrical communication with the motion detector and timer switch and the electrical braking component and with the one or more LEDs, wherein the one or more LEDs disposed on a surface of the swivel frame is at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) disposed on the surface of the swivel frame to interface a portion of at least one caster wheel of the caster wheel assembly thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED to illuminate the portion of the caster wheel to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the one or more caster wheels; wherein, upon a predetermined time of motion or distance of motion of the caster wheel assembly, the motion detector and timer switch transmit a signal to the electrical braking component to brake motion of the caster wheel assembly and to electrically activate the one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LED) to illuminate the portion of the one or more caster wheels to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the one or more caster wheels.
- In an aspect, the method of mounting a light emitting diode (LED) includes wherein upon expiration of a predetermined activation time of at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED), the motion detector and timer switch transmit a signal to the electrical braking component to enable motion of the one or more caster wheels and to deactivate the at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED).
- In each of the foregoing embodiments and/or aspects, the electrical power supply may be selected from the group consisting of a battery, an ultracapacitor, an electrical generator, a photovoltaic cell, or a wall socket or combinations thereof.
- The electrical power supply may be wirelessly rechargeable.
- The above-mentioned advantages and other advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a single wheel soft tread type swiveling caster; -
FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C illustrate examples of polished zinc-plated soft tread swivel casters for hospital service; -
FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate examples of stainless steel soft tread swivel casters; -
FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate examples of heavy duty top plate hospital and medical soft tread swivel casters; -
FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a twin wheel soft tread swivel caster for hospitals and medical facilities; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an attachable and removable caster enclosure and UV LED lighting assembly according to the present disclosure that is mounted on a caster representing one of the casters ofFIGS. 1-5 ; -
FIG. 7 illustrates an end view of the UV LED caster enclosure assembly that is mounted on a caster taken along section line 7-7 ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 illustrates the caster wheel ofFIG. 1 that has been modified as a caster wheel and sterilization lighting assembly that includes UV LEDs mounted under the caster to illuminate the wheel that rotates on an axle; -
FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C illustrate the caster wheels ofFIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C , respectively, that have been modified as caster wheel and sterilization lighting assemblies that include UV LEDs mounted under the casters to illuminate the wheels that rotate on axles; -
FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate the caster wheels ofFIGS. 3A and 3B , respectively, that have been modified as caster wheel and sterilization lighting assemblies that include UV LEDs mounted under casters to illuminate wheels that rotate on axles; -
FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate the caster wheels ofFIGS. 4A and 4B , respectively, that have been modified as caster wheel and sterilization lighting assemblies that include UV LEDs mounted under casters to illuminate wheels that rotate on an axle; -
FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of another aspect of the present disclosure wherein a caster wheel assembly having an integrated electrical braking device further includes at least one UV LED for UV sterilization following braking of the caster wheel; -
FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of the caster wheel assembly ofFIG. 12 with the electronic braking component separated to reveal the bolt, which screws into the top surface of the caster wheel mounting bracket; -
FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the caster wheel assembly having an integrated electrical braking device; -
FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the caster wheel assembly ofFIG. 14 with the electronic braking component along line 15-15 inFIG. 14 with the brake in the off position; -
FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the caster wheel assembly ofFIG. 14 with the electronic braking component along line 15-15 inFIG. 14 with the brake in the on position;; and -
FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the various components of the caster wheel assembly having an integrated electrical braking device that further includes at least one UV LED for UV sterilization according toFIGS. 12-16 . - The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
- It is to be understood that the method steps described herein need not necessarily be performed in the order as described. Further, 0 ds such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc., are not intended to limit the order of the steps. Such words are simply used to guide the reader through the description of the method steps.
- The present disclosure relates to lighting assemblies that includes ultra-violet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on inner surfaces of enclosures that are configured and disposed to interface with the rolling surfaces of one or more caster wheels.
- In embodiments, a lighting assembly according to the present disclosure is configured and disposed to be mounted on commercially available casters, for example, such as those supplied by Service Caster Corporation (West Reading, Pa., USA). See the following website:
- http://shop.servicecaster.com/medical-hospital-casters-s/2036.htm?gclid=CMuPp8XfjdlCFZiCswod3iUOvQ
- Those skilled in the art will recognize that other designs of casters not explicitly illustrated in the present disclosure may be subjected to mounting of the sterilization lighting assemblies described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
-
FIGS. 1-5 illustrate various types of caster wheels that are utilized in the type of facilities described wherein the spread of viruses, bacteria and pathogens is of particular concern. -
FIG. 1 illustrates a single wheel soft treadtype swiveling caster 501. -
FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate examples of polished zinc-plated softtread swivel casters -
FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate examples of stainless steel softtread swivel casters -
FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate examples of heavy duty top plate hospital and medical softtread swivel casters -
FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a twin wheel softtread swivel caster 505 for hospitals and medical facilities. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an attachable and removable caster enclosure and UV LED lighting assembly according to the present disclosure that is mounted on a caster representing one of the casters ofFIGS. 1-5 . -
FIG. 7 illustrates an end view of the UV LED caster enclosure assembly that is mounted on a caster taken along section line 7-7 ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 8 illustrates thecaster wheel 501 ofFIG. 1 that has been modified as a caster wheel andsterilization lighting assembly 501′ that includesUV LEDs 110 mounted under swivel frame orcaster 54 to illuminatewheel 50 that rotates onaxle 52. - More particularly, referring to
FIGS. 6 and 7 , asterilization lighting assembly 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes at least one enclosure orhousing 100 a and/or 100 b defining aninternal volume 102 a and/or 102 b that is configured and disposed to receive in theinternal volume 102 a and/or 102 b, a portion of at least onecaster wheel 50 that includes arotatable shaft 52 enabling rotation of the at least onecaster wheel 50, respectively. At least one structural mounting member, e.g.,cross-brace 131 and/or 132, is (are) configured and disposed to attach the at least one chord-shaped enclosure orhousing 100 a and/or 100 b to therotatable shaft 52. - In an aspect of the present disclosure, the enclosure or
housing 100 a and/or 100 b may be chord-shaped which is illustrated inFIGS. 6-7 by way of example, and will be described herein as such. Other shapes of the enclosure orhousing 100 a and/or 100 b may include rectangular or multilateral, e.g., semi-hexagon or semi-octagon, etc. - The
sterilization lighting assembly 100 further includes at least one ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) 110 a and/or 110 b disposed in theinternal volume 102 a and/or 102 b of the at least one chord-shapedenclosure 100 a and/or 100 b to interface the portion of the at least onecaster wheel 50 thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED oradditional UV LEDs 110 a and/or 110 b disposed along the internal surfaces defined by the at least one chord-shapedenclosure 100 a and/or 100 b to illuminate the portion of the at least onecaster wheel 50 to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least a portion of the portion of the at least onecaster wheel 50 received in theinternal volume 102 a and/or 102 b. - The at least one chord-shaped
enclosure 100 a and/or 100 b, the at least one structural mounting member, e.g.,cross-brace 131 and/or 132, and the at least one UV LED oradditional UV LEDs 110 a and/or 110 b define thereby a caster enclosure and UV LEDsterilization lighting assembly 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 6 further disclosesadditional UV LEDs 120 a that may be mounted within theinternal volume 102 a of UV LED enclosure orhousing 100 a andUV LEDs 120 b mounted withininternal volume 102 b of UV LED enclosure orhousing 100 b that are configured and disposed to illuminate the side surfaces of the caster wheel orwheels 50. - Additionally, an
extended height enclosure 101 may be provided which further encloses the side surfaces of caster wheel orwheels 50 and which further join the UV LED housings orenclosures -
FIG. 7 further disclosescross-braces 132 are mounted onside 50″ of caster wheel orwheels 50 andcross-braces 131 are mounted onside 50′ of the caster wheel orwheels 50. - The cross-braces 131 are mounted to the caster
wheel rotating shaft 52 onside 50′ via a cross-brace joint 133 that enables rotation of theshaft 52 and thereby thecaster wheel 50. Similarly, cross-braces 132 are mounted to the casterwheel rotating shaft 52 onside 50″ via a cross-brace joint 134 that also enables rotation of theshaft 52 and thereby thecaster wheel 50. - The foregoing describes some of the numerous ways and variations of how the enclosures could be mounted to enable the UV LEDs to radiate the UV light onto the different surfaces of the wheel.
- It should be realized that the
UV LEDs illumination LEDs 110 a′ and 110 b′ may be mounted on the exterior surface of chord-shapedenclosures power supply 140 throughwiring 145 a directed to the at least oneLED 110 a′ and throughwiring 145 b directed to the at least oneLED 110 b′ thereby providing at least partial illumination to the ambient surroundings. - The
enclosures wheels 50 to enhance sterilization: - See for example: T. Y. Kim et al., “(320 aK) Sterilization of Pathogenic Bacteria Using Titanium Dioxide Photocatalyst”, AIChE Annual Meeting, 2006.
-
Power Supply 140 is in electrical communication with theUV LEDs wiring 145 a directed to the at least oneUV LED 110 a and throughwiring 145 b directed to the at least oneUV LED 110 b may be a dedicated rechargeable battery pack or one or more ultracapacitors mounted on thecaster enclosures UV LEDs 110 may include self-contained wirelessly rechargeable power supplies (not shown). In addition, one or more photovoltaic cells that capture indoor lighting could be used either directly or to charge batteries in thepower supply 140 while the cart or equipment mounted on thecaster wheels 501 to 505 is stationary. - Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the
power supply 140 may be supplied power for recharging via an extension cord (not shown) connected to a conventional electrical wall socket (not shown) in the vicinity of thesterilization lighting assembly 100. Further, thepower supply 140 may be the conventional electrical wall socket in the vicinity of thesterilization lighting assembly 100 to which an extension cord (not shown) is connected. - The foregoing aspects of
power supply 140 may be utilized individually or in combination. -
FIG. 8 illustrates thecaster wheel 501 ofFIG. 1 that has been modified as a caster wheel andsterilization lighting assembly 501′ that includesUV LEDs 110 mounted under swivel frame orcaster 54 to illuminatewheel 50 that rotates onaxle 52. TheUV LEDs 110 are supplied electrical power in a similar manner as described above with respect toFIGS. 6 and 7 viapower supply 140 and power cord(s) 145 through or via acaster swivel shaft 56. Alternatively, theUV LEDs 110 may include self-contained wirelessly rechargeable power supplies (not shown). In addition, one or more photovoltaic cells that capture indoor lighting could be used either directly or to charge batteries in thepower supply 140 while the cart or equipment mounted on thecaster wheels 501′ is stationary. - In addition, or alternatively, one or
more illumination LEDs 110′ may be mounted on anexternal surface 54′ of swivel frame orcaster 54 and may be electrically coupled topower supply 140 viapower cords 145 and/or 145′, thereby enabling thecaster wheel 50 to provide at least partial illumination to the ambient surroundings. Thepower supply 140,power cords 145 and/or 145′ andillumination LEDs 110′ may be made water-proof to militate against flooding conditions that may be encountered. -
FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C illustrate thecaster wheels FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C that have been modified as caster wheel andsterilization lighting assemblies 502A′, 502B′ and 502C′, respectively, that includeUV LEDs 110 mounted undercasters 54 to illuminatewheels 50 that rotate onaxle 52. Again, theUV LEDs 110 are supplied electrical power in a similar manner as described above with respect toFIGS. 6 and 7 viapower supply 140 and power cord(s) 145 through or via caster wheelswivel shaft receptacle 56′ (502A′ inFIG. 9A or 502C ′ inFIG. 9C ) or caster swivel shaft 56 (502B′ inFIG. 9B ). Alternatively, again, theUV LEDs 110 may include self-contained wirelessly rechargeable power supplies (not shown). In addition, one or more photovoltaic cells that capture indoor lighting could be used either directly or to charge batteries in thepower supply 140 while the cart or equipment mounted on thecaster wheels 502A′, 502B′ or 502C′ is stationary. - In a similar manner as with respect to
FIG. 8 , in addition, or alternatively, one ormore illumination LEDs 110′ may be mounted on anexternal surface 54′ of swivel frame orcaster 54 ofcaster wheels 50 as illustrated inFIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C and may be electrically coupled topower supply 140 viapower cords 145 and/or 145′, thereby enabling thecaster wheel 50 to provide at least partial illumination to the ambient surroundings. Thepower supply 140,power cords 145 and/or 145′ andillumination LEDs 110′ may be made water-proof to mitigate against flooding conditions that may be encountered. -
FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate thecaster wheels FIGS. 3A and 3B that have been modified as caster wheel andsterilization lighting assemblies 503A′ and 503B′, respectively, that includeUV LEDs 110 mounted undercasters 54 to illuminatewheels 50 that rotate onaxle 52. Again, theUV LEDs 110 are supplied electrical power in a similar manner as described above with respect toFIGS. 6 and 7 viapower supply 140 and power cord(s) 145 through or via caster wheelswivel shaft receptacle 56′ (503A′ inFIG. 10A ) or caster swivel shaft 56 (503B′ inFIG. 10B ). Alternatively, again, theUV LEDs 110 may include self-contained wirelessly rechargeable power supplies (not shown). In addition, one or more photovoltaic cells that capture indoor lighting could be used either directly or to charge batteries in thepower supply 140 while the cart or equipment mounted on thecaster wheels 503A′ or 503B′ is stationary. - In a similar manner as with respect to
FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C , in addition, or alternatively, one ormore illumination LEDs 110′ may be mounted on anexternal surface 54′ of swivel frame orcaster 54 ofcaster wheels 50 as illustrated inFIGS. 10A and 10B and may be electrically coupled topower supply 140 viapower cords 145 and/or 145′, thereby enabling thecaster wheel 50 to provide at least partial illumination to the ambient surroundings. Thepower supply 140,power cords 145 and/or 145′ andillumination LEDs 110′ may be made water-proof to mitigate against flooding conditions that may be encountered. -
FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate thecaster wheels FIGS. 4A and 4B that have been modified as caster wheel andsterilization lighting assemblies 504A′ and 504B′, respectively, that includeUV LEDs 110 mounted undercasters 54 to illuminatewheels 50 that rotate onaxle 52. Again, theUV LEDs 110 are supplied electrical power in a similar manner as described above with respect toFIGS. 6 and 7 viapower supply 140 and power cord(s) 145 through or via caster wheelswivel shaft receptacle 56′ (504A′ inFIG. 11A and 504B ′ inFIG. 11B ). Alternatively, again, theUV LEDs 110 may include self-contained wirelessly rechargeable power supplies (not shown). In addition, one or more photovoltaic cells that capture indoor lighting could be used either directly or to charge batteries in thepower supply 140 while the cart or equipment mounted on thecaster wheels 504A′ or 504B′ is stationary. - Again, in a similar manner as with respect to
FIGS. 10A and 10B , in addition, or alternatively, one ormore illumination LEDs 110′ may be mounted on anexternal surface 54′ of swivel frame orcaster 54 ofcaster wheels 50 as illustrated inFIGS. 11A and 11B and may be electrically coupled topower supply 140 viapower cords 145 and/or 145′, thereby enabling thecaster wheel 50 to provide at least partial illumination to the ambient surroundings. Thepower supply 140,power cords 145 and/or 145′ andillumination LEDs 110′ may be made water-proof to mitigate against flooding conditions that may be encountered. - The
UV LEDs FIGS. 6-11B may be activated for a desired adjustable period of time or adjustable distance traveled by the equipment to which thecaster wheels 50 are mounted and can be set by a user via a power switch (not shown) or by a processor (not shown). - From the foregoing description of
FIGS. 6-7 , those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure relates to a method of mountingsterilization lighting assembly 100 that includes the steps of providing at least one chord-shaped enclosure, e.g., 102 a and/or 102 b, defining an internal volume configured and disposed to receive in the internal volume a portion of at least onecaster wheel 50 that includesrotatable shaft 52 enabling rotation of thecaster wheel 50. The method includes attaching via at least one structural mounting member, e.g., 131 and/or 132, the at least one chord-shaped enclosure, e.g., 102 a and/or 102 b, to therotatable shaft 52 and disposing at least one ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) 110 a and/or 110 b in the internal volume of the chord-shapedenclosure 102 a/102 b to interface the portion of thecaster wheel 50 thereby enabling UV light emitting from theLED 110 a and/or 110 b to illuminate the portion of thecaster wheel 50 to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least a portion of the portion of thecaster wheel 50 received in the internal volume. - The method includes providing the chord-shaped
enclosure 102 a and/or 102 b, attaching the at least one structural mountingmember 131 and/or 132 to therotatable shaft 52 disposing at least one ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) 110 a and/or 110 b in the internal volume of the chord-shapedenclosure 102 a/102 b to interface the portion of thecaster wheel 50 enables assembly thereby of a caster enclosure and UV LED sterilization lighting assembly. - The method may further include mounting
power supply 140 to thecaster wheel assembly 100 such that thepower supply 140 is in electrical communication with the UV LED(s) 110 a viawiring 145 a and/or with the UV LED(s) 110 b viawiring 145 b. - The method may include mounting an
electrical power supply 140 selected from the group consisting of a battery, an ultracapacitor, an electrical generator, a photovoltaic cell, or a wall socket or combinations thereof. - The mounting may include mounting an
electrical power supply 140 that is wirelessly rechargeable. - From the foregoing description of
FIGS. 8-11B , those skilled in the art will recognize and understand that in addition to thesterilization lighting assembly 100 described with respect toFIGS. 6 and 7 , the present disclosure relates also to a caster wheel assembly, e.g., 501′ inFIG. 8, 502A ′ inFIG. 9A, 502B ′ inFIG. 9B, 502C ′ inFIG. 9C, 503A ′ inFIG. 10A, 503B ′ inFIG. 10B, 504A ′ inFIG. 11A and 504B ′ inFIG. 11B , that includes a swivel frame orcaster 54 configured to receive acaster wheel 50. Thewheel 50 is rotatably coupled to the swivel frame orcaster 54 viaaxle 52 to define thereby the caster wheel assembly. The swivel frame orcaster 54 includes, or is configured to enable coupling to (e.g., caster wheelswivel shaft receptacle 56′ inFIGS. 9A, 9C, 10A, 11A and 11B ),rotatable shaft 56 enabling rotation ofcaster wheel 50 around theshaft 56. - The
sterilization lighting assembly 100 further includes at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) 110 disposed on a surface of the swivel frame orcaster 54 to interface a portion of thecaster wheel 54 thereby enabling UV light emitting from theLED 110 to illuminate the portion of thecaster wheel 50 to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the caster wheel. - Also from the foregoing description of
FIGS. 8-11B , those skilled in the art will recognize and understand that the present disclosure relates also to a method of mounting an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) for sterilization of pathogens. The method includes providing a caster wheel assembly, e.g., 501′, 502A′, 502B′, 502C′, 503A′, 503B′, 504A′ and 504B′, having a swivel frame, e.g., swivel frame orcaster 54, and mounting at least oneUV LED 110 to the swivel frame orcaster 54 to interface a portion of at least onecaster wheel 50 of thecaster wheel assembly 501′ or 502A′ thereby enabling UV light emitting from the one ormore LEDs 110 to illuminate the portion of thecaster wheel 50 to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the at least onecaster wheel 50. - The method may further include mounting
power supply 140 to the caster wheel assembly, e.g., 501′, 502A′, 502B′, 502C′, 503A′, 503B′, 504A′ and 504B′, such that thepower supply 140 is in electrical communication with the UV LED(s) 110 viawiring 145. - The method may include mounting
electrical power supply 140 selected from the group consisting of a battery, an ultracapacitor, an electrical generator, a photovoltaic cell, or a wall socket or combinations thereof. - The mounting may include mounting
electrical power supply 140 that is wirelessly rechargeable. - In another aspect of the present disclosure,
FIGS. 12-17 illustrate acaster wheel assembly 600 having an integratedelectrical braking device 610 and further includes at least one UV LED, e.g., 620A and/or 620B for UV sterilization after theelectrical braking device 610 receives a signal from motion detector andtimer switch 615 to brake motion of at least onecaster wheel 611 of thecaster wheel assembly 600 to subject the surface of thecaster wheel 611 to the UV sterilization provided by theUV LEDs 620A and/or 620B. - The
electrical braking device 610 includes anelectrical braking assembly 612 that is formed in anupper section 612A and alower section 612B. - The
upper section 612A includes asolenoid 613 that causes motion of apin 614 that contacts the surface of thecaster wheel 611 to effect braking of the caster wheel. Thepin 614 passes through abolt 608A along abottom surface 613C′ and a threadedopening 611C along a top surface 6130″ oflower section 612B. - The
solenoid 613 is electrically wired viawiring 613C to motion detector andtimer switch 615, which is wired to apower supply 618. - The
lower section 612B includescaster wheel 611 mounted to swivelframe 611′ via a mountingbracket 611A, and aball bearing 611B. Theupper section 612A ofelectrical braking component 612 is secured to thelower section 612B and thereby tocaster wheel 611 by screwing thebolt 608A of theupper section 612A ofelectrical braking component 612 into the threadedopening 611C on the mountingbracket 611A oflower section 612B. - The ball-bearing 611B is in rotatable contact with the mounting
bracket 611A in thelower section 612B thereby enabling rotation of theswivel frame 611′ and accordingly thecaster wheel 611 to rotate about the mountingbracket 611A, which in turn enables rotation of theelectrical braking component 612. The threadedopening 612B enables theelectrical braking component 612 to be secured to the bottom surface of an object (not shown) for which the integratedelectrical braking device 610 is being used in the same fashion as if thecaster wheel 611 had been directly attached to the object. - The
pin 614 attaches to abrake 616, which is positioned adjacent aspring 617 located on the bottom surface of the mountingbracket 611A. Thespring 617 insures that a biasing force is placed upon thebrake 616 as well as thepin 614. Thespring 617 biases the pin upwards to ensure against unintentional braking of thecaster wheel 611 when thesolenoid 613 is not powered. However, it shall be noted that the total force output of thesolenoid 613 must be sufficient to overcome the biasing force of thespring 617 in addition to a braking force required to successfully stop thecaster wheel 611 via thebrake 616. - The
pin 614 attaches to thebrake 616 via an attaching means comprising welding, bolting, screwing, molding, or adhesive or other suitable methods in the art. Thepin 614 and thebrake 616 are made of a material comprising metal, rubber, durable plastic, aramid fibers, carbon fibers, or wood. - As indicated above, the bottom surface of
lower section 612B further includes at least one UV LED, e.g., 620A and/or 620B for UV sterilization after theelectrical braking device 610 receives a signal from motion detector andtimer switch 615 to brake motion of at least onecaster wheel 611 of thecaster wheel assembly 600 to subject the surface of thecaster wheel 611 to the UV sterilization provided by theUV LEDs 620A and/or 620B. - More particularly, upon a predetermined time of motion or distance of motion of the
caster wheel assembly 600, the motion detector andtimer switch 615 transmits the signal to theelectrical braking component 612 to halt motion of thecaster wheel assembly 600 and to electrically activate at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED), e.g.,UV LEDs 620A and/or 620B, to illuminate the portion of thecaster wheel 611 via UV beams 620UVa and 620UVb, respectively, to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least the portion of the one ormore caster wheels 611. - The magnitudes of the predetermined time of motion or distance of motion are each adjustable either by a user via the motion detection and
timer switch 615 or by a processor (not shown) in communication with the motion detector andtimer switch 615 that may be mounted on a cart or other equipment which is transportable via thecaster wheel assembly 600. - Upon expiration of an adjustable predetermined activation time of at least one ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED), e.g., 620A and/or 620B, the motion detector and
timer switch 615 transmits a signal to theelectrical braking component 612 to enable motion of the one ormore caster wheels 611, i.e., theelectrical braking component 612 releases the one ormore caster wheels 611, and to deactivate the one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LED) e.g., 620A and/or 620B, - As illustrated in
FIGS. 15 and 16 , the orientation ofUV LED 620B may be at an angle with respect to the bottom surface of mountingbracket 611A to minimize distance from theUV LED 620B to the surface of thecaster wheel 611. - The
caster wheel assembly 600 having integratedelectrical braking device 610 and respective components as described above with respect toFIGS. 12-17 may also be applied to thesterilization lighting assembly 100 that includes at least one enclosure orhousing 100 a and/or 100 b as described above with respect toFIGS. 6-7 . - The
caster wheel assembly 600 having integratedelectrical braking device 610 together with theUV LEDs 620A and/or 620B for UV sterilization together with the related components as described above may be adapted for all typical applications including caster wheels and may be integrated into either an existing caster wheel or part of a new caster wheel. Although the present disclosure has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments, other embodiments and versions are possible and contemplated. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein. - While several embodiments and methodologies of the present disclosure have been described and shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the present disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the present disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise.
- Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments and methodologies. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope of the claims appended hereto.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/428,407 US20190336628A1 (en) | 2017-03-21 | 2019-05-31 | Ultraviolet light-sterilized and illuminating caster wheel sets |
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US201762474244P | 2017-03-21 | 2017-03-21 | |
US15/900,195 US10383965B2 (en) | 2017-03-21 | 2018-02-20 | Ultraviolet light-sterilized and illuminating caster wheel sets |
US16/428,407 US20190336628A1 (en) | 2017-03-21 | 2019-05-31 | Ultraviolet light-sterilized and illuminating caster wheel sets |
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US15/900,195 Continuation US10383965B2 (en) | 2017-03-21 | 2018-02-20 | Ultraviolet light-sterilized and illuminating caster wheel sets |
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US20190336628A1 true US20190336628A1 (en) | 2019-11-07 |
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US15/900,195 Active US10383965B2 (en) | 2017-03-21 | 2018-02-20 | Ultraviolet light-sterilized and illuminating caster wheel sets |
US16/428,407 Abandoned US20190336628A1 (en) | 2017-03-21 | 2019-05-31 | Ultraviolet light-sterilized and illuminating caster wheel sets |
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US15/900,195 Active US10383965B2 (en) | 2017-03-21 | 2018-02-20 | Ultraviolet light-sterilized and illuminating caster wheel sets |
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EP (2) | EP3600202A1 (en) |
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Cited By (1)
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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 |
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US20210077643A1 (en) * | 2019-09-16 | 2021-03-18 | Harbor Innovations, LLC | Modular ultraviolet (uv) sterilization lighting assemblies |
US20220362414A1 (en) * | 2021-05-17 | 2022-11-17 | Alfred Huber | Sanitizing fender for a wheelchair |
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US7712184B1 (en) | 2009-01-26 | 2010-05-11 | Steven Lewis | Caster wheel having integrated braking means |
GB2483846A (en) | 2010-09-14 | 2012-03-28 | Imagine Ltd I | Wheelchair with a seat base and a single front stem forming a cantilever-type frame |
US9615983B2 (en) * | 2011-11-14 | 2017-04-11 | Stryker Corporation | Medical equipment with antimicrobial components and/or system |
US9510981B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2016-12-06 | Stryker Corporation | Reconfigurable transport apparatus |
WO2017039546A1 (en) | 2015-09-01 | 2017-03-09 | Cyclect Electrical Engineering Pte Ltd | System, method and apparatus for navigating one or more vehicles |
-
2018
- 2018-02-20 US US15/900,195 patent/US10383965B2/en active Active
- 2018-03-20 EP EP18715462.0A patent/EP3600202A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2018-03-20 EP EP19203340.5A patent/EP3620147A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2018-03-20 WO PCT/US2018/023290 patent/WO2018175391A1/en unknown
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Cited By (5)
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 |
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WO2018175391A1 (en) | 2018-09-27 |
US10383965B2 (en) | 2019-08-20 |
EP3600202A1 (en) | 2020-02-05 |
US20180272014A1 (en) | 2018-09-27 |
EP3620147A1 (en) | 2020-03-11 |
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Owner name: HARBOR INNOVATIONS, LLC, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HEALTHIERSTEP LLC;REEL/FRAME:049373/0025 Effective date: 20190604 Owner name: HEALTHIERSTEP LLC, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SOLE SANITIZER, INC.;REEL/FRAME:049373/0425 Effective date: 20190604 |
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