WO2021188663A1 - Dispositif de désinfection électronique - Google Patents

Dispositif de désinfection électronique Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2021188663A1
WO2021188663A1 PCT/US2021/022752 US2021022752W WO2021188663A1 WO 2021188663 A1 WO2021188663 A1 WO 2021188663A1 US 2021022752 W US2021022752 W US 2021022752W WO 2021188663 A1 WO2021188663 A1 WO 2021188663A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light
germicidal
light sources
germicidal light
frame
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2021/022752
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Peter Forhan
George Adams
Original Assignee
Archimedes Innovations, Pbc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Archimedes Innovations, Pbc filed Critical Archimedes Innovations, Pbc
Publication of WO2021188663A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021188663A1/fr

Links

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
    • A61L2/24—Apparatus using programmed or automatic operation
    • 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

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to sanitizing and, in particular, electronic sanitizing devices for hands and small objects.
  • Bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens may be carried on hands and objects of people. Washing hands and disinfecting surfaces of objects with cleaning solutions (e.g., soap, bleach, etc.), however, is often performed inadequately or may be inconvenient.
  • cleaning solutions e.g., soap, bleach, etc.
  • an electronic sanitizing device includes a light frame, a mount, and one or more germicidal light sources.
  • the light frame defines an entrance for receiving a hand of a user therethrough in a rearward direction.
  • the mount is coupled to the light frame and configured to couple to a support structure to support the light frame spaced apart from and forward of the support structure a distance of between three and sixteen inches.
  • the one or more germicidal light sources are coupled to the light frame and emit germicidal light onto the hand of the user being inserted through the entrance.
  • an electronic sanitizing device for a sanitizing a hand of a user includes a light frame and one or more germicidal light sources.
  • the light frame includes an entrance for receiving a hand of a user in an axially rearward direction.
  • the one or more germicidal light sources emit germicidal light.
  • the one or more germicidal light sources being coupled to the light frame and substantially circumscribe the entrance. The germicidal light is emitted radially across the entrance of the light frame and substantially not axially forward of the light frame.
  • the controller that selectively simultaneously operates the one or more germicidal light sources to sanitize surfaces of a hand of a user, the one or more visible light sources to provide a visual indication to the user that the one or more germicidal light sources are simultaneously being operated, and the one or more infrared light sources to provide a tactile indication to the user that the one or more germicidal light sources are simultaneously being operated.
  • an electronic sanitizing device includes one or more germicidal light sources and a chassis.
  • the chassis defines one or more entrances that are each configured to receive one or more hands of a user therethrough.
  • the one or more germicidal light sources are coupled to the chassis and emit germicidal light across the one or more entrances.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an electronic sanitizing device.
  • FIG. 2 is a front view of a physical embodiment of the electronic sanitizing device of FIG. 1 with various hidden light sources shown in dashed lines.
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of the electronic sanitizing device of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 5 is a side view of a light source illustrating a peak output angle, viewing angle, and total emittance angle thereof.
  • FIG. 6 is a partial front view of an embodiment of the electronic sanitizing device having point light sources and illustrating emittance angles.
  • FIG. 7 is a partial front view of an embodiment of the electronic sanitizing device having an elongated light source.
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 8-8 in each of FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrating emittance angles of the light sources of the electronic sanitizing devices.
  • FIG. 9 A is a front view of a first alternative shape to a light frame of the electronic sanitizing device.
  • FIG. 9D is a front view of a fourth alternative shape to a light frame of the electronic sanitizing device.
  • FIG. 10B is a front view of a second embodiment of the electronic sanitizing device with multiple entrances.
  • FIG. 1 IB is a side view of the electronic sanitizing device of FIG. 11 A.
  • FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of each of FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrating emittance angles from an elongated light source, or alternatively from point light sources.
  • FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken long line 19-19 of FIG. 7 illustrating emittance angels from an elongated light source.
  • FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a method for operating an electronic sanitizing device.
  • FIG. 21 A is a top view of another electronic sanitizing device.
  • FIG. 21B is a front view of the electronic sanitizing device of FIG. 21A.
  • FIG. 21C is a side view of the electronic sanitizing device of FIG. 21 A.
  • Germicidal light is ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation having a suitable wavelength for killing or otherwise inactivating or destroying various bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
  • the electronic sanitizing device emits the germicidal light with suitable strength to a sanitizing region for sanitizing surfaces of users' hands or other objects.
  • the electronic sanitizing device may emit germicidal light that substantially surrounds (e.g., circumscribes) a volume or region, which may be referred to as a sanitizing region, within which users’ hands or objects are sanitized by the germicidal light.
  • Various embodiments of the electronic sanitizing device may also output visible light to instruct users and/or provide visual confirmation of operation of the electronic sanitizing device, output infrared light or heat to provide users tactile confirmation of operation of the electronic sanitizing device, operate the electronic sanitizing device upon detecting hands of the user, and/or provide visual instructions to the user, among other features and functions.
  • FIG. 1 a schematic is shown of primary components of an electronic sanitizing device 100.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 a physical configuration is shown of the electronic sanitizing device 100.
  • the electronic sanitizing device 100 generally includes a controller 110, a power source 120, one or more germicidal light sources 130, and a chassis 140.
  • the one or more germicidal light sources 130 are coupled to and supported by the chassis 140, while the controller 110 operates the one or more germicidal light sources 130, for example, by controlling delivery of electrical power thereto from the power source 120.
  • the electronic sanitizing device 100 may further include one or more visible light sources 150, one or more infrared light sources 160, one or more user sensors 170, one or more indicator outputs 180, and/or one or more communications devices 190, each of which may be coupled to the chassis 140 and operated by the controller 110, for example, by controlling delivery of electrical power thereto from the power source 120 and/or sending and/or receiving signals therebetween.
  • the controller 110 which may also be referred to as a processing apparatus, may be any suitable device or combination of devices suitable for operating the electronic sanitizing device 100 in the manners described herein.
  • the controller may, for example, be configured or otherwise provided as an application specific integrated circuit, programmable logic array, or other suitable hardware device or circuitry.
  • the controller 110 may have a hardware configuration that includes a processor 411, a storage 413, a memory 412, a communications interface 414, and a bus 415 connected therebetween.
  • the processor 411 may be any suitable processor, such as a central processing unit, for executing computer instructions and performing operations described thereby.
  • the storage 413 may be a non-volatile storage device, such as a hard-disk drive (HDD) or solid state storage device (SSD), which may be a computer readable medium that stored instructions (e.g., software code) that is executed by the processor 411 for operating the electronic sanitizing device 100 as described herein.
  • the memory 412 may be a volatile, high-speed memory, such as random access memory (RAM).
  • the communications interface 414 is in communication with other electronic components of the electronic sanitizing device 100 and enables communication therebetween.
  • the controller 110 may be replaced with a manual switch that is operable by the user.
  • the germicidal light source 130 may emit the germicidal light at a peak wavelength in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum and, in particular, the UVC spectrum (i.e., between 200 and 280 nanometers) or a subspectrum thereof (e.g., between 200 and 230 nanometers, or between 250 and 280 nanometers). Depending on the type, characteristics, and conditions of the germicidal light source 130, the germicidal light source 130 may emit germicidal light at different peak wavelengths.
  • UV ultraviolet
  • the UVC spectrum i.e., between 200 and 280 nanometers
  • a subspectrum thereof e.g., between 200 and 230 nanometers, or between 250 and 280 nanometers.
  • the germicidal light sources 130 may include one or more light emitting diodes (LED) that emit germicidal light at a peak wavelength between approximately 207 and 222 nanometers (e.g., approximately 222 nanometers) or between approximately 250 and 265 nanometers (e.g., approximately 254 nanometers), more or less.
  • the peak wavelength may vary with power (e.g., current) applied thereto and temperature (e.g., the ambient air temperature).
  • the one or more germicidal light sources 130 emit light that is substantially only germicidal, for example, if the one or more germicidal light sources 130 include one or more LEDs. In other embodiments, the one or more germicidal light sources 130 emit light that is non-germicidal (e.g., visible light), for example, if the one or more germicidal light sources 130 includes a mercury or excimer lamp.
  • the germicidal light source 130 may include a light filter (e.g., quartz) that permits germicidal light to pass therethrough while filtering out (i.e., preventing from passing therethrough) light at other wavelengths (e.g., other ultraviolet light or other visible light).
  • the germicidal light sources 130 have different emittance characteristics, such as peak output angle and viewing angle.
  • an LED emits light (e.g., the germicidal light) from a concentrated point and may, therefore, be referred to as a point light source.
  • the peak output intensity may, for example, occur at a peak output angle 532, which may be substantially perpendicular to a surface of the LED.
  • the viewing angle 534 may, for example, be defined as the angular range relative to the peak output angle 532 within which the output intensity is at least 50% of the peak output intensity.
  • the viewing angle of the germicidal light may be between approximately 90 and 140 degrees, such as between approximately 110 and 130 degrees (e.g., approximately 120 degrees as shown).
  • the LED may still emit germicidal light beyond the viewing angle 534 at less than 50% of the peak output intensity to an unrestricted emittance angle 536, such as approximately 180 degrees.
  • the electronic sanitizing device 100 may utilize the chassis 140 and/or other optical components (e.g., reflectors, lenses, and/or blockers) to provide an effective emittance angle that varies from the viewing angle 534 and/or the unrestricted emittance angle 536.
  • an LED may be considered to include one or more optical elements (e.g., a lens and/or reflector), which may function redistribute the germicidal light in different manners (e.g., with more uniform and/or different intensity than described above).
  • the LED may be generally rectangular and planar in configuration.
  • the germicidal light source 130 when viewing the germicidal light source 130 from the peak output angle 532, the germicidal light source 130 may be rectangular or square in shape, for example having a width and a length that are each between 1 and 5 mm (e.g., between 1.5 and 4 mm square), smaller or larger.
  • the germicidal light source 130 may be planar by having an upper planar surface and a lower planar surface that is spaced apart from the upper planar surface to form a generally constant thickness of between approximately 0.5 mm and 3 mm (e.g., approximately 1 mm), more or less.
  • the chassis 140 is a structure that is coupled to and supports the one or more germicidal light sources 130. As discussed in further detail below, the chassis 140 is cooperatively configured with the one or more germicidal light sources 130 to emit the germicidal light to sanitize users’ hands or object and may also prevent or hinder undesirable human exposure to the germicidal light. Various configurations of the one of the germicidal light sources 130 and the chassis 140 are discussed in further detail below.
  • the mount 244 may include a base 244a that is coupleable to the support structure 10 and an arm 244b that extends between the base 244a and the light frame 242 to thereby support the light frame 242 spaced forward of the support stmcture 10.
  • the arm 244b is, for example, an elongated structure that may have a greater axial length and/or smaller cross-sectional dimension (e.g., radial dimension) than the base 244a.
  • the light frame 242 may further define an entrance 242a (e.g., an opening) through which users' hands or objects may be inserted to receive the germicidal light from the germicidal light sources 130 (e.g., into the sanitizing region).
  • the light frame 242 may be ring-shaped, so as to circumscribe the entrance 242a and, thereby define the opening.
  • the light frame 242 may be a unitary component that, by itself, entirely surrounds the entrance 242a or may be formed from multiple components coupled to each other that cooperatively entirely surround the entrance 242a.
  • the light frame 242 may also be referred to as a ring or light ring and may be circular or have another shape (see, e.g., FIGS. 9A-9D). Further aspects of the light frame 242, including the cooperative configurations with the germicidal light sources 130, are discussed in further detail below.
  • axial and radial are directional terms that are defined generally with reference to the light frame 242 and the entrance 242a defined thereby.
  • the term “axial” refers to a directions extending through the entrance 242a, including a rearward direction that extends toward the support structure 10 (e.g., a direction in which a user may insert their hands through the entrance 242a) and a forward direction that extends away from the support stmcture 10.
  • the chassis 140 including the light frame 242 and the mount 244, may be formed of any suitable materials, components, or combinations thereof.
  • the light frame 242 and the mount 244 may each be unitary components or formed of multiple components assembled together, be formed of a metal, polymer, or any suitable combination thereof (e.g., polymer-coated metal), and/or be formed according to any suitable process (e.g., stamping, extruding, pressing, bending, molding, or any other suitable process or combinations thereof).
  • the visible light sources 150 may emit a second color of light, such as red-colored light (e.g., between 635 and 700 nanometers), to indicate completion of operation of the germicidal light sources 130 and/or the sanitizing operation thereof.
  • red-colored light e.g., between 635 and 700 nanometers
  • the visible light sources 150 are not depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, but may be coupled to the chassis 140 and, in particular, to the light frame 242 in any suitable manner.
  • the visible light sources 150 may be provided in any suitable number (e.g., equal to the germicidal light sources 130, more, or less), be spaced apart substantially equally about the light frame 242 (e.g., angularly or linearly), be substantially collocated with the germicidal light sources 130 (e.g., being positioned adjacent thereto), or be spaced between the germicidal light sources 130 and/or the infrared light sources 160 (discussed below).
  • Each of the visible light sources 150 and the infrared light sources 160 may also be LEDs, which may have a similar configuration as the germicidal light sources 130 (e.g., being rectangular and planar in configuration).
  • the one or more infrared light sources 160 may tactilely indicate to the user that the electronic sanitizing device 100 is functioning to sanitize the hands of the user.
  • the one or more infrared light sources 160 may be operated simultaneous with the one or more germicidal light sources 130 to heat the skin of the user, thereby providing the tactile indication that and/or where the user’s hand is being sanitized (i.e., is receiving the germicidal light).
  • the infrared light source 160 may be omitted, while the mercury or excimer lamp emits heat as a byproduct of producing the germicidal light and which provides the tactile indicator (e.g., due to inefficiency of the electrical power in emitting the germicidal light).
  • the infrared light sources 160 are not depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, but may be coupled to the chassis 140 and, in particular, to the light frame 242 in any suitable manner.
  • the infrared light sources 160 may be provided in any suitable number (e.g., equal to the germicidal light sources 130 and/or the visible light sources 150, more, or less), be spaced apart substantially equally about the light frame 242 (e.g., angularly or linearly), be substantially collocated with the germicidal light sources 130 and/or the visible light sources 150 (e.g., being positioned adjacent thereto), or be spaced between the germicidal light sources 130 and/or the visible light sources 150.
  • the physical sensor 170a may be any suitable type of sensor using any suitable type of sensing, such as being laser-based (e.g., a laser range finder), light-based (e.g., any light-based sensor with or without a light emitter, such as a passive infrared sensor, infrared sensor with infrared emitter, ambient light sensor), image-based (e.g., video image recognition), or acoustic -based (e.g., ultrasonic or radar sensors).
  • laser-based e.g., a laser range finder
  • light-based e.g., any light-based sensor with or without a light emitter, such as a passive infrared sensor, infrared sensor with infrared emitter, ambient light sensor
  • image-based e.g., video image recognition
  • acoustic -based e.g., ultrasonic or radar sensors
  • the one or more user sensors 170 may also include an identification sensor 170b that is used to determine the identity of the user.
  • the identification sensor 170b may, for example, be a communications device that communicates with another device associated with the user (e.g., a phone, other electronic device, or key card using radio-frequency identification (RFID), near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other suitable communications protocol), an optical or magnetic scanner that scans personal identification of the user (e.g., bar code or magnetic strip associated with a driver license or other form of personal identification), or a camera or other optical device (e.g., using facial recognition).
  • RFID radio-frequency identification
  • NFC near field communication
  • Wi-Fi Wireless Fidelity
  • optical or magnetic scanner that scans personal identification of the user
  • a camera or other optical device e.g., using facial recognition
  • the identity of the user may be used to enable (e.g., provide permission) the electronic sanitizing device 100 to be used by the user and/or may track usage of the electronic sanitizing device 100 by each such user. Tracking usage of the electronic sanitizing device 100 by user may be advantageous for monitoring workers, for example, for compliance with safety and/or cleanliness policies and protocols in different workplaces (e.g., hospitals and other health care facilities, restaurants and other hospitality environments).
  • User usage information may be stored in memory (e.g., of the controller 110) and transmitted to a computing device (e.g., with the communications device 190) that may store usage information.
  • User usage information may, for example, include a user identifier (e.g., name or user number), time stamp (e.g., the time at which a sanitizing device 100 is used by the user), and/or a device identifier (e.g., uniquely identifying the particular sanitizing device 100 among multiple of the sanitizing devices 100).
  • a user identifier e.g., name or user number
  • time stamp e.g., the time at which a sanitizing device 100 is used by the user
  • device identifier e.g., uniquely identifying the particular sanitizing device 100 among multiple of the sanitizing devices 100.
  • the user sensor 170 is coupled to the chassis 140.
  • the user sensor 170 may be coupled to the mount 244, such as the base 244a or the arm 244b, and face toward the light frame (e.g., downward therefrom).
  • the one or more indicator outputs 180 are configured to provide audio and/or visual outputs pertaining to electronic sanitizing device 100.
  • the one or more indicator outputs 180 may, for example, include one or more visual indicators 180a and/or one or more audio indicators 180b.
  • the visual indicators 180a output a visual indication pertaining to the electronic sanitizing device 100, such as the status of a cleaning cycle (e.g., progress and/or completion thereof) or instructions.
  • the visual indicator 180a include a series of lights (e.g., LEDs) that are illuminated in sequence to indicate gradual completion of a cleaning cycle (e.g., around the entrance 242a of the light frame 242, discussed in further detail below) and/or which may flash, change color, or otherwise change their illumination state to indicate completion of a cleaning cycle.
  • the visual indicator 180a may provide instructions to the user.
  • the visual indicator 180a is a projector 180c configured to provide visual instructions to the user, for example, by projecting one or a series of images.
  • the projector 180c may, for example be a holographic projector that depicts the images generally within and/or rearward of the light frame 242.
  • the projector 180c may be a conventional projector that projects images onto another structure, such as the support structure 10 that is positioned rearward of the light frame 242.
  • the one image or a series of images instruct the user, for example, by providing a written instructions and/or graphical instructions that instruct a user to insert their hands into the sanitizing region of the electronic sanitizing device 100, such as by depicting one or more hand graphics being inserted therein and/or by illustrating an arrow or other suitable graphical instruction.
  • the projector 180c may be operated by the controller 110, for example, upon detection of a user with the user sensor 170.
  • the projector 180c may also project other information, such as an indicator that the germicidal light is currently being emitted (e.g., during a sanitizing cycle), is about to be emitted (e.g., prior to a sanitizing cycle), or just completed being emitted (e.g., subsequent to a sanitizing cycle).
  • the visual indicators 180a of the electronic sanitizing device 100 may include another type of display for providing instructions and/or other information (e.g., beginning, current, or ending of the sanitizing cycle).
  • a display may include a display screen that displays images and/or alphanumeric characters, or a series of lights having with one or more colors and/or spatially associated with written text that provide instructions (e.g., LEDs on the light frame 242).
  • the one or more audio indicators 180b are configured to provide an audio output pertaining to the electronic sanitizing device 100. In one preferred example, the audio indicator 180b may output a tone to indicate the completion of a cleaning cycle.
  • the audio indicator 180b may further output the tone, or a different tone, to indicate the beginning and/or progress markers during a cleaning cycle.
  • the audio indicator 180b may include spoken instructions, which may be output alone or in conjunction with the visual instructional outputs, to instruct the user. It is noted, however, that high frequency usage by particular users may be expected in different environments (e.g., workers at restaurants using twenty or more times per day), such that spoken instructions may be a nuisance to users or those in proximity of the electronic sanitizing device, such that output of only a tone output may be preferred (e.g., only providing a tone upon completion of a cleaning cycle).
  • the communications device 190 is configured to communicate with computing devices external to the sanitizing device 100.
  • the communications device 190 may send data containing usage information to another computing device for tracking usage of one or more of the sanitizing devices 100 by one or more users.
  • the communications device 190 may send data communicating other information, such as the operational status of the sanitizing device 100 or aggregated usage statistics (e.g., uses per unit time or particular times).
  • the communications device 190 may be any suitable communications device capable of communicating via any suitable communications protocol, such as cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.
  • the germicidal light sources 130 and the chassis 140 may be configured in various manners to emit the germicidal light that may substantially circumscribe hands or objects inserted therein and may also prevent or hinder undesirable emission of or exposure to the germicidal light.
  • the electronic sanitizing device 100 emits the germicidal light that circumscribe users' hands or objects to sanitize surfaces extending therearound (e.g., top, bottom, and side surfaces of the hands or device).
  • the electronic sanitizing device 100 emits the germicidal light from positions on the light frame 242 that substantially circumscribe the sanitizing region and/or the entrance 242a, which may be the positions of the germicidal light sources 130, themselves, along the light frame 24 and/or positions along the light frame 242 from which the germicidal light from the germicidal light sources 130 is reflected.
  • the germicidal light may be emitted in an orientation toward the entrance 242a, for example, from within the light frame 242 and across the entrance 242a to impinge on an opposing side of the light frame 242.
  • the germicidal light sources 130 may be or include multiple point light sources 630P (e.g., LEDs, as described above) that are distributed (e.g., spaced part) along the light frame 242 to cooperatively circumscribe the sanitizing region.
  • the germicidal light sources 130 may be or include one or more elongated light sources 730E (e.g., a mercury or excimer lamp with quartz tube) that extend along the light frame 242 to circumscribe the sanitizing region.
  • the one or more germicidal light sources 130 are coupled to the light frame 242 and configured therewith to emit the germicidal light across the entrance 242a in radial directions from one side of the light frame 242 (e.g., the entrance 242a thereof) toward opposite sides of the light frame 242. As such that the germicidal light engages the surfaces of the hands and objects inserted through the entrance 242a (i.e., those outer surfaces extending around such hands or objects).
  • the germicidal light may be emitted from the light frame 242 with an effective emittance angle 838 that is the angular range at which the germicidal light is emitted from the light frame 242.
  • the effective emittance angle 838 may be reduced relative to the emittance angle of the germicidal light source 130, for example, being reduced relative to the viewing angle 534 and/or the unrestricted emittance angle 536 of the point light sources 630P (e.g., the LED’s) or the elongated light sources 730E (e.g., that may emit the light substantially uniformly therearound, as described previously).
  • the forward emittance angle 838F may, as shown, extend from an emittance location of the light frame 242 radially across the light frame 242 (e.g., across the entrance 242a thereof), while the rearward emittance angle 838R extends rearward from the emittance location of the light frame 242 (e.g., toward the support structure 10). It should be noted that in another cross-section or view (e.g., the front view of FIG. 6), the effective emittance angle 838 may be different (e.g., with the viewing angle 534 and/or the unrestricted emittance angle 536 being unrestricted).
  • the chassis 140 and, in particular, the light frame 242 of the electronic sanitizing device 100 defines the entrance 242a (e.g., the opening of the chassis 140) in and/or through which users insert their hands or objects to receive the germicidal light thereon (e.g., into the sanitizing region).
  • the light frame 242 provides physical constraints through which the user’s hands and/or objects are inserted into the entrance 242a.
  • the light frame 242 and/or the entrance 242a thereof may be of any suitable shape or size for receiving the user’s hands and/or other objects. In one example, as shown in FIGS.
  • both the light frame 242 e.g., an outer periphery thereof
  • the entrance 242a e.g., defined by an inner periphery of the frame
  • Other exemplary shapes of the frame and/or the entrance 242a include, but are not limited to, a rectangle (see FIG. 9A), a rectangle with rounded comers (see FIG. 9B), a rectangle with semi-circular ends (see FIG. 9C), or an oval (see FIG. 9D).
  • the different shapes may provide various functional differences, for example, elongated shapes may allow for receipt of multiple hands and/or wider objects in the light frame 242 to be sanitized, while maintaining lesser distances from the germicidal light sources 130.
  • the electronic sanitizing device 100 may provide multiple sanitizing regions with the chassis 140 defining multiple entrances 242a that are physically separated from each other. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the chassis 140 defines two of the entrances 242a, each if which is configured to receive one of the two hands of the user.
  • the light frame 242 and the germicidal light sources 130 are cooperatively configured to emit the germicidal light to circumscribe each of the hands of the user inserted therein (e.g., into the sanitizing region).
  • the two entrances 242a defined by the chassis 140 may, as shown in the examples in FIGS. 10A and 10B, be substantially equal in size (e.g., cross-sectional area) and be symmetric in shape, or may have other relative sizes and/or shapes.
  • those of the germicidal sources 130 associated with the two entrances 242a may be operated simultaneously, for example, upon detection of the user with a single user sensor 170.
  • the germicidal light sources 130 may be operated simultaneously, for example, being activated for a predetermined duration upon detection of the user with a single one of the user sensors 170 (e.g., a single one of the physical sensors 170a).
  • the chassis 140 includes the light frame 242 and a light frame divider 1043 that physically divides a primary opening of the light frame 242 to cooperatively define the two entrances 242a.
  • the primary opening (e.g., the entrance 242a) may be elongated, for example, in a lateral (e.g., horizontal direction) by having a maximum lateral dimension DJatjnax (e.g., maximum horizontal dimension) that is greater than a maximum longitudinal dimension D_long_max (e.g., maximum vertical dimension).
  • the light frame divider 1043 extends from a first side of the light frame 242 (e.g., an upper side) to a second side of the light frame 242 (e.g., a lower side) to divide the primary opening to define the two entrances 242a, such as a left entrance 242a and a right entrance 242a.
  • the light frame divider 1043 may be positioned to divide the primary opening to form the entrances 242a with substantially the same size (e.g., cross-sectional area) and symmetric shape.
  • the two entrances 242a may each be laterally elongated (e.g., in the horizontal direction) by having the maximum lateral dimension D_lat_max thereacross (e.g., a maximum horizontal dimension) that is greater than the maximum longitudinal dimension D _long_max thereacross (e.g., a maximum vertical dimension) to each receive one hand of the user therethrough in a lateral (e.g., horizontal) orientation, such as with palms facing downward).
  • the two entrances 242a may each be longitudinally elongated (e.g., vertically elongated) by having the maximum longitudinal dimension D_long_max thereacross (e.g., a maximum vertical dimension) that is greater than the maximum lateral dimension D_lat_max thereacross (e.g., a maximum horizontal dimension) to each receive one hand of the user therethrough in a parallel orientation such as with palms facing inward and/or toward each other).
  • the light frame divider 1043 may, as shown, be a straight member with substantially straight and parallel sides (as shown in the front elevation view) or may have any other suitable shape (e.g., with concave and/or symmetric sides).
  • the germicidal light sources 130 are coupled to the light frame 242 and the light frame divider 1043 to emit the germicidal light to separately circumscribe each of the two entrances 242a, so as to define the two separate sanitizing regions. Further aspects of the germicidal light source 130 are discussed in further detail below.
  • the light frame 242 may be a singular or multi-piece structure (e.g., with different components defining different lateral sides thereof and/or the different entrances) and that the light frame divider 1043 may be formed integrally with or be separately formed and coupled to the light frame 242.
  • the chassis 140 may instead include two light frames 1042 that each includes a primary opening and defines one of the two entrances 242a.
  • the two light frame 1042 may define the two entrances 242a with substantially the same size and/or symmetric shapes.
  • the two entrances 242a may each be circular, ovular, square, rectangular, or have another complex shape (e.g., being semi-circular, semi-ovular, or otherwise having a combination of a curved side and a straight side).
  • the two entrances 242a separately formed by the two light frame 1042 may each be laterally elongated to each receive one hand of the user therethrough in a latitudinal orientation, such as with palms facing downward).
  • the two entrances 242a may each be longitudinally elongated (e.g., vertically elongated) to each receive one hand of the user therethrough in a parallel orientation such as with palms facing inward and/or toward each other).
  • Each of the two light frame f 042 may be coupled to each other directly or indirectly via the base 244a of the chassis 144. Furthermore, the two light frame 1042 may be movable relative to each other, for example, being pivotable relative to each other such that planes extending across the two entrances 242a may move between parallel (e.g., coplanar) and non-parallel arrangements. In the discussion below, the light frame 1042 may generally be configured as shown and described for the light frame 242.
  • the entrance 242a may also be sized and/or shaped to prevent or hinder misuse of the electronic sanitizing device 100, for example, being sized to prevent insertion of large and heavy objects therein.
  • the entrance 242a may also be sized and/or shaped to prevent or hinder misuse of the electronic sanitizing device 100, for example, being sized to prevent insertion of large and heavy objects therein.
  • the sanitizing device 100 defining only one of the entrances 242a (e.g., as shown in FIGS.
  • the entrance 242a may be circular and have a diameter of between 6 and IS inches (e.g., between 8 and 14 inches), or be horizontally elongated with a maximum longitudinal dimension D_long_max (e.g., a vertical dimension or height) of between 4 and 12 inches (e.g., between 6 and 10 inches), and/or a maximum lateral dimension D_lat_max (e.g., a horizontal dimension or width) of between 4 and 20 inches (e.g., between 6 and 18 inches, such as between 10 and 14 inches), more or less as may be appropriate for any given application.
  • the maximum longitudinal dimension D_long_max and the maximum lateral dimension D_lat_max are labeled in FIGS. 9D and 10A only, but should be understood to apply to the entrances 242a of the other embodiments shown and described herein.
  • each of the entrances 242a may be circular with a diameter of between 8 and 16 inches (e.g., between 10 and 14 inches) or other non-elongated shape with the maximum longitudinal dimension D_long_max of between 8 and 16 inches (e.g., between 10 and 14 inches) and/or a maximum lateral dimension of between 8 and 16 inches (e.g., between 10 and 14 inches).
  • each of the two entrances 242a may have the maximum lateral dimension DJat_max of between 8 and 16 inches (e.g., between 10 and 14 inches) and a maximum longitudinal dimension D_long_max of between 2 and 8 inches (e.g., between 4 and 6 inches).
  • each of the two entrances 242a may have a maximum lateral dimension D_lat_max of between 2 and 8 inches (e.g., between 4 and 6 inches) and a maximum longitudinal dimension of between 8 and 16 inches (e.g., between 10 and 14 inches).
  • the light frame 242 may be made from any suitable material according to any suitable process sufficient to support the various light sources coupled thereto.
  • the light frame 242 may be formed of a rigid material (e.g., metal, polymer, or polymer- coated metal) formed according to any suitable combinations stamping, rolling, extruding, bending, and/or molding processes.
  • the light frame 242 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape viewed in the radial direction (see, e.g., FIGS. 15A and 16-19), which may include an outer shape (e.g., having a squared, otherwise, angular, and/or rounded outer surface shape) and/or an inner shape (e.g., a recess being shaped to facilitate coupling to the various light sources and/or to control emittance of light therefrom, as discussed in further detail below). As shown in FIGS. 15 A and 16-19, the light frame 242 may define a cavity, channel, or recess that extends radially outward in which the germicidal light sources 130 or other components.
  • an outer shape e.g., having a squared, otherwise, angular, and/or rounded outer surface shape
  • an inner shape e.g., a recess being shaped to facilitate coupling to the various light sources and/or to control emittance of light therefrom, as discussed in further detail below.
  • the light frame 242 be positioned radially outward of the germicidal light source 130 and extend circumferentially therearound to prevent (e.g., block) emission of the germicidal light radially outward directly from the germicidal light source 130.
  • This cross-sectional shape of the light frame 242 may be substantially uniform around a substantial entirety (e.g., circumscribing) the entrance 242a.
  • the light frame 242 may have a radial dimension (i.e., moving outward from and measured perpendicular to a surface defining the entrance 242a) of between 1 and 7 inches (e.g., between 2 and 5 inches), more or less.
  • the light frame 242 may have an axial dimension D_axial_frame, as labeled only in FIG.
  • each of the germicidal light sources 130 emits the germicidal light from a concentrated point (see, e.g., FIG. 5).
  • the point light sources 630P are coupled to the chassis 140 and spaced about the entrance 242a.
  • the germicidal light sources 130 may include three, four (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6), six (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), eight, ten, twelve, or more of the point light sources 630P.
  • the germicidal light sources 130 may be spaced in any suitable manner, for example, a substantial majority thereof (e.g., 75% or more) having substantially equal angular spacing (e.g., spaced at regular angular intervals about a center point of the entrance 242a, such angular intervals being within approximately 30, 15, 10, 5 degrees or less of each other) and/or substantially equal linear spacing (e.g., spaced at regular linear intervals measured along light frame 242, such as along an inner periphery or other surface of the light frame 242, which may be within 15, 10, 5 percent or less of each other).
  • substantially equal angular spacing e.g., spaced at regular angular intervals about a center point of the entrance 242a, such angular intervals being within approximately 30, 15, 10, 5 degrees or less of each other
  • substantially equal linear spacing e.g., spaced at regular linear intervals measured along light frame 242, such as along an inner periphery or other surface of the light frame 242, which may be within 15, 10, 5 percent or
  • Other arrangements of the germicidal light sources 130 may, for example, including clustering the point light sources 630P (e.g., two or more adjacent each other) and spacing apart clusters of the point light sources 630P (e.g., three or more clusters).
  • the point germicidal light sources may also be arranged in a common plane that extends across the entrance 242a (see e.g., FIG. 3).
  • the visible light sources 150 may also be point light sources (e.g., LEDs) that cooperatively emit visible light that circumscribes hands or objects inserted through the entrance 242a of the light frame 242.
  • the visible light sources 150 may be provided in any suitable number and/or distributed in any suitable manner.
  • the visible light sources 150 may be provided in equal number to the germicidal light sources 130 and be spaced apart similar distances therebetween (e.g., being positioned adjacent the germicidal light sources 130), or alternatively may be provided in different numbers (more or less than the germicidal light sources 130) and/or with different spacing.
  • the visible light sources 150 may be arranged in a common plane with each other and/or with the germicidal light sources 130.
  • the electronic sanitizing device 100 may be configured, such as cooperatively with the visible light sources 150, the light frame 242, and/or other optical elements, to emit the visible light to regions that are substantially the same (e.g., coincide), entirely contain, or partially contain the germicidal light. As a result, users may view the visible light reflected from surfaces of hands or objects therein, which indicates those surfaces that are receiving the germicidal light to be sanitized thereby.
  • the infrared light sources 160 may also be point light sources (e.g., LEDs) that cooperatively emit light that circumscribes hands or objects inserted through the entrance 242a of the light frame 242.
  • the infrared light sources 160 may be provided in any suitable number and/or distributed in any suitable manner.
  • the infrared light sources 160 may be provided in equal number to the germicidal light sources 130 and be spaced apart similar distances therebetween (e.g., being positioned adjacent the germicidal light sources 130), or alternatively may be provided in different numbers (more or less than the germicidal light sources 130) and/or with different spacing.
  • the infrared light sources 160 may be arranged in a common plane with each other, with the germicidal light sources 130, and/or with the visible light sources 150.
  • the electronic sanitizing device 100 may be configured, such as cooperatively with the infrared light sources 160, the light frame 242, and/or other optical elements, to emit the infrared light to regions that are substantially the same (e.g., coincide), entirely contain, or partially contain the germicidal light.
  • surfaces of user’ s hands may be heated by the infrared light to tactilely indicate to users those surfaces that are receiving the germicidal light to be sanitized thereby.
  • the electronic sanitizing device 100 with the point light sources e.g., of the germicidal light sources 130, the visible light sources 150, and/or the infrared light sources 160.
  • the germicidal light sources 130 emit the germicidal light generally continuously from an elongated region.
  • Each of the elongated light sources 730E extends at least partially around the entrance 242a and cooperatively extend substantially entirely around the entrance 242a.
  • the elongated light sources 730E may also follow non-linear profile, such as by following curved or intersecting sides of the light frame 242 (see FIGS. 9A-10B).
  • the one or more elongated light sources 730E may also be arranged in a plane that extends across the entrance 242a.
  • the germicidal light sources 130 are coupled to the light frame 242 and the light frame divider 1043 to emit the germicidal light to separately circumscribe each of the two entrances 242a, so as to define the two separate sanitizing regions.
  • the point light sources 630P may each be coupled to one of the light frame 242 or the light frame divider 1043 and may further be configured to emit the germicidal light across only one of the entrances 242a.
  • another of the elongated light sources 730E may be coupled to the light frame divider 1043 and extend therealong a substantial entirety of the distance thereof (e.g., longitudinally) and emit the germicidal light laterally (e.g., left and right) across both of the two entrances 242a.
  • the elongated light sources 730E may be configured to emit the germicidal light across only one of the two entrances 242a.
  • separate ones of the germicidal light sources 130 are coupled to each of the two light frames 1042 to emit the germicidal light to separately circumscribe each of the two entrances 242a, so as to define the two separate sanitizing regions.
  • the germicidal light sources 130 including the point light sources 630P multiple ones of the point light sources 630P are coupled to each of the light frames 1042 and may further be configured to emit the germicidal light across only one of the entrances 242a.
  • one of the elongated light sources 730E is coupled to each of the light frame 1042 and is configured to emit the germicidal light across the entrance 242a defined thereby.
  • the germicidal light may be emitted from the light frame 242, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, radially across the entrance 242a of the frame and/or rearward (e.g., toward the support structure 10).
  • the elongated light source 730E may also be configured to emit the visible light, thereby having a single light source that functions both as the germicidal light source 130 and the visible light source 150. As such, the visible light is emitted substantially coincident with to the germicidal light to visually indicate to users those surfaces that are also receiving the germicidal light to be sanitized thereby.
  • the electronic sanitizing device 100 may be further configured to prevent or hinder undesirable exposure to the germicidal light. As discussed in further detail below, the electronic sanitizing device may be configured to provide physical constraints that prevent or limit opportunity for undesired exposure to the germicidal light and/or that prevent or limit emittance of the germicidal light from the electronic sanitizing device 100.
  • the electronic sanitizing device 100 may be configured to prevent or otherwise limit emittance of the germicidal light forward of the light frame 242 and/or the entrance 242a defined thereby.
  • the electronic sanitizing device 100 is configured to limit or prevent undesirable exposure to the germicidal light forward of the chassis 140 to users or other persons forward of the electronic sanitizing device 100. Furthermore, with the forward emittance angle 838F intersecting the light frame 242, the light frame 242 may also prevent emittance of the germicidal light radially outward of the light frame 242 in axial regions of the light frame 242.
  • the support structure 10 in turn prevents emittance of the germicidal light further distances and, thereby, prevents or hinders undesirable exposure to the germicidal light.
  • a material that is reflective of the germicidal light e.g., being aluminum or stainless steel
  • a material that is absorptive of the germicidal light e.g., polymer materials
  • may be applied to the support structure 10 e.g., as a coating or sheet product.
  • the chassis 140 may be mounted relative to the support structure 10, such that the chassis 140 and the support structure 10 form physical constraints that cooperatively prevent or limit undesirable exposure to the germicidal light.
  • the mount 244 may suspend the light frame 242 an axial distance of 16 inches or less (e.g., 12,
  • the electronic sanitizing device 100 may be configured such that any such germicidal light may be a relatively far distance from the germicidal light source, so as to limit the intensity of such germicidal light outside physical bounds of the light frame 242.
  • any such germicidal light that engages the support structure 10 must travel both the axial distance and at least partly across the radial dimension of the frame, thereby having a corresponding reduction of intensity at such distances.
  • the open region may be substantially open (e.g., with no continuous structure or few spaced apart structures, such as additional arms 244b, extending between the light frame 242 and the support structure 10 or an intervening structure).
  • the electronic sanitizing device 100 may instead be configured to prevent or otherwise limit emittance of the germicidal light rearward of the light frame 242 and/or the entrance 242a defined thereby. By not emitting the germicidal light rearward of the light frame 242, the electronic sanitizing device 100 is configured to limit or prevent undesirable exposure to the germicidal light rearward of the light frame 242.
  • the germicidal light may be emitted from the light frame 242 radially across the entrance 242a thereof between the forward emittance angle 838F and the rearward emittance angle 838R to intersect an opposing portion of the light frame 242.
  • each of the forward emittance angle 838F and the rearward emittance angle 838R may extend in planes substantially parallel with each other (e.g., within 5, 3, 2 or fewer degrees).
  • the light frame 242 also prevents emittance of the germicidal light radially outward therefrom.
  • an axial spread D_axial_light of the germicidal light which is the axial dimension between the forward emittance angle 838F and the rearward emittance angle 838R, at the light frame 232 across from the emittance location is 200%, 150%, 125%, 110%, 100%, 90%, or less of the axial dimension D axial frame of the light frame 242, for example, at all locations circumferentially around the entrance 242a.
  • the forward emittance angle 838F and the rearward emittance angle 838R may be uniform around the entrance 242a, while he axial spread D_axial_light may vary based on the radial distance across the entrance 242 varying (e.g., radius, lateral, and/or longitudinal dimensions).
  • the axial dimension D_axial_frame may, for example, between 1 and 7 inches (e.g., between 2 and 5 inches)
  • FIGS. 12A-12B e.g., with multiple entrances 242a
  • the stand 1140 may be placed on and supported by a horizontal surface 1110 (e.g., floor or tabletop support the light frame 242 thereabove, for example, with the entrance 242a being arranged generally vertically.
  • the light frame 242, as described above with respect to HGS. 13 and 14, may itself prevent or limit emission the germicidal light forward, rearward, and outward thereof.
  • an upright plane e.g., a substantially vertical plane, such as within 30, 15, 10, or 5 degrees of vertical
  • the light frame 242 e.g., through the entrance 242a thereof and/or each of the germicidal light sources 130 coupled thereto.
  • user may insert their hands from either a front side or a rear side of the sanitizing device 100 (e.g., of the light frame 242).
  • the effective emittance angle 838, the forward emittance angle 838F, and the rearward emittance angle 838R, as described above with respect to FIGS. 8, 13, and 14 may be achieved in various manners, for example, by blocking and/or reflecting the germicidal light emitted by the germicidal light source 130 with the light frame 242 and/or other elements.
  • each of the germicidal light sources 130 has the peak output angle 532, the viewing angle 534, and the unrestricted emittance angle 536.
  • the light frame 242, or other optical components coupled thereto, are configured with each of the germicidal light sources 130 to provide the effective emittance angle 838, including the forward emittance angle 838F and the rearward emittance angle 838R, that is reduced relative to the viewing angle 534 and/or the unrestricted emittance angle 536 on each side of the peak output angle 532.
  • the forward emittance angle 838F is generated by blocking, with the light frame 242 or another optical element, germicidal light emitted at least within the unrestricted emittance angle 536 and, preferably, also within the viewing angle 534.
  • germicidal light sources 130, the light frame 242, and/or other optical elements are discussed in further detail below.
  • the rearward emittance angle 838R is generated by blocking, with the light frame 242 or another optical element, germicidal light emitted at least within the unrestricted emittance angle 536 and, preferably, also within the viewing angle 534.
  • germicidal light sources 130, the light frame 242, and/or other optical elements are discussed in further detail below.
  • the germicidal light may be emitted radially outward of the light frame 242 at positions opposite the germicidal light source 130 but will be at relatively large distances, such that the output intensity of the germicidal light radially outward of the light frame 242 will be significantly diminished. More specifically, the germicidal light that is emitted radially outward of the light frame will have traveled axially a distance by which the light frame 242 is spaced from the support structure 10 and a radial distance at least partially across the light frame 242. As a result, the germicidal light will have diminished in strength with its output intensity being inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the germicidal light source 130.
  • the germicidal light sources 130, the light frame 242, and/or any other optical elements may be configured in any suitable manner to achieve the effective emittance angle 838 described above.
  • the light frame 242 defines a recess 1546 in which the germicidal light source 130 is positioned.
  • the light frame 242, in cross section may include a front segment 1542a and a rear segment 1542b that define the recess 1546 therebetween.
  • the front segment 1542a and the rear segment 1542b are each generally linear in cross-section and may form visible outer surfaces of the electronic sanitizing device 100, though other shapes are contemplated (e.g., curved).
  • a rearwardly- extending segment 1542c extends rearward from the front segment 1542a a suitable distance to block the germicidal light emitted from the germicidal light source 130 to produce the forward emittance angle 838F.
  • a radially inwardly-extending segment 1542d extends radially inward from the rear segment 1542b (e.g., upward, downward, rightward, or leftward depending on the circumferential position of the germicidal light source 130) a suitable distance to block the germicidal light emitted from the germicidal light source 130 to produce the rearward emittance angle 838R.
  • the germicidal light sources 130 receive electrical power from the power source 120 as operated by the controller 110.
  • the germicidal light sources 130 are connected via conductors to the power source 120 (e.g., with the controller 110 operating switches for operation of the germicidal light sources 130).
  • each of the germicidal light sources 130 may be coupled to a flexible circuit board 1531 by which electrical power is transferred to the germicidal light sources 130.
  • the flexible circuit board 1531 may be configured as a flexible strip to which the germicidal light sources 130 are coupled at spaced apart intervals.
  • the visible light sources 150 and the infrared light sources 160 may also be coupled to the flexible circuit board 1531 at positions spaced therealong and for receiving electrical power therefrom.
  • the visible light sources 150 and the infrared light sources 160 may be positioned adjacent to each other and/or to the germicidal light sources 130 or be spaced more evenly between each other and/or the germicidal light sources 130.
  • the flexible circuit board 1531 is shown in a straight form in FIG. 15B but may follow any suitable contour when coupled to the light frame 242 (e.g., being curved circumferentially around the entrance 242a).
  • the light frame 242 further includes an elongated insert 1548 that is coupled to the light frame 242 within the recess and functions to orient the germicidal light sources 130, as well as any other light sources, relative to the light frame 242 to achieve the effective emittance angle 838.
  • the elongated insert 1548 includes outer and/or forward surfaces that are coupled to the front segment 1542a and the rear segment 1542b of the light frame 242, along with an inner surface (e.g., a beveled surface) to which germicidal light sources 130 are coupled (e.g., via the flexible circuit board 1531 that is adhered to the elongated insert 1548 that is adhered to the light frame 242).
  • the germicidal light sources 130, the visible light sources 150, and/or the infrared light sources 160 may be mechanically coupled to the light frame 242 in any other suitable manner (e.g., being individually coupled or adhered to the light frame 242, or cooperatively coupled to the light frame such as being on a rigid circuit board coupled to the light frame 242).
  • the germicidal light sources 130, the visible light sources 150, and/or the infrared light sources 160 may be electrically coupled to the controller 110 and/or the power source 120 in any other suitable manner, such as using wires that extend through the light frame 242.
  • the quartz tube 1639 passes light circumferentially around the light frame 242 and emits the light radially inward therefrom to, thereby, substantially circumscribe hands and/or objects inserted through the entrance 242a.
  • the germicidal light is emitted radially inward from the quartz tube 1639, while the light frame 242, or other optical elements, produce an effective emittance angle 838 (i.e., the forward emittance angle 838F and the rearward emittance angle 838R), for example, as described above with respect to FIG. 15A.
  • the light frame 242 may be configured similar in applications using the elongated light source 730E as with the point light sources 630P (as described above with respect to FIG. 15B).
  • the elongated light source 730E may also emit visible light.
  • the quartz tube 1639 allows passage of electromagnetic radiation at the wavelengths in the visible light spectrum.
  • the visible light is emitted radially outward of the quartz tube 1639 and may have the same effective emittance angle as the germicidal light (e.g., as produced by the light frame 242 and/or other optical components couple thereto), thereby indicating visually to users the location of the germicidal light.
  • the effective emittance angle 838 includes the forward emittance angle 838F and the rearward emittance angle 838R, each of which intersect the light frame 242 across the entrance 242a therefrom.
  • the germicidal light is neither emitted forward, nor rearward, nor radially outward of the light frame 242.
  • the forward emittance angle 838F and the rearward emittance angle 838R may extend parallel to each other across the entrance 242a.
  • the reflector 1732 may have any suitable dimension, for example, having a width of between approximately 12 and 20 mm (i.e., in the axial direction), and a depth of between 4 and 15 mm, such as between 6 and 8 mm (i.e., in the radial direction).
  • the light frame 242 may, for example, have a U-Shaped configuration in which the reflector 1732 is positioned and having a depth that is greater than that of the reflector 1732 therein (e.g., being between two and four times the depth thereof).
  • the reflector 1732 extends circumferentially around a substantial entirety of the light frame 242 (e.g., around the entrance 242a defined thereby).
  • the reflector 1732 may be a singular component or formed from multiple components forming.
  • the reflector 1732 may, for example, be formed of or coated with a material reflective of the germicidal light, such as aluminum (e.g., extruded or otherwise formed, vapor deposited, anodized, or otherwise coated).
  • the infrared light source 160 may also be coupled to the circuit board 1731. As shown, the infrared light source 160 may be coupled to a radially inward side of the circuit board 1731 (i.e., opposite the germicidal light source 130 and/or the infrared light source 160) and emit the infrared light radially inward therefrom. As such, the infrared light emitted thereby may be emitted directly to the user’s hands to provide the tactile feedback (described previously), while not heating the reflector 1732.
  • the circuit board 1731 is electrically coupled to the controller 110 and/or the power source 120 to receive electrical power therefrom to power the light sources.
  • conductors e.g., wires; not shown
  • the electronic sanitizing device 100 emits the germicidal light to be substantially contained within the light frame 242 (e.g., as shown and described with respect to FIGS. 13 or 14).
  • the germicidal light source 130 may be the elongated light source 730E (e.g., the mercury or excimer lamp), or may alternatively include multiple point light sources 630P.
  • the light frame 242 defines an aperture 1842b on a radially inward side thereof (i.e., proximate the entrance 242a).
  • the aperture 1842b which may be a slot that extend substantially continuously circumferentially around the light frame 242 and the entrance 242a defined thereby is configured to permit the germicidal light to exit therethrough and provide the forward emittance angle 838F and the rearward emittance angle 838R, for example, as shown and described with respect to FIGS.
  • a reflector such as the reflector 1732, may be positioned in the light frame 242 (e.g., in the channel or cavity defined thereby and in which the elongated light source 730E is positioned) and configured to reflect the light emitted by the elongated light source 730 toward the aperture.
  • a reflector may be formed of aluminum or other material that does not or minimally absorbs the germicidal light.
  • An inner cover 1934 extends axially forward and radially outward to cover the elongated light source 730E and prevent emission of light directly therefrom out of the light frame 242 (e.g., hiding the elongated light source 730E from view).
  • the inner cover 1934 extends axially to one of the front side or the rear side of the light frame 242 and defines a gap 1936 between the other of the front side or the rear side of the light frame 242.
  • the gap 1936 permits the germicidal light emitted by the elongated light source 730E and reflected by the reflector 1932 to be emitted from the light frame 242 across the entrance 242a defined thereby (e.g., into the sanitizing region).
  • the gap 1936 extends circumferentially around a substantial entirety of the light frame 242 (e.g., around the entrance 242a defined thereby).
  • the gap 1936 extends axially a distance of between approximately 1 and 15 mm (e.g., between 5 and 12 mm).
  • the reflector 1932 extends circumferentially around a substantial entirety of the light frame 242 (e.g., around the entrance 242a defined thereby).
  • the reflector 1932 may be a singular component or formed from multiple components forming.
  • the reflector 1932 may, for example, be formed of or coated with a material reflective of the germicidal light, such as aluminum (e.g., extruded or otherwise formed, vapor deposited, anodized, or otherwise coated).
  • 11A and 1 IB includes one or more of the elongated light sources 730E (e.g., the mercury lamp at 254 nanometers or 222 nanometers), and is configured to emit the germicidal light as shown and described with respect to FIGS. 18 or 19.
  • the elongated light sources 730E e.g., the mercury lamp at 254 nanometers or 222 nanometers
  • the germicidal light as shown and described with respect to FIGS. 18 or 19.
  • the electronic sanitizing device 100 is operated to sanitize hands or other objects of users with the germicidal light in various manners.
  • the electronic sanitizing device 100 may be operated according to a method 2000 with any suitable combination of operations including, but not limited to, sensing 2010, emitting germicidal light 2020, emitting visible light 2030, emitting infrared light 2040, providing visual indications 2050 (e.g., of progress and/or instructions), and repeating operations 2010- 2050.
  • the method 2000 may further include storing and/or transmitting usage information for individual users.
  • the emitting of the germicidal light 2020 may be performed for a predetermined time, such as between 2 and 10 seconds, such as between 3 and 5 seconds, more or less, as may be suitable for sanitizing surfaces of the hand or object
  • the predetermined time may be referred to as a sanitizing cycle.
  • those germicidal light sources 130 associated with both of the entrances 242a may be operated simultaneously, for example, upon detection of the user with a single one of the user sensors 170 (e.g., one of the physical sensors 170a).
  • the emitting of the visible light 2030 is performed with one or more visible light sources, such as the visible light sources 150 described previously.
  • the emitting of the infrared light 2040 is performed with one or more infrared light sources, such as the infrared light sources 160 described previously.
  • the emitting of the infrared light 2040 is controlled with a controller, such as the controller 110, selectively operating the infrared light sources.
  • the controller may operate the infrared light sources substantially simultaneously with the germicidal light sources (e.g., over the entire or partial duration of the sanitizing cycle).
  • the infrared light may provide a tactile indication of both the operation and location of emittance of the germicidal light.
  • the visible light may, instead or additionally, be emitted after operation of the germicidal light sources to provide visual indication that the germicidal light is no longer being emitted, for example, upon completion of the sanitizing cycle.
  • an electronic sanitizing device 2100 is configured similar to the electronic sanitizing device 100, for example, including the controller 110 or switch, the power source 120, and the one or more germicidal light sources 130, and may further include the visible light source 150 and/or the infrared light source 160.
  • the electronic sanitizing device 2100 further includes a base 2142 and a shield 2144 to which the germicidal light source 130 is directly or indirectly coupled (e.g., being coupled to the base 2142).
  • the base 2142 is configured to support the electronic sanitizing device 2100 relative to a support structure, such as a table or other horizontal floor structure, or may be configured to couple to a vertical support structure (e.g., a wall).
  • the germicidal light source 130, the base 2142, and the shield 2144 are configured such that, when the electronic sanitizing device 2100 is supported by the support structure 10, the germicidal light source 130 is arranged between the shield 2144 and the support structure 10, while the shield 2144 is spaced apart from the support structure 10 to define an entrance therebehind (or thereunder) in which the user may insert their hands into the germicidal light emitted.
  • the shield 2144 is, for example, formed of a material that is transparent or translucent to visible light, such that the user may see their hands therebehind) but is opaque to the germicidal light or otherwise blocks the germicidal light.
  • the shield 2144 may be formed of a polycarbonate material.
  • the base 2142 may be configured in any suitable manner for supporting the germicidal light source 130 and the shield 2144.
  • the base 2142 may include a platform that is sufficiently wide for resting on a horizontal surface to support the germicidal light source 130 and the shield 2144 thereabove, or may be configured to mechanically couple to the support structure 10 (e.g., wall or table).
  • An electronic sanitizing device comprising: a light frame that defines an entrance for receiving a hand of a user therethrough in a rearward direction; a mount coupled to the light frame and configured to couple to a support structure to support the light frame spaced apart from and forward of the support structure a distance of between three and sixteen inches; and one or more germicidal light sources that are coupled to the light frame and emit germicidal light onto the hand of the user being inserted through the entrance.
  • the electronic sanitizing device according to Embodiment 1, further comprising one or more visible light sources that emit visible light onto the hand of the user being inserted through the entrance, and one or more infrared light sources that are coupled to the light frame and emit infrared light onto the hand of the user being inserted through the entrance, wherein the one or more visible light sources and the infrared light sources are operated simultaneous with the one or more germicidal light sources.
  • An electronic sanitizing device for sanitizing a hand of a user comprising: a light frame having an entrance for receiving a hand of a user in an axially rearward direction; and one or more germicidal light sources that emit germicidal light, the one or more germicidal light sources being coupled to the light frame and substantially circumscribing the entrance; wherein the germicidal light is emitted radially across the entrance of the light frame and substantially not emitted axially forward of the light frame.
  • the electronic sanitizing device according to Embodiment 10, further comprising a stand coupled to the light frame and configured to support the light frame above a horizontal surface.
  • the electronic sanitizing device according to Embodiment 13, further comprising a mount coupled to the light frame and configured to couple to a support structure for supporting the light frame spaced apart from the support structure.
  • An electronic sanitizing device for sanitizing a hand of a user comprising: one or more germicidal light sources that emit germicidal light; one or more visible light sources that emit visible light; one or more infrared light sources that emit infrared light; and a controller that selectively simultaneously operates the one or more germicidal light sources to sanitize surfaces of a hand of a user, the one or more visible light sources to provide a visual indication to the user that the one or more germicidal light sources are simultaneously being operated, and the one or more infrared light sources to provide a tactile indication to the user that the one or more germicidal light sources are simultaneously being operated.
  • the electronic sanitizing device according to Embodiment 16, further comprising a user sensor, wherein upon detecting the hand of the user with the user sensor, the controller selectively simultaneously operates the one or more germicidal light sources, the one or more visible light sources, and the one or more visible light sources.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
  • Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)

Abstract

Un dispositif de désinfection électronique comprend une ou plusieurs sources de lumière germicide et un châssis. Le châssis définit une ou plusieurs entrées qui sont chacune configurées pour recevoir une ou plusieurs mains d'un utilisateur à travers celles-ci. La ou les sources de lumière germicide sont couplées au châssis et émettent une lumière germicide à travers la ou les entrées.
PCT/US2021/022752 2020-03-17 2021-03-17 Dispositif de désinfection électronique WO2021188663A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202062990973P 2020-03-17 2020-03-17
US62/990,973 2020-03-17
US202063114899P 2020-11-17 2020-11-17
US63/114,899 2020-11-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2021188663A1 true WO2021188663A1 (fr) 2021-09-23

Family

ID=77772171

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2021/022752 WO2021188663A1 (fr) 2020-03-17 2021-03-17 Dispositif de désinfection électronique

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2021188663A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20210404210A1 (en) * 2020-06-30 2021-12-30 Assa Abloy Access And Egress Hardware Group, Inc. Germicidal door handle

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5446289A (en) * 1994-04-15 1995-08-29 Despatch Industries Limited Partnership Ultraviolet passthrough sterilization device
US20120156094A1 (en) * 2005-10-26 2012-06-21 Germgard Lighting, Llc Hand Sanitizer/Sterilizer

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5446289A (en) * 1994-04-15 1995-08-29 Despatch Industries Limited Partnership Ultraviolet passthrough sterilization device
US20120156094A1 (en) * 2005-10-26 2012-06-21 Germgard Lighting, Llc Hand Sanitizer/Sterilizer

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20210404210A1 (en) * 2020-06-30 2021-12-30 Assa Abloy Access And Egress Hardware Group, Inc. Germicidal door handle

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
RU2722236C1 (ru) Устройства с ультрафиолетовой разрядной лампой и одним или более отражателями и системы, которые определяют рабочие параметры и планы дезинфекции для бактерицидных устройств
US10960091B2 (en) System and method for sterilization using ultra-violet illumination
KR102268480B1 (ko) 조절된 파워 플럭스를 갖는 펄스화된 광을 사용하는 룸 및 구역 살균 장치 및 펄스 간의 가시 광 보상을 갖는 광 시스템
US9517280B2 (en) Ultraviolet disinfection lighting system
EP4151241A1 (fr) Dispositif portatif à ultraviolets lointains
US20240148924A1 (en) System and apparatus for sanitizing a point of contact
WO2017147460A1 (fr) Système et procédé de désinfection d'un environnement occupé par rayonnement germicide à commande directionnelle
CN209060072U (zh) 一种消毒照明系统
US11844884B2 (en) Ultraviolet pathogen disinfection system
US11305031B2 (en) Ultraviolet pathogen disinfection system
US20210361810A1 (en) Modular and configurable sanitization system
WO2021188663A1 (fr) Dispositif de désinfection électronique
WO2023015390A1 (fr) Appareil de traitement par ultraviolets
JP2020202907A (ja) 室内設置型バイオレットライト装置及びシステム
WO2022117728A1 (fr) Dispositif de désinfection par uv
EP4093447A1 (fr) Dispositif uv portatif jetable doté d'une lumière visible et d'une optique de mise en forme
KR102572622B1 (ko) 자외선 살균장치
WO2023148047A1 (fr) Système de génération de lumière uv-b
WO2023172420A1 (fr) Dispositif d'irradiation uvc à amélioration optique
WO2022211743A1 (fr) Dispositif de désinfection des mains
JP2022120266A (ja) 不活化方法および不活化システム
WO2023060273A1 (fr) Systèmes et procédés améliorés d'éclairage pour désinfection
KR20230043942A (ko) 병원체를 안전하게 조사하기 위한 자율 모바일 시스템 및 방법

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 21771319

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

32PN Ep: public notification in the ep bulletin as address of the adressee cannot be established

Free format text: NOTING OF LOSS OF RIGHTS PURSUANT TO RULE 112(1) EPC (EPO FORM 1205A DATED 27/01/2023)

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 21771319

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1