WO2021195008A1 - Système d'exposition germicide à des ultraviolets intégré à un produit - Google Patents

Système d'exposition germicide à des ultraviolets intégré à un produit Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021195008A1
WO2021195008A1 PCT/US2021/023557 US2021023557W WO2021195008A1 WO 2021195008 A1 WO2021195008 A1 WO 2021195008A1 US 2021023557 W US2021023557 W US 2021023557W WO 2021195008 A1 WO2021195008 A1 WO 2021195008A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light emitting
strip
ultraviolet germicidal
cell phone
emitting device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2021/023557
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Becket Colon
Original Assignee
Luxkast Corporation
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 Luxkast Corporation filed Critical Luxkast Corporation
Publication of WO2021195008A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021195008A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
    • H04M1/72409—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D1/00—Garments
    • A41D1/002—Garments adapted to accommodate electronic equipment
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
    • A41D13/05—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches protecting only a particular body part
    • A41D13/11—Protective face masks, e.g. for surgical use, or for use in foul atmospheres
    • A41D13/1192—Protective face masks, e.g. for surgical use, or for use in foul atmospheres with antimicrobial agent
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D19/00—Gloves
    • A41D19/015—Protective gloves
    • A41D19/01594—Protective gloves with accessories, e.g. tools, receptacles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4036—Parts or details of the surface treating tools
    • A47L11/405—Machines using UV-lamps, IR-lamps, ultrasound or plasma cleaning
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
    • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
    • A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
    • A47L5/28—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
    • A47L5/30—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle with driven dust-loosening tools, e.g. rotating brushes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
    • A47L7/0061—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids adapted for disinfecting or sterilising
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/08—Radiation
    • A61L2/10—Ultraviolet radiation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/26—Accessories or devices or components used for biocidal treatment
    • 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
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/16—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using physical phenomena
    • A61L9/18—Radiation
    • A61L9/20—Ultraviolet radiation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B7/00—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass
    • B08B7/0035—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass by radiant energy, e.g. UV, laser, light beam or the like
    • B08B7/0057—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass by radiant energy, e.g. UV, laser, light beam or the like by ultraviolet radiation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2201/00—Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning 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
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2202/11—Apparatus for generating biocidal substances, e.g. vaporisers, UV lamps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2202/16—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
    • A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2209/12—Lighting means
    • 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
    • A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2209/14—Filtering means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/18—Telephone sets specially adapted for use in ships, mines, or other places exposed to adverse environment
    • H04M1/185—Improving the rigidity of the casing or resistance to shocks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/22—Illumination; Arrangements for improving the visibility of characters on dials
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
    • H04M1/72409—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories
    • H04M1/724092—Interfacing with an external cover providing additional functionalities
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2250/00—Details of telephonic subscriber devices
    • H04M2250/52—Details of telephonic subscriber devices including functional features of a camera

Definitions

  • Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and systems that integrate ultraviolet (UV) light sources into products (e.g., gloves, clothing apparel, cellular phones, protective masks, cleaning cloths, appliances, etc.) to facilitate use of UV light for sterilizing environments.
  • products e.g., gloves, clothing apparel, cellular phones, protective masks, cleaning cloths, appliances, etc.
  • UVGI Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation
  • UVC light short wavelength ultraviolet light
  • UV-C light ultraviolet light
  • UVGI systems are large, expensive, and cumbersome, leading to impractical usage for most instances in our everyday lives. This is particularly so if a user wants to utilize UVGI on-demand and on-the-go. UVGI can also be impractical and expensive in high-usage areas requiring frequent re-application of UVC light.
  • anti-microbial fabrics and chemicals There are two primary types of anti-microbial fabrics: 1) fabrics that inhibit microbes from adhering to the fabric, which lowers the risk of spreading the microbes; and 2) fabrics that kill microbes that adhere to it. Yet, neither of these can be used to sanitize an environment. Further, neither of these are effective at combating airborne contagions nor do they sanitize the environment.
  • Other products directed towards combating microbes are facemasks. Yet, also cannot be used to sanitize an environment. In addition, facemasks do not capture all the particles passing through their filters, and are therefore not as effective as UVGI. Moreover, the more robust the facemask is (in an attempt to be more effective), the more strenuous they are to use.
  • Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and systems that integrate UV light sources into products (e.g., gloves, clothing apparel, cellular phones, protective masks, cleaning cloths, appliances, etc.) to facilitate use of UV light for sterilizing environments.
  • products e.g., gloves, clothing apparel, cellular phones, protective masks, cleaning cloths, appliances, etc.
  • the system can be configured such that a user can effectively sterilize an environment without being encumbered, impeded, or otherwise interfered with when conducting normal activity.
  • the system includes UVC light emitting devices embedded in or mounted on the product (whether the product is intended to be worn or held in the user’s hand).
  • the system provides means to effectively and efficiently supply electrical power to the UVC light emitting devices for proper operation thereof.
  • the system provides for the integration of UV light sources into everyday products without the addition of bulky or cumbersome apparatuses or harmful chemicals in order to sanitize and provide additional protection against microbes.
  • UVC technology is proven as an effective means to kill germs.
  • Users can use the system to sanitize environments they come in contact with during everyday activities. For instance, a user can utilize the system to sanitize seating areas of commuter trains, seating areas of commuter buses, seating areas of airplanes, public or private toilet seats, work equipment/gear, medical equipment/ gear, kitchen equipment/ gear, home and office floors, desks, etc.
  • the population can have a significant impact on the urban microbial biome — i.e., when used by a large portion of the population, the effect will be crowdsourcing sanitization of urban environments (e.g., busses, subways, airplanes, workplaces, hospitals, schools, day care toilets, handrails, etc.).
  • urban environments e.g., busses, subways, airplanes, workplaces, hospitals, schools, day care toilets, handrails, etc.
  • FIGS. 1-2 show exemplary embodiments in which the system is used with a product that is a cell phone.
  • FIG. 3 shows another exemplary embodiment in which the system is used with a product that is a cell phone.
  • FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the system is used with a product that is a disposable glove.
  • FIGS. 5-7 show exemplary embodiments in which the system is used with a product that is a reusable glove.
  • FIG. 8 shows an exemplary embodiments in which the system is used with a product that is a disposable mask.
  • FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiments in which the system is used with a product that is a reusable mask.
  • FIG. 10 shows an exemplary embodiments in which the system is used with a product that is a respirator mask.
  • FIG. 11 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the system is used with a product that is a cleaning cloth.
  • FIGS. 12-17 show exemplary embodiments in which the system is used with a product that is a garment.
  • FIGS. 18-19 show exemplary embodiments in which the system is used with a product that is a vacuum cleaner.
  • FIG. 20 shows another exemplary embodiment in which the system is used with a product that is a cell phone.
  • FIG. 21 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the system is used with a product that is a cell phone plug-in adapter.
  • FIG. 22 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the system is used with a product that is a cell phone case.
  • FIG. 23 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the system is used with a product that is a cell phone frequency operating button (FOB).
  • FOB cell phone frequency operating button
  • Embodiments of the system 100 can include at least one ultraviolet light (UV) emitting device 102.
  • the UV light emitting device 102 can be a UV light emitting diode (UV-LED).
  • UV-LED UV light emitting diode
  • the UV light emitting device 102 can be a semiconductor light source that emits UV light when electrical current is caused to flow through it. When electrical current is caused to flow through the semiconductor light source, electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes to release energy in the form of photons.
  • the frequency or wavelength of the photons (corresponding to the energy of the photons) can be determined by the energy required for electrons to cross the band gap of the semiconductor.
  • the semiconductor can be structured to have a band gap that causes the photons emitted to have a frequency that is within the UV light range.
  • UV light includes wavelengths that fall between visible light wavelengths and x-ray wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum — e.g., between 10 nanometers (nm) to 400 nm.
  • the UV light range can be further divided into UV-A, UV-B, UV-C, and Vacuum-UV.
  • the UV-C portion represents wavelengths from 200 nm to 280 nm. UV-C photons are able to penetrate cells and damage the nucleic acid, rendering them incapable of reproduction. When UV-C photons are imparted on a microbe, such damage to the nucleic acid causes them to microbiologically inactive.
  • UV-C photons directed at viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens renders these pathogens harmless in seconds.
  • the UV light emitting device 102 it is contemplated for the UV light emitting device 102 to emit light having wavelengths within a range from 200 nm to 280 nm.
  • the most effective wavelengths against microbes are within the range of 260 nm to 275 nm, providing effective and consistent anti-microbial performance across a wide range of pathogenic organisms.
  • at least one of the UV light emitting device 102 to emit light having a wavelength within the range of 260 nm to 275 nm.
  • the UV light emitting device can be configured with a filter so as to emit UV-C light within a range of 222 nm and lower. This is because such UVC light (207— 222 nm ) has been found to efficiently kill airborne pathogens without harm to exposed human tissues, i.e., does not penetrate the skin or the tear barrier in the eye.
  • This disclosure uses the terms pathogen, virus, microbe, bacteria, and contagion as organisms that are to be targeted and killed by UV light.
  • a reference to any one of these organisms is intended to include a reference to all of them.
  • embodiments of the system 100 can have a plurality of UV light emitting devices 102 to emit UV light for the purposes of sterilizing an environment. While all of the UV light emitting devices 102 can be designed to emit light with wavelengths within the range from 400 nm to 10 nm, any one or combination of the UV light emitting devices 102 can be designed to emit light with wavelengths within the range from 260 nm to 275 nm.
  • the system 100 can have a plurality of UV light emitting devices 102, each UV light emitting devices 102 emitting light with wavelengths within the range from 400 nm to 10 nm with a predetermined number (e.g., a majority) of the UV light emitting devices 102 emitting light with wavelengths within the range from 260 nm to 275 nm.
  • This arrangement can provide a more broad form of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation.
  • the light within the 260 nm to 275 nm can be used to kill targeted microbes and germs (ones most susceptible at that range), while light within the 400 nm to 10 nm but outside the 260 nm to 275 nm range can be used to kill other targeted microbes and germs (ones most susceptible at that/those range(s)).
  • Such an arrangement can maximize effective use of resources by tailoring the number of UV light emitting devices 102 emitting at different wavelength ranges.
  • the system 100 can have a plurality of UV light emitting devices 102, each UV light emitting devices 102 capable of emitting light with wavelengths within the range from 400 nm to 10 nm.
  • a first set (e.g., a predetermined number) of UV light emitting devices 102 can be designed to emitting light with wavelengths within the range from 10 nm to 100 nm
  • a second set (e.g., a predetermined number) of UV light emitting devices 102 can be designed to emitting light with wavelengths within the range from 100 nm to 200 nm
  • a third set e.g., a predetermined number
  • UV light emitting devices 102 can be designed to emitting light with wavelengths within the range from 200 nm to 300 nm, and so on.
  • the sets of UV light emitting devices 102 can be arrange so as to be evenly distributed amongst each other.
  • a control module 104 e.g., a switch
  • This can be done to provide a system 100 with tunable emission of UV light. If a user desires to emit light within any one or combination of the wavelength ranges, they can adjust the control module 104 to allow electrical current to flow to the set(s) of UV light emitting devices 102 that will emit wavelengths in those ranges.
  • control module 104 can be adjusted to only allow electrical current to flow to the third set of UV light emitting devices 102. If a user desires to emit UV light within the 100 nm to 200 nm range and the 200 nm to 300 nm range, the control module 104 can be adjusted to only allow electrical current to flow to the second and third set of UV light emitting devices 102.
  • Embodiments of the system 100 include a flexible substrate upon which at least one UV light emitting device 102 is disposed.
  • the flexible substrate can be a flexible circuit board, for example.
  • the flexible substrate can be a thin insulating polymer film having conductive circuit patterns affixed thereto.
  • the UV light emitting devices 102 can be surface mounted UV-LEDs configured to be mounted on the flexible substrate.
  • Known surface mount technology can be used to fabricate such a system.
  • the flexible substrate can include solder pads used to connect (physically and electrically) the UV light emitting devices 102 thereto. Solder paste can be applied to the solder pads using a stencil process, for example.
  • a pick-and-place process can be used to place the UV light emitting devices 102 on the flexible substrate so as to place leads extending from the UV light emitting devices 102 into or onto the solder paste.
  • the flexible substrate with the UV light emitting devices 102 can be placed into a reflow soldering oven so as to melt the solder paste, thereby bonding the UV light emitting device 102 leads to the solder pads.
  • UV-LED strips 106 can be generated from the flexible substrate with UV light emitting devices 102 disposed thereon. These UV-LED strips 106 can be incorporated into products (e.g., gloves, clothing apparel, cellular phones, protective masks, cleaning cloths, appliances, etc.). Being incorporated into the product includes being attached to, adhered to, fastened to, molded in or to, weaved in, inserted in, etc. the product. Each UV-LED strip 106 can be in electrical connection or electrical communication with a control module 104. The electrical connection or electrical communication can be a hardwired connection or a wireless connection.
  • any one or combination of the UV-LED strips 106 can have a transceiver and processor to facilitate transmission of electrical signals to and from a transceiver and processor of the control module 104.
  • the control module 104 is in connection with an electrical power supply 108. This can be a permanent connection or a selective connection (e.g., plug-in, USB connection, etc.).
  • the control module 104 includes a switching mechanism that facilitates selective flow of electrical current from the electrical power supply 108 to the UV-LED strip(s) 106.
  • the control module 104 can include a multiway switch, multiplexer, etc. to facilitate selective flow of electrical current from the electrical power supply 108 to any one or combination of the UV-LED strips 106 or any one or combination of UV-LEDs 102 on a UV-LED strip 106.
  • any one or combination of the UV-LED strips 106 can be configured to be in direct connection with the electrical power supply 108. Thus, once the UV-LED strip 106 is connected to the electrical power supply 108, electrical current is cause to flow to the UV-LED strip 106 without selective control via the control module 104.
  • the electrical power supply 108 can be one or more of a battery unit 108a, a voltage/current source (e.g., a plug outlet, a mobile electronic device 108b providing a voltage or current via a USB adapter connectable to a USB port of the control module 104, etc.), a solar power source, etc.
  • the battery unit can be a non-rechargeable unit or a rechargeable unit. Examples of battery units can be an alkaline battery, a lithium battery, a magnesium battery, a lithium ion battery, a magnesium ion battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel zinc battery, etc.
  • the solar power source can be a photovoltaic system comprising solar cell panels that generate electrical power to be supplied directly to the control module 104 and/or UV-LED strip 106.
  • the solar power source can generate electrical power to be supplied to a battery unit that is connected to the control module 104 and/or UV-LED strip 106.
  • the photovoltaic system can be wearable (e.g., flexible solar cell panels donned by a user) or non-wearable (e.g., a solar cell panel that is connected to a charging port, charging pad, etc.).
  • the electrical power can be generated by inductive charging techniques.
  • any one or combination of the control module 104, the UV-LED strip 106, or the battery unit can include an inductive circuit 120 to facilitate energy transfer via inductive coupling, and thus the generation of electrical current.
  • the electrical power supply 108 can be a charging pad having a transmission induction coil through which alternating current (e.g., from an outlet) is allowed to pass through.
  • the alternating current causes a change in magnetic field and generates an electromotive force in a receiving induction coil placed in, on, or otherwise associated with the control module 104, UV-LED strip 106, or battery unit. This generates an alternating current in the receiving induction coil.
  • the inductive circuit 120 transmits the alternating current (or converts it to direct current depending on the application) and directs the current to the control module 104, the UV-LED strip 106, or the battery unit.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 and/or the control module 104 can include a power-on indicator 110, a power-off indicator 112, and a charging indicator 114, in addition to the power switch 116. Any of these indicators can be a voltmeter or an ammeter.
  • the power-on indicator 110 is a LED light indicator that illuminates when electrical power is being supplied (as measured by the voltmeter or an ammeter) to any one or combination of UV light emitting devices 102.
  • the power-off indicator 112 is a LED light indicator that illuminates when electrical power is not being supplied (as measured by the voltmeter or an ammeter) to any one or combination of UV light emitting devices 102.
  • the charging indicator 114 is a LED light indicator that illuminates when electrical power is being supplied (as measured by the voltmeter or an ammeter) to the battery unit.
  • the system 100 includes at least one UV-LED strip 106.
  • Each UV-LED strip 106 is a flexible substrate with at least one UV light emitting device 102 disposed thereon.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 is incorporated into a product, such as a glove, garment, cellular phone, mask, appliance (e.g., a nozzle end of a vacuum cleaner), etc.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 is placed into electrical connection with an electrical power supply 108 (either directly or indirectly via electrical connection or electrical communication with a control module 104). As electrical current is supplied to the UV light emitting devices 102 on the UV-LED strip 106, UV light is emitted.
  • the UV light can be used to kill targeted microbes, germs, pathogens, etc.
  • FIGS. 1-2 show exemplary embodiments in which the system 100 is used with a product that is a cell phone 122.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 is configured to complement the size and shape of a back face of the cell phone 122.
  • the UV- LED strip 106 can fabricated in the shape of a grid.
  • the grid is a pronged-grid having a U-shape with a plurality of prongs 126.
  • the size and shape of the pronged-grid can be configure to accommodate certain features of the cell phone 122 so as to not interfere with normal operation of the cell phone 122.
  • the cell phone 122 may have a camera at a top comer of the back face.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 would have four pronged-grid wherein two of the prongs 126 are shorter in length as compared to the other two prongs 126 so as to accommodate (i.e., not cover or interfere with the field of view) this camera.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 can be a unitary strip, or any one or combination of the prongs 126 can be a separate but interconnected UV-LED strip 106.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 has a front face and a rear face.
  • the front face is the face that faces outward and away from the surface of the cell phone 122.
  • the rear face is the face that faces inward and toward the surface of the cell phone 122.
  • the rear face can have an adhesive applied thereto to facilitate permanent or temporary attachment of the UV-LED strip 106 to the surface of the cell phone 122.
  • the UV light emitting devices 102 are arranged in the UV-LED strip 106 so as to cause UV light to emanate outward and away from the strip’s front face, and therefore outward and away from the surface of the cell phone 122.
  • a user can hold the cell phone 122 and aim it at an object (e.g., a countertop surface, a handrail, etc.) so as to direct the UV light emanating from the UV light emitting devices 102 to be incident upon the object.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 can include a connector adapter 124.
  • the connector adapter 124 can be a plug, USB connector, etc. to facilitate electrical connection to the cell phone 122.
  • the connector adapter 124 can be a USB plug that can be inserted into the USB port of the cell phone 122. Once inserted, electrical current is transmitted to the UV- LED strip 106, and therefore to the UV light emitting devices 102.
  • the cell phone 122 and/or the battery of the cell phone 122 acts as the electrical power supply 108 for the system 100.
  • a user can selectively supply electrical current to the system 100 by plugging in or unplugging the connector adapter 124.
  • the connector adapter 124 can include a control module 104.
  • control module 104 can be used to selectively supply electrical current to any one or combination of UV-LED strip(s) 106 or any one or combination of UV light emitting devices 102 on a UV-LED strip 106.
  • control module 104 can be used to prevent electrical current from being transferred to the UV-LED strip 106 even when the connector adapter 124 is plugged into the cell phone 122.
  • FIGS. 1-2 can be equally applicable to a cell phone case.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 can be adhered to a back surface of the cell phone case.
  • the cell phone case can be slipped onto the cell phone 122 can used in a manner described above.
  • FIG. 3 shows another exemplary embodiment in which the system 100 is used with a product that is a cell phone 122.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 is embedded within the back face surface of cell phone 122.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 is configured to complement the size and shape of a back face of the cell phone 122.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 can fabricated in the shape of a grid. With the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the grid resembles an orthogonal 2-D lattice.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 can be a unitary strip, or any one or combination of the 2-D lattice structure can be a separate but interconnected UV-LED strip 106.
  • the UV-LED strip(s) 106 are covered by a coating or cover to retain and protect the UV-LED strip 106.
  • the coating or cover is transparent or at least translucent to UV light, and in particular the wavelengths of UV light that will be generated by the UV light emitting devices 102.
  • the UV light emitting devices 102 are arranged in the UV-LED strip(s) 106 so as to cause UV light to emanate outward and away from the he surface of the cell phone 122.
  • the UV-LED strip(s) 106 are in electrical connection to the battery of the cell phone 122, a separate battery unit, or some other electrical power supply 108. This connection can be either directly or via a control module 104. As discussed above, the control module 104 can be used to selectively supply electrical current to any one or combination of UV-LED strip(s) 106 or any one or combination of UV light emitting devices 102 on a UV-LED strip 106. In some embodiments, the control module 104 can be controlled (e.g., via an Application Program Interface) by a software application installed on the cell phone 122. [0040] It should be noted that the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 can be equally applicable to a cell phone case. For instance, the UV-LED strip 106 can be embedded within the back face surface of cell phone case. The cell phone case can be slipped onto the cell phone 122 can used in a manner described above.
  • FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the system 100 is used with a product that is a glove 128.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 is configured to complement the size and shape of a human hand.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 can fabricated in the shape of a skeleton grid. With the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the skeleton grid complements the skeletal structure of a human hand.
  • the skeleton grid can have a palm segment 130 spanning a palm portion of the glove 128, a thumb segment 130 extending from the palm segment 130 and spanning a thumb portion of the glove 128, an index digit segment 130 extending from the palm segment 130 and spanning an index digit portion of the glove 128, a middle digit segment 130 extending from the palm segment 130 and spanning a middle digit portion of the glove 128, a ring digit segment 130 extending from the palm segment 130 and spanning a ring digit portion of the glove 128, and a pinky digit segment 130 extending from the palm segment 130 and spanning a pinky digit portion of the glove 128.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 can be a unitary strip, or any one or combination of the segments 130 can be a separate but interconnected UV-LED strip 106.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 has a front face and a rear face.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 is attached to an outside surface of the glove 128.
  • the front face is the face that faces outward and away from the surface of the glove 128.
  • the rear face is the face that faces inward and toward the surface of the glove 128.
  • the rear face can have an adhesive applied thereto to facilitate permanent or temporary attachment of the UV-LED strip 106 to the surface of the glove 128.
  • the UV light emitting devices 102 are arranged in the UV-LED strip 106 so as to cause UV light to emanate outward and away from the strip’s front face, and therefore outward and away from the surface of the glove 128.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 is attached to an inside surface of the glove 128.
  • the front face is the face that faces inward and toward the surface of the glove 128.
  • the rear face is the face that faces outward and away the surface of the glove 128.
  • the front face can have an adhesive applied thereto to facilitate permanent or temporary attachment of the UV-LED strip 106 to the surface of the glove 128.
  • the UV light emitting devices 102 are arranged in the UV-LED strip 106 so as to cause UV light to emanate outward and away from the strip’s front face, and therefore through the surface of the glove 128 and outward and away from the surface of the glove 128.
  • the glove 128 in this embodiment is transparent or at least translucent to UV light so as to allow UV light to be emanated from the UV light emitting devices 102 and through the glove 128 (i.e., passing through from the rear face of the glove 128, through the glove 128 body, and emanate from the front face of the glove 128).
  • a user can don the glove 128, and once the system 100 is activated, a user can move their hand (and the glove 128) so as to aim it at an object (e.g., a countertop surface, a handrail, etc.) or physically touch or grab the object. When doing so, UV light emanating from the UV light emitting devices 102 is caused to be incident upon the object. It is contemplated for the UV-LED strip(s) 106 to be incorporated into a palm surface of the glove 128, but the UV-LED strip(s) 106 can be incorporated into any surface of the glove 128.
  • a user can use the back of their hand to aim the UV light at an object if the UV-LED strip(s) 106 are incorporated into a back surface of the glove 128.
  • the UV-LED strip(s) 106 are in electrical connection to any of the electrical power supplies 108 disclosed above, either directly or via a control module 104.
  • the control module 104 can be used to selectively supply electrical current to any one or combination of UV-LED strip(s) 106 or any one or combination of UV light emitting devices 102 on a UV-LED strip 106.
  • the control module 104 can be a unit that is attached to a sleeve portion (or any other portion) of the glove 128, or can be a unit that is part of a wrist band 134 to be worn about the wrist of a user.
  • FIG. 4 shows the control module 104 as being part of a wrist band 134 to be worn about the wrist of a user.
  • the wrist band 134 can be an elastic member, a strap with a fastener (e.g., hook-and-pull fastener, buckle fastener, snap fastener, etc.), etc. that can facilitate the wrist band 134 being worn about the wrist of a user for convenient display of the control module 104.
  • the control module 104 in this embodiment is shown to be connectable to the electrical power supply 108 via a UBS connection.
  • the control module 104 includes an inductive circuit and a battery unit.
  • the wrist band 134 can be removed from the wrist of a user and placed on an electrical power supply 108 that is a charging pad to facilitate generation of electrical current to charge the battery unit.
  • FIGS. 5-7 show exemplary embodiments in which the system 100 is used with a product that is a glove 128. These example show the system 100 being used with a utility style glove 128 (e.g., work glove, cleaning glove, ski glove, snow glove, designer glove, etc.), but other types of gloves 128 can be used with this exemplary system 100 arrangement.
  • a utility style glove 128 e.g., work glove, cleaning glove, ski glove, snow glove, designer glove, etc.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 is configured to complement the size and shape of a palm portion of a human hand.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 can fabricated in the shape of a plurality of ribbons 136.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 can have a first ribbon 136 spanning an upper palm portion of the glove 128, a second ribbon 136 spanning a palm portion of the glove 128 just below the first ribbon 136, a third ribbon 136 spanning a palm portion of the glove 128 just below the third ribbon 136, etc. It is contemplated for each ribbon 136 to be horizontally oriented (horizontal to the bottom of the palm), but other orientations can be used.
  • first ribbon 136 has a length that is greater than the length of the second ribbon 136
  • second ribbon 136 to have a length that is greater than the length of the third ribbon 136, etc. to conform to the general shape of the palm of a hand, but other arrangements can be used.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 can be a unitary strip, or any one or combination of the ribbons 136 can be a separate but interconnected UV- LED strip 106.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 can be incorporated into the glove 128 itself. This can involve the UV-LED strip 106 being attached to the glove 128, adhered to the glove, weaved into the fabric of the glove 128, etc.
  • the UV- LED strip 106 can be incorporated a patch 140.
  • the patch 140 can be palm- shaped.
  • the patch 140 can be then be attached to the glove 128. This can include being sewn into the glove 128, fastened to the glove 128, adhered to the glove 128, etc.
  • the patch 140 is secured to the glove 128 via a removable attachment (e.g., hook-and-pull, snap fastener, etc.) so as to facilitate securing the patch 140 to the glove 128 for use with the system 100 and then removing the patch 140 to allow a user to use the glove 128 without the system 100.
  • a user can remove the patch 140 to wash the glove 128 without washing the patch 140.
  • an exemplary configuration can be as follows.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 has a front face and a rear face.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 is attached to an outside surface of the patch 140.
  • the front face is the face that faces outward and away from the surface of the patch 140.
  • the rear face is the face that faces inward and toward the surface of the patch 140.
  • the rear face can have an adhesive applied thereto to facilitate permanent or temporary attachment of the UV-LED strip 106 to the surface of the patch 140.
  • the UV light emitting devices 102 are arranged in the UV-LED strip 106 so as to cause UV light to emanate outward and away from the strip’s front face, and therefore outward and away from the surface of the patch 140.
  • the inside surface of the patch 140 has a fastener to facilitate removable securement of it with an outside surface of the glove 128.
  • the inside surface of the patch 140 can have a hook and pull type fastener that meshes with a hook and pull type fastener placed on an outside surface of the glove 128. It is contemplated for the hook and pull type fastener placed on an outside surface of the glove 128 to be placed at or near the palm portion of the glove 128; however, it can be placed anywhere on the glove 128.
  • the glove 128 can be made from fabric (e.g., felt) that facilitates an attachment via hook and pull type fastening. Thus, there would be no need to have a dedicated area on the glove 128 for meshing with the hook and pull fastener of the patch 140.
  • the patch 140 can include at least one flexible, electrically conducting lead 160 extending from the patch 140.
  • Each lead 160 can have at least one secondary patch 162, each secondary patch 162 having at least one UV-LED strip 106 incorporated thereon.
  • the system 100 can have a primary patch 140 configured to be incorporated onto the palm portion of the glove 128 with four leads 160 extending from a top portion of the primary patch 140 so as to run along the digits (e.g., the index digit portion of the glove 128, the middle digit portion of the glove 128, the ring digit portion of the glove 128, and the pinky digit portion of the glove 128) of the glove 128 so that each lead 160 electrically connects the UV-LED strip(s) 106 of the primary patch 140 with the UV-LED strip(s) 105 of the secondary patch(es) 162.
  • Each lead 160 can have one or more secondary patch(es) 162.
  • Each of the primary patch 140 and the secondary patches 162 can be incorporated into the glove 128 using any of the methods disclosed herein.
  • a user can secure the patch 140 to the glove 128 and don the glove 128. Once the system 100 is activated, a user can move their hand (and the glove 128) so as to aim it at an object (e.g., a countertop surface, a handrail, etc.) or physically touch or grab the object.
  • an object e.g., a countertop surface, a handrail, etc.
  • UV light emanating from the UV light emitting devices 102 is caused to be incident upon the object.
  • the UV-LED strip(s) 106 are in electrical connection to any of the electrical power supplies 108 disclosed above, either directly or via a control module 104.
  • the control module 104 can be used to selectively supply electrical current to any one or combination of UV-LED strip(s) 106 or any one or combination of UV light emitting devices 102 on a UV-LED strip 106.
  • the control module 104 can be a unit that is attached to a sleeve portion (or any other portion) of the glove 128, or can be a unit that is part of a wrist band 134 to be worn about the wrist of a user.
  • control module 104 as being part of or attached to the sleeve portion of the glove 128 or a back-hand portion of the glove 128.
  • the control module 104 in this embodiment is shown to be connectable to the electrical power supply 108 via a UBS connection.
  • the control module 104 includes an inductive circuit and a battery unit.
  • the glove 128 can be removed from the user’s hand and placed on an electrical power supply 108 that is a charging pad to facilitate generation of electrical current to charge the battery unit.
  • the glove 128 is placed on the charging pad so that the inductive circuit in the control module 104 receives the electrical current and directs it to the battery unit for charging. Once charged, the glove 128 is removed from the charging pad, donned by the user, and the control module 104 is placed into connection with the UV-LED strip 106 (via a wired connection, wireless connection, or both).
  • FIGS. 8-10 show exemplary embodiments in which the system 100 is used with a product that is a mask 142.
  • the mask 142 can be a surgical mask (or other type of disposable mask), a reusable or washable mask, a respirator mask, etc.
  • the UV- LED strip 106 is configured as at least one hub 144.
  • UV-LED strip 106 can be fabricated as a small hub member having a UV light emitting devices 102 disposed thereon.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 can have any number of hubs 144.
  • FIG. 8 shows a star-hub formation having seven hubs 144 extending in a radial manner from a control module 104.
  • FIG. 9 shows a lateral extension hub formation having two hubs 144 that subtend each other and that extend from a centrally located control module 104.
  • FIG. 10 shows a lateral extension hub formation having two hub sets 144 that subtend each other and that extend from a centrally located control module 104.
  • Each hub set 144 is includes a star-hub formation having eight hubs 144.
  • FIG. 8 is an exemplary one that may be used to accommodate a disposable mask 142
  • the configurations and arrangement of FIG. 9 is an exemplary one that may be used to accommodate a reusable mask 142
  • the configurations and arrangement of FIG. 10 is an exemplary one that may be used to accommodate a respirator mask 142. It should be noted that other configurations and arrangement (i.e., number of hubs 144, how and where they extend, etc.) can be used to accommodate a particular design criteria.
  • the hubs 144 are placed within the air-intake region of the mask 142 so as to allow the UV light emitting therefrom to irradiate the air and kill the microbes, germs, and pathogens in the air that is about to be inhaled by the user of the mask 142.
  • this can be in the front portion through which a user breaths in air.
  • the control module 104 can be positioned in a middle portion of the mask 142 so that the star-hub formation having seven hubs 144 extending in a radial manner from a control module 104 are in the path of any incoming air.
  • the system 100 (the UV-LED strip 106 and/or the control module 104) can be attached to the mask 142 or inserted into a pocket of the mask 142.
  • a light scattering padding 146 is positioned between each hub 144 and the mask material 152.
  • the air-intake region can be in the filter portion of the mask 142.
  • the control module 104 can be positioned in a middle portion of the mask 142 so that the lateral extension hub formation having two hubs 144 that subtend each other are within the lateral filter portions of the mask 142.
  • the control module 104 can be attached to the mask 142 or inserted into a pocket of the mask 142.
  • the first hub 144 can be routed so as to be positioned within the first filter portion.
  • the second hub 144 can be routed so as to be positioned within the second filter portion.
  • a light scattering padding 146 is positioned between each hub 144 and the filter of the mask.
  • each filter portion can include the hub 144, a light scattering padding 146, a filter 148, and a filter cover 150, wherein the light scattering padding 146 is sandwiched between the hub 144 and the filter 148.
  • the air-intake region can in the filter canisters of the mask 142.
  • the control module 104 can be positioned in a middle portion of the mask 142 so that lateral extension hub formation having two hub sets 144 that subtend each other are within the lateral canister portions of the mask 142.
  • the control module 104 can be attached to the mask 142 or inserted into a pocket of the mask 142.
  • the first hub set 144 can be routed so as to be positioned within the first canister portion.
  • the second hub set 144 can be routed so as to be positioned within the second canister portion.
  • a light scattering padding 146 is positioned between each hub set 144 and the filter of the mask.
  • each canister can include the hub set 144, a light scattering padding 146, a filter 148, and a filter cover 150, wherein the light scattering padding 146 is sandwiched between the hub set 144 and the filter 148.
  • the UV-LED strip(s) 106 are in electrical connection to any of the electrical power supplies 108 disclosed above, either directly or via a control module 104.
  • the control module 104 can be used to selectively supply electrical current to any one or combination of UV-LED strip(s) 106 or any one or combination of UV light emitting devices 102 on a UV-LED strip 106.
  • the control module 104 can be a unit that is attached to a portion of the mask 142.
  • the control module 104 in this embodiment is shown to be connectable to the electrical power supply 108 via a UBS connection.
  • the control module 104 includes an inductive circuit and a battery unit.
  • the mask 142 can be removed from the user’s face and placed on an electrical power supply 108 that is a charging pad to facilitate generation of electrical current to charge the battery unit.
  • the mask 142 is placed on the charging pad so that the inductive circuit in the control module 104 receives the electrical current and directs it to the battery unit for charging. Once charged, the mask 142 is removed from the charging pad, donned by the user, and the control module 104 is placed into connection with the UV-LED strip 106 (via a wired connection, wireless connection, or both).
  • FIG. 11 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the system 100 is used with a product that is a cleaning cloth 154.
  • the cleaning cloth can have a pocket formed into one or both side surfaces thereof to facilitate insertion of an embodiment of the system 100.
  • the outer fabric layer 155 of the pocket 156 is contemplated to be made from material that will allow UV light to pass through so as to permit UV light emitting from the UV-LED strip 106 to emanate through the fabric and onto the surface of an object the cloth 154 is being use to clean.
  • the pocket 156 may be equipped with a fastener (e.g., button, snaps, zipper, etc.) to facilitate enclosing the UV-LED strip 106 within the pocket 156.
  • a fastener e.g., button, snaps, zipper, etc.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 can be configured as any number of ribbons 136, each ribbon 136 having at least one UV light emitting devices 102. It is contemplated for the UV-LED strip 106 to have a ribbon arrangement so that is provides UV light emissions out from substantially all of the surface of the cloth 154.
  • FIG. 11 shows nine ribbons 136, each arranged in a canted orientation with respect to the square shape of the cloth 154; however, any ribbon arrangement can be used.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 can be a unitary strip, or any one or combination of the ribbons 136 can be a separate but interconnected UV-LED strip 106.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 can be placed within a waterproof layer 158 (e.g., a polymer or plastic bag-like seal).
  • the UV-LED strip 106 within the waterproof layer 158 can then be inserted into the pocket 156 and placed into electrical connection with the electrical power supply 108 and/or the control module 104. It is contemplated for the insertion of the UV- LED strip 106 to be such that the UV light emitting devices 102 are adjacent the outer fabric layer 155 of the pocket 156 so as to direct UV light outward and away from the cloth 154. At any time, the user can remove the UV-LED strip 106 and use the cloth 154 without the UV- LED strip 106.
  • a light scattering padding 146 is positioned between the each UV-LED strip 106 and the waterproof layer 158.
  • the system 100 can include a UV-LED strip 106, a light scattering padding 146, and a waterproof layer 158, wherein the light scattering padding 146 is sandwiched between the UV-LED strip 106 and the waterproof layer 158.
  • the UV-LED strip(s) 106 are in electrical connection to any of the electrical power supplies 108 disclosed above, either directly or via a control module 104.
  • the control module 104 can be used to selectively supply electrical current to any one or combination of UV-LED strip(s) 106 or any one or combination of UV light emitting devices 102 on a UV-LED strip 106.
  • the control module 104 can be a unit that is attached to a portion of the cloth 154.
  • the control module 104 can also be encased in a waterproof casing.
  • the control module 104 in this embodiment is shown to be connectable to the electrical power supply 108 via a UBS connection.
  • the control module 104 includes an inductive circuit and a battery unit.
  • the cloth 154 can be placed on an electrical power supply 108 that is a charging pad to facilitate generation of electrical current to charge the battery unit.
  • the cloth 154 is placed on the charging pad so that the inductive circuit in the control module 104 receives the electrical current and directs it to the battery unit for charging. Once charged, the cloth 154 is removed from the charging pad and the control module 104 is placed into connection with the UV-LED strip 106 (via a wired connection, wireless connection, or both).
  • the system 100 can be used with any type of garment 164 (e.g., shirt, pants, vest, coat, etc.).
  • An embodiment of the system 100 can be incorporated with the garment 164 using any of the methods described herein. Because the garment is a larger article and can support more weight, solar cell panels 174 attached to or attachable to the garment 164 can be used as the electrical power supply 108 or to augment the electrical power supply 108.
  • FIGS. 12-17 show various types of garments 164 (e.g., FIGS. 12-13 show surgical scrub tops, FIG. 14 shows surgical scrub pants, FIG. 15 shows a surgical lab coat, FIG. 16 shows utility style pants, and FIG. 17 shows a utility style vest) and UV-LED strip 106 configurations.
  • these types of garments 164 and UV-LED strip 106 configurations are exemplary, and that any type of garment 164 and UV-LED strip 106 configurations can be used.
  • Any of the garments 164 can have a pocket formed into one or both side surfaces thereof to facilitate insertion of an embodiment of the system 100.
  • the outer fabric layer 155 of the pocket is contemplated to be made from material that will allow UV light to pass through so as to permit UV light emitting from the UV-LED strip 106 to emanate through the fabric.
  • the pocket may be equipped with a fastener (e.g., button, snaps, zipper, etc.) to facilitate enclosing the UV-LED strip 106 within the pocket.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 can be attached (e.g., adhered to via adhesive, attached to via hook and pull type fasteners, sewn to, etc.) to an outward facing surface (e.g., facing away from a user’s body when the garment 164 is donned by the user) of the garment 164.
  • the LED strip 106 can be attached to: a collar portion of the garment 164; lapel portions of the garment 164; front, side, or back panels of the garment 164; seam portions of the garment 164; sleeve portions of the garment 164; etc.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 can be configured as any number of ribbons 136, each ribbon 136 having at least one UV light emitting devices 102.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 prefferably has a ribbon arrangement so that is provides UV light emissions out from a surface of the garment 164 so that when a user donning the garment 164 is working or conducting daily activities, the UV light emissions are caused to be incident upon objects and/or the environment immediately surrounding the user.
  • FIG. 12 shows a garment 164 with a plurality of ribbons 136 running longitudinally about the front and back panels of a scrub shirt.
  • FIG. 13 shows a garment 164 with a plurality of ribbons 136 running along the neck, sleeve, waist, and pleat seam portions of a scrub shirt.
  • FIG. 12 shows a garment 164 with a plurality of ribbons 136 running longitudinally about the front and back panels of a scrub shirt.
  • FIG. 13 shows a garment 164 with a plurality of ribbons 136 running along the neck, sleeve, waist, and pleat seam portions of a scrub shirt.
  • FIG. 14 shows a garment 164 with a plurality of ribbons 136 running longitudinally about the out-seam portions of scrub pants.
  • FIG. 16 shows a garment 164 with a plurality of ribbons 136 running horizontally about leg portions of utility pants.
  • FIG. 17 shows a garment 164 with a plurality of ribbons 136 running horizontally about the front, side, and back panels of a utility vest.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 in any of these embodiments can be a unitary strip, or any one or combination of the ribbons 136 can be a separate but interconnected UV-LED strip 106.
  • the UV- LED strip 106 can be placed within a waterproof layer 158 (e.g., a polymer or plastic bag-like seal).
  • the UV-LED strip 106 within the waterproof layer 158 can then be inserted into the pocket or otherwise attached to the garment 164 and placed into electrical connection with the electrical power supply 108 and/or the control module 104.
  • the insertion of the UV-LED strip 106 it is contemplated for the insertion of the UV-LED strip 106 to be such that the UV light emitting devices 102 are adjacent the outer fabric layer 155 of the pocket so as to direct UV light outward and away from the garment 164.
  • a light scattering padding 146 is positioned between the each UV-LED strip 106 and the waterproof layer 158.
  • the system 100 can include a UV-LED strip 106, a light scattering padding 146, and a waterproof layer 158, wherein the light scattering padding 146 is sandwiched between the UV-LED strip 106 and the waterproof layer 158.
  • the UV-LED strip(s) 106 are in electrical connection to any of the electrical power supplies 108 disclosed above, either directly or via a control module 104.
  • the control module 104 can be used to selectively supply electrical current to any one or combination of UV-LED strip(s) 106 or any one or combination of UV light emitting devices 102 on a UV-LED strip 106.
  • the control module 104 can be a unit that is attached to a portion of the garment 164.
  • the control module 104 can also be encased in a waterproof casing. Some embodiments show the control module 104 being connectable to the electrical power supply 108 via a UBS connection.
  • the control module 104 includes an inductive circuit and a battery unit.
  • the garment 164 can be placed on an electrical power supply 108 that is a charging pad to facilitate generation of electrical current to charge the battery unit.
  • the garment 164 is placed on the charging pad so that the inductive circuit in the control module 104 receives the electrical current and directs it to the battery unit for charging. Once charged, the garment 164 is removed from the charging pad and the control module 104 is placed into connection with the UV-LED strip 106 (via a wired connection, wireless connection, or both).
  • Some embodiments of the garment 164 version of the system 100 can include a solar cell panel 174 as a primary (e.g., the main source of electrical supply) or a secondary (e.g., an augmented electrical supply) electrical power supply 108.
  • the solar cell panels 174 can be incorporated into the garment using any of the techniques disclosed herein. It is contemplated for the solar cell panels 174 to be fabricated from a flexible substrate material with photovoltaic cells embedded thereon configured to convert solar radiation into electrical energy.
  • the solar cell panels 174 can include inverters, transformers, etc. to facilitate electrical transfer from the photovoltaic cells to the control module 104, UV-LED strip 106, or battery unit of the system 100.
  • FIG. 17 shows the solar cell panels 174 incorporated into the shoulder portions of the utility vest, but the solar cell panels 174 can be incorporated into any portion of the vest or any other type of garment 164.
  • some embodiments of the system 100 can be used with an appliance 166 (e.g., a vacuum cleaner, nozzle end of a vacuum cleaner, a dusting wand, etc.).
  • An embodiment of the system 100 can be incorporated with the appliance 166 using any of the methods described herein.
  • FIGS. 18-19 show the system 100 being incorporated into a vacuum cleaner appliance 166.
  • the vacuum 166 can be a robotic (e.g., autonomous or semi- autonomous) vacuum 166 or a manually operated vacuum 166.
  • the UV-LED strip(s) 106 is/are permanently attached to a portion of the vacuum 166 that will be adjacent or proximate to a surface of the object the vacuum 166 is going to clean.
  • the UV-LED strip(s) 106 can be attached to an air-intake 176 portion the vacuum 166.
  • Some vacuums 166 have wand adapters to facilitate cleaning hard- to-reach floor surfaces or other surfaces (e.g., couches, shelves, stair steps, drapery, etc.). These wand adapters have nozzle ends that make contact with or are placed in close proximity to surfaces.
  • the UV-LED strip(s) 106 can be permanently attached to the nozzle end of the wand adapters.
  • FIGS. 18-19 each show a UV-LED strip 106 permanently attached to an underside portion of the vacuum 166 at or near the air intake 176.
  • at least one UV-LED strip 106 can be placed within the filter portion or filter canister of the vacuum 166.
  • the filter portions or filter canisters of the vacuums 166 can also have light scattering padding 146 included within the filter portion or filter canister.
  • the vacuum 166 versions prefferably include a control module 104, but rather have the UV-LED strip(s) 106 be in direct contact with the electrical power supply 108 (e.g., a battery unit or plug outlet).
  • the electrical power supply 108 e.g., a battery unit or plug outlet.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 incorporated into the wand adapters can be in electrical connection with electrical leads and/or wiring that facilitates electrical connectivity of the UV-LED strip 106 of the wand adapter to the electrical power supply 108.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 of the wand adapter can be in connection with electrical leads that extend to an electrical connection of the wand adapter, the electrical connection being located at the coupling end (the end that makes a mechanical connection to the body of the vacuum 166) of the wand adapter.
  • the electrical connection of the wand adapter meshes with an electrical connection of the vacuum 166 when the wand adapter is mechanically connected thereto. Electrical leads or wiring extend from the electrical connection of the vacuum 166 and to the power cord used to transmit electrical energy from the electrical power supply 108.
  • the UV-LED strip(s) 106 in the filter portion or filter canister portion can be in the form of hubs 144 or hub sets 144, similar to the configurations described above with the masks 142.
  • the hub(s) 144 or hub set(s) 144 can be positioned within the filter portion or filter canister portion of the vacuum 166, depending on the specific configuration of the vacuum 166.
  • a light scattering padding 146 is positioned between each hub 144 or hub set 144 and the filter of the vacuum 166.
  • each filter portion or filter canister can include the hub 144 or hub set 144, a light scattering padding 146, a filter 148, and a filter cover 150, wherein the light scattering padding 146 is sandwiched between the hub 144 or hub set 144 and the filter 148.
  • the UV-LED strip(s) 106 being positioned within the filter portion or filter canister of the vacuum 166 allows the system 100 to irradiate the dust and dirt collected by the vacuum 166 and kill the targeted microbes so as to eliminate or reduce the risk of a user coming into contact with the microbes when emptying the vacuum 166, cleaning he vacuum 166, or performing maintenance on the vacuum 166.
  • the UV-LED strip(s) 106 being positioned within the filter portion or filter canister of the vacuum 166 also allows the system 100 to irradiate the air being filtered and expelled by the vacuum 166 to kill the targeted microbes in that air so as to eliminate or reduce the risk of that air containing the microbes when expelled from the vacuum 166.
  • the vacuums 166 have a UV- LED strip 106 positioned at the air intake 176 and a UV-LED strip 106 positioned within the filter portion or filter canister. Once the vacuum 166 is energized - 1) plugged in and turned on if not battery powered; or 2) turned on if battery powered — the system 100 is supplied electrical power to be activated. As the vacuum 166 is used to clean surfaces, UV light from the UV-LED strip 106 positioned at the air intake 176 irradiates the surface to kill microbes on the surface.
  • the air, dust, and dirt that is sucked into the air intake 176 is directed to the filter portion or filter canister via conduit or ducting for dust and dirt collection, as the filtered air is expelled from the vacuum 166.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 positioned within the filter portion or filter canister irradiates the unfiltered air, the dirt, and the dust as it enters the filter portion or filter canister. This kills microbes in the unfiltered air, the dirt, and the dust so as to eliminate or reduce the risk of a user coming into contact with the microbes when emptying the vacuum 166, cleaning the vacuum 166, or performing maintenance on the vacuum 166.
  • This also irradiates the air being filtered and expelled by the vacuum 166 to kill the targeted microbes in that air so as to eliminate or reduce the microbes being in the air that a user will breathe in or come into contact with after the air leaves the vacuum 166.
  • FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of the system 100 being incorporated into a cell phone 122.
  • the illumination/ camera module 178 of the cell phone 122 includes at least one UV light emitting device 102.
  • the illumination/ camera module 178 is typically positioned on a back face of the cell phone 122, and thus it is contemplated for the UV light emitting device 102 to also be positioned on the back face of the cell phone 122.
  • the illumination/ camera module 178 can be positioned anywhere on the cell phone 122.
  • the UV light emitting device 102 need not be included with the illumination/camera module 178, but rather be an operating module that is separate from the illumination/camera module 178.
  • the cell phone 122 battery or a connection to an electrical power supply 108 via a USB connection provides the electrical current to the UV light emitting device 102.
  • Some embodiments of cell phones 122 can be equipped with inductive circuitry, and thus inductive charging can be used to supply electrical power or augment electrical power to the system 100.
  • Application software and Application Program Interfaces can be used to allow a user to control operation of the UV light emitting device 102.
  • the control module 104 can be in the form of software or firmware in this embodiment.
  • FIGS. 21 and 23 show an embodiment of the system 100 being configured as a cell phone plug-in adapter 168 and a cell phone frequency operating button (FOB) 172, respectively.
  • FOB cell phone frequency operating button
  • the cell phone plug-in adapter 168 can be a rectangular shaped housing with at least one UV light emitting device 102 on a surface thereof.
  • the cell phone plug-in adapter 168 has a battery unit and the control module 104 housed within the housing.
  • the cell phone plug-in adapter 168 is plugged into the cell phone 122 via a USB connection or other type of connection and draws electrical power from the cell phone 122 battery to energize the system 100 or to recharge the battery unit of the cell phone plug-in adapter 168.
  • the cell phone plug-in adapter 168 includes its own battery unit that can be charged via an inductive circuit 120. In addition, or in the alternative, the cell phone plug-in adapter 168 includes its own battery unit that can be charged via an ancillary electrical power supply 108 (an electrical power supply that is not the cell phone 122) via another USB connection.
  • an ancillary electrical power supply 108 an electrical power supply that is not the cell phone 122
  • the system 100 is either energized without having to do so via the control module 104 or a user uses the control module 104 to selectively activate the system 100.
  • a user can hold the cell phone 122 and aim the cell phone plug-in adapter 168 at an object (e.g., a countertop surface, a handrail, etc.) so as to direct the UV light emanating from the UV light emitting device 102 to be incident upon the object.
  • an object e.g., a countertop surface, a handrail, etc.
  • the FOB 172 With the FOB 172, there is no control module 104.
  • the UV-LED strip 106 is incorporated into the FOB 172.
  • the FOB 172 is a frequency operating button unit having a housing with at least one UV light emitting device 102 on a surface thereof.
  • the FOB 172 is plugged into the cell phone 122 via a USB connection or other type of connection and draws electrical power from the cell phone 122 battery to energize the system 100. Once plugged into the cell phone 122, the system 100 is energized. Once the system 100 is activated, a user can hold the cell phone 122 and aim the FOB 172 at an object (e.g., a countertop surface, a handrail, etc.) so as to direct the UV light emanating from the UV light emitting device 102 to be incident upon the object.
  • an object e.g., a countertop surface, a handrail, etc.
  • FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of the system 100 being incorporated into a cell phone case 170.
  • the cell phone case 170 includes at least one UV light emitting device 102 incorporated into an outer surface thereof.
  • the cell phone case 170 can have a shape the complements the shape of the cell phone 122 and be configured to slide on and off the cell phone 122.
  • the cell phone case 170 will have an inner surface (the surface that is adjacent the cell phone 122 when the cell phone case 170 is slid on the cell phone 122), and an out surface (the surface that faces outward and away from the cell phone 122 when the cell phone case 170 is slid on the cell phone 122).
  • the at least one UV light emitting device 102 would be incorporated into the cell phone case 170 so as to allow UV light being emitted therefrom to emanate out and away from the outer surface of the cell phone case 170. It is contemplated for the UV light emitting device 102 to be positioned on the cell phone case 170 so that when the cell phone case 170 is slid on the cell phone 122,
  • UV light emitting device 102 is positioned on the back face of the cell phone 122; however, the UV light emitting device 102 can be positioned anywhere on the cell phone case 170.
  • the cell phone case 170 can include any embodiment of the control module 104, electrical power supplies 108, inductive circuits 120, battery units, power-on indicator 110, a power-off indicator 112, and a charging indicator 114, power switch 116, etc. disclosed herein.
  • a user can hold the cell phone 122 and aim the cell phone case 170 at an object (e.g., a countertop surface, a handrail, etc.) so as to direct the UV light emanating from the UV light emitting device 102 to be incident upon the object.
  • an object e.g., a countertop surface, a handrail, etc.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Abstract

Procédés et systèmes de sources de lumière ultraviolette (UV) intégrées dans des produits (par exemple, des gants, un vêtement, des téléphones portables, des masques protecteurs, des torchons, des appareils, etc.) pour faciliter l'utilisation de la lumière UV pour stériliser des environnements. Le système peut être conçu de sorte qu'un utilisateur peut efficacement stériliser un environnement sans être encombré, entravé, ou autrement perturbé lors de la conduite d'une activité normale. Le système comprend des dispositifs d'émission de lumière UV enchâssés dans, ou montés sur, le produit et comprend en outre le branchement à une alimentation d'énergie électrique afin de faciliter l'intégration de la stérilisation par la lumière UV dans des produits quotidiens sans ajout d'appareils volumineux ou encombrants ou d'agents chimiques nuisibles afin d'assainir et de fournir la protection additionnelle contre les microbes.
PCT/US2021/023557 2020-03-24 2021-03-23 Système d'exposition germicide à des ultraviolets intégré à un produit WO2021195008A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US202062994126P 2020-03-24 2020-03-24
US62/994,126 2020-03-24

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20230042614A1 (en) * 2020-09-16 2023-02-09 Ian Leibowitz Method and Apparatus for Sanitization of Hand Coverings

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KR20120038102A (ko) * 2010-10-13 2012-04-23 엘지이노텍 주식회사 진공 청소기
US20140264076A1 (en) * 2013-03-18 2014-09-18 Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. Flexible Ultraviolet Device
KR20150014819A (ko) * 2013-07-30 2015-02-09 서울바이오시스 주식회사 발광 다이오드를 이용한 살균 장치
WO2015116833A1 (fr) * 2014-01-29 2015-08-06 P Tech, Llc Systèmes et procédés de désinfection
US20160001108A1 (en) * 2014-07-03 2016-01-07 Ling Zhou Breathing apparatus with ultraviolet light emitting diode
WO2016069701A1 (fr) * 2014-10-28 2016-05-06 Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. Article flexible pour désinfection aux uv

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20120038102A (ko) * 2010-10-13 2012-04-23 엘지이노텍 주식회사 진공 청소기
US20140264076A1 (en) * 2013-03-18 2014-09-18 Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. Flexible Ultraviolet Device
KR20150014819A (ko) * 2013-07-30 2015-02-09 서울바이오시스 주식회사 발광 다이오드를 이용한 살균 장치
WO2015116833A1 (fr) * 2014-01-29 2015-08-06 P Tech, Llc Systèmes et procédés de désinfection
US20160001108A1 (en) * 2014-07-03 2016-01-07 Ling Zhou Breathing apparatus with ultraviolet light emitting diode
WO2016069701A1 (fr) * 2014-10-28 2016-05-06 Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. Article flexible pour désinfection aux uv

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20230042614A1 (en) * 2020-09-16 2023-02-09 Ian Leibowitz Method and Apparatus for Sanitization of Hand Coverings

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