WO2021257753A1

WO2021257753A1 - Multifunctional sterilization tool

Info

Publication number: WO2021257753A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/037713
Authority: WO
Inventors: Allan Mark KLEPFISZ; Lance Ford; Tomas Varga
Original assignee: Klepfisz Allan Mark; Lance Ford; Tomas Varga
Priority date: 2020-06-16
Filing date: 2021-06-16
Publication date: 2021-12-23

Abstract

A multifunctional sterilization tool is an apparatus used to sanitize a target area using a combination of chemical aerosols and targeted ultraviolet radiation. The multifunctional sterilization tool utilizes an elongated casing containing at least one ultraviolet projector powered by a portable power supply to generate sterilizing fractions of ultraviolet radiation. Further, an atomizer is fed from a reservoir within the elongated casing to enable an aerosolized compound to be expelled onto a target area via an aerosol conduit and nozzle assembly. The functionalities of both the chemical and radiological systems are moderated by a controller that is operably connected within the elongated casing.

Description

Multifunctional Sterilization Tool

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to sanitizing and disinfecting devices. More specifically, the present invention provides a germicidal wand which incorporates sanitizing and disinfecting mechanisms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, there are two major approaches to the killing of pathogens: the utilization of UVC light which has been shown to kill almost all viruses and bacteria, and the use of alcohol mixtures which serves similar purposes. However, these two sanitizing/ disinfecting methods are often provided as separate products, which requires users to carry multiple devices to sanitize and/or disinfect desired surfaces or objects. Further, these products are often not very comfortable to carry around.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a device which combines both methods for sanitizing and/or disinfecting desired surfaces or objects. The present invention provides a germicidal dual action wand that utilizes one or more Ultraviolet (UV) Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps to emit UV light at selectable wavelengths in range of 255 to 289 nanometers (nm). In further embodiments, the one or more UV LED lamps can be configured to emit UV light at different wavelengths such as 222 nm. Furthermore, the germicidal dual action wand also includes an atomizer that sprays a fine mist of an alcohol mixture containing at least 70% alcohol. Preferably, the alcohol mixture contains 75% alcohol. The combination of both UV LED lamps and alcohol atomizer provides the highest available chance of killing all pathogens present on the surfaces of objects.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Additional advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the detailed description of the invention section. Further benefits and advantages of the embodiments of the invention will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description given with reference to the accompanying drawings, which specify and show preferred embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. l is a top-front-left perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the outer components of the present invention are rendered transparent to illustrate internal construction.

FIG. 2 is a bottom-front-right perspective view thereof, wherein a portion of the present invention is detached to expose some internal components of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 4 is a section view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a magnified view taken about circle 5 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a magnified view taken about circle 6 in FIG. 4.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention is to be described in detail and is provided in a manner that establishes a thorough understanding of the present invention. There may be aspects of the present invention that may be practiced or utilized without the implementation of some features as they are described. It should be understood that some details have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure focus of the invention. References herein to “the preferred embodiment”, “one embodiment”, “some embodiments”, or “alternative embodiments” should be considered to be illustrating aspects of the present invention that may potentially vary in some instances, and should not be considered to be limiting to the scope of the present invention as a whole.

In reference to FIG. 1 through 6, the present invention is a multifunctional sterilization tool configured to sanitize and disinfect a targeted area using both chemical and radiological means dispersed from a single implement. More specifically, the present invention comprises an elongated casing 10, at least one ultraviolet projector 17, a reservoir 22, an atomizer 23, an aerosol conduit 24, a nozzle assembly 25, a portable power supply 18, and a controller 19.

The elongated casing 10 constitutes a structural element suitable for supporting and protecting the operable components of the present invention. The ultraviolet projector 17 broadly refers to a diode array or lamp configured to output ultraviolet radiation in suitable fractions (i.e., measured doses of ultraviolet radiation) to sterilize any pathogens on a target surface. The reservoir 22 defines a sealable container configured to retain any chemical compound that may be dispersed onto a target surface via the atomizer 23, aerosol conduit 24, and nozzle assembly 25. Accordingly, the atomizer 23 refers to a device configured to render the compound stored within the reservoir 22 into a fine mist, or aerosol, for subsequent application to any target surface. The aerosol conduit 24 refers to a transfer pipe, tube, or feed line extending between the atomizer 23 and the nozzle assembly 25, thereby enabling the atomized compound to traverse the elongated casing 10 between these disparate internal components as shown in FIG. 4. The nozzle assembly 25 refers to a tapered dispersal cone fixed to the aerosol conduit 24, opposite the atomizer 23. The nozzle assembly 25 is ideally used to create a variable spray pattern of the sterile compound onto a target area.

The portable power supply 18 ideally refers to a rechargeable, permanent cellular battery or battery array configured to provide power to all electrically operated components of the present invention. In at least one alternate embodiment, the portable power supply 18 defines an expendable battery pack or series of cells that is serviceable or replaceable by a user.

The functions of the chemical and radiological sterilization mechanisms described herein are ideally controlled by the controller 19, wherein the controller 19 broadly refers to any input mechanism, operable controls, processor, or other central operating element configured to affect the functionality of any other component of the present invention.

For example, the controller 19 may define a timer and notification mechanism configured to alert a user to the completion of an effective fraction or ultraviolet radiation. E.g., ten seconds of direct exposure eliminates most known pathogens, so the controller 19 will alert a user once ten seconds have passed with the at least one ultraviolet projector 17 activated. Further, the functionality of the atomizer 23 may be adjusted to increase or decrease the output particulate diameter or overall particulate density of any produced aerosols, thereby enabling a user to tune the atomizer 23 for use on varying surfaces (e.g., effectively sterilizing a carpet may require finer particles than sterilizing a keyboard).

As shown in FIG. 1, the elongated casing 10 extends between a fore end 11 and a rear end 12, wherein the fore end 11 is generally directed away from a user and towards a target area or item. The at least one ultraviolet projector 17 is laterally mounted to the elongated casing 10 to enable the ultraviolet projector 17 to affect a target area outside of the elongated casing 10. The at least one ultraviolet projector 17 is generally proposed to be capable of producing a broad-spectrum source of electromagnetic radiation, but the preferred embodiment emits electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength between 222 nanometers (nm) and 289 nm to provide maximum effect against organic pathogens.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 3, the at least one ultraviolet projector 17 may be directed orthogonal to the nozzle assembly 25 in at least one embodiment. In any other conceivable embodiment, the nozzle assembly 25 and the at least one ultraviolet projector 17 may be aimed coaxially or coincidentally to affect the same target area simultaneously without departing from the original spirit and scope of the present invention.

In reference to FIG. 4 and 6, the reservoir 22 and the atomizer 23 are mounted within the elongated casing 10, adjacent to the rear end 12. The reservoir 22 is in fluid communication with the atomizer 23, wherein the atomizer 23 is configured to receive any compound stored within the reservoir 22 and convert said compound into an atomized, vaporized, aerosolized, or semi -gaseous form prior to entering the aerosol conduit 24. Accordingly, the nozzle assembly 25 is integrated into the fore end 11, and the atomizer 23 is in fluid communication with the nozzle assembly 25 through the aerosol conduit 24. This configuration enables the atomized compound to be projected onto any target area to the front of the nozzle assembly 25, thereby chemically sterilizing said target area with a directable spray or jet of said compound.

In a preferred embodiment, the atomizer 23 is an ultrasonic atomizer 23 that functions by imparting mechanical energy into a liquid via high-frequency sound waves. This type of atomizer 23 is configurable to produce a range of aerosols by electronically moderating the frequency or cycle-length of the ultrasonic atomizer 23. In this application, the ultrasonic atomizer 23 is configurable to produce aerosols that precisely correspond to individual user needs in any given use-case.

As shown in FIG. 1 and 6, the controller 19 and the portable power supply 18 are mounted within the elongated casing 10. The controller 19 is electronically connected to the atomizer 23 and the at least one ultraviolet projector 17, wherein the electronic connection defines an operable, moderated, or interruptible supply of electrical power enabling a user to moderate the functions of the atomizer 23 and the at least one ultraviolet projector 17 via the controller 19. Additionally, the portable power supply 18 is electrically connected to the controller 19, the atomizer 23, and the at least one ultraviolet projector 17. The electrical connection defines a static or constant supply of operating power to the disparate components of the present invention, distinct from the function-moderating electronic connections outlined previously.

In at least one embodiment, the present invention further comprises a quantity of aerosolizable sterilant 26 retained within the reservoir 22. The quantity of aerosolizable sterilant 26 broadly refers to any chemical compound, solution, or formulation of sterilizing agent that is suitable for aerosol dispersion via the present invention. More specifically, the material qualities of the quantity of aerosolizable sterilant 26 are necessarily within an acceptable range for the atomizer 23 to achieve atomization of the quantity of aerosolizable sterilant 26. The exact material qualities are correspondent to the processing capacity of the atomizer 23 in any embodiment, wherein the maximum throughput of the atomizer 23 determines the maximum allowable viscosity, or the minimum volatility, of the quantity of aerosolizable sterilant 26. In a preferred embodiment, the quantity of aerosolizable sterilant 26 is between 70% by volume (vol. %) and 75 vol. % of isopropyl alcohol in normal temperature and pressure (NTP). It is further proposed that the present invention comprises a propellant mechanism 27 mounted within the elongated casing 10, as shown in FIG. 6. The propellant mechanism 27 generates additional impetus to any compound being expelled from the nozzle assembly 25, thereby ensuring that the targeted area is fully saturated by any chemical compound aerosolized by the atomizer 23. More specifically, the atomizer 23 is in fluid communication with the aerosol conduit 24 through the propellant mechanism 27. In one embodiment, the propellant mechanism 27 negatively pressurizes the atomizer 23 to draw fluid out of the reservoir 22, wherein the atomization and subsequent expansion of the aerosol propels said compound through the aerosol conduit 24.

As shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the elongated casing 10 further comprises at least one transparent section. The at least one transparent section 13 is laterally positioned along the elongated casing 10, corresponding to the location and targeted direction of the at least one ultraviolet projector 17. More specifically, the at least one ultraviolet projector 17 is mounted within the elongated casing 10, adjacent to the at least one transparent section 13. The at least one ultraviolet projector 17 is in optical communication with the at least one transparent section 13, thereby enabling a target area to be affected by ultraviolet radiation while protecting the at least one ultraviolet projector 17 behind the at least one transparent section 13.

The present invention is generally proposed as a portable, user-serviceable tool, wherein all consumable or expendable materials or resources may be replenished or replaced by a user of ordinary skill. Accordingly, the present invention further comprises an access port 14 and a sealed cap 15 at shown in FIG. 2. The access port 14 is integrated into the rear end 12 of the casing, constituting an opening into any internal spaces therein to allow a user to access the operable components of the present invention. The sealed cap 15 is releasably engaged to the access port 14 to enable a user to re-enclose the relatively fragile operable components of the present invention within the elongated casing 10 once repair or resupply of the present invention is complete.

In at least one embodiment, the access port 14 is further integrated into the reservoir 22. This arrangement enables a user to refill or replace the reservoir 22 with the sealed cap 15 removed, thereby extending the useful lifespan of the present invention beyond the limits of a single, permanent payload of chemical compound. Further, in embodiments wherein the quantity of aerosolizable sterilant 26 is utilized, a user may exchange the quantity of aerosolizable sterilant 26 for a different formulation of a similar compound to more effectively sterilizing different surfaces or materials.

It is further considered that the portable power supply 18 may be user-serviceable via the access port 14, wherein a user may replace an expended single-use battery or service a malfunctioning rechargeable battery by removing the portable power supply 18 through the rear end 12 of the casing. Accordingly, the portable power supply 18 is positioned adjacent to the access port 14 to enable this functionality. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and 6, the reservoir 22, atomizer 23, and controller 19 may also be removed through the access port 14 prior to accessing the portable power supply 18. This embodiment is not intended to be limiting to this configuration alone; the assembly order and interference of any components within the elongated casing 10 may be altered in various alternate embodiments without departing from the original spirit and scope of the present invention.

As outlined previously, the atomizer 23 and the at least one ultraviolet projector 17 are operably connected to the controller 19, whereby the controller 19 moderated the chemical and radiological output of the present invention. To enable a user to effectively engage these functions, the present invention further comprises a user interface 20. The user interface 20 is laterally integrated into the elongated casing 10, ideally in a position that is directly visible and accessible to a user without constructing the nozzle assembly 25 or the at least one ultraviolet projector 17. The controller 19 is electronically connected to the user interface 20, and the portable power supply 18 is electrically connected to the user interface 20. As outlined above, the electronic connections indicate a data or signal-type operable connection in contract to the electrical connection that primarily functions to supply operating power. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the user interface 20 embodies a set of buttons and a single display. It is understood that the user interface 20 may also include any other type or format of human interface device realized by a person of ordinary skill, wherein the configuration of the user interface 20 corresponds to the configuration of the operable components interconnected via the controller 19. Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A multifunctional sterilization tool comprising: an elongated casing; at least one ultraviolet projector; a portable power supply; a reservoir; an atomizer; an aerosol conduit; a nozzle assembly; a controller; the elongated casing extending between a fore end and a rear end; the at least one ultraviolet projector being laterally mounted to the elongated casing; the reservoir and the atomizer being mounted within the elongated casing, adjacent to the rear end; the reservoir being in fluid communication with the atomizer; the nozzle assembly being integrated into the fore end; the atomizer being in fluid communication with the nozzle assembly through the aerosol conduit; the controller and the portable power supply being mounted within the elongated casing; the controller being electronically connected to the atomizer and the at least one ultraviolet projector; and the portable power supply being electrically connected to the controller, the atomizer, and the at least one ultraviolet projector.

2. The multifunctional sterilization tool as claimed in claim 1 comprising: a quantity of aerosolizable sterilant; and the quantity of aerosolizable sterilant being retained within the reservoir.

3. The multifunctional sterilization tool as claimed in claim 2, wherein the quantity of aerosolizable sterilant is between 70% by volume (vol. %) and 75 vol. % of isopropyl alcohol in normal temperature and pressure (NTP).

4. The multifunctional sterilization tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one ultraviolet projector emits electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength between 222 nanometers (nm) and 289 nm.

5. The multifunctional sterilization tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the atomizer is an ultrasonic atomizer.

6. The multifunctional sterilization tool as claimed in claim 1 comprising: a propellant mechanism; the propellant mechanism being mounted within the elongated casing; and the atomizer being in fluid communication with the aerosol conduit through the propellant mechanism.

7. The multifunctional sterilization tool as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the elongated casing further comprising at least one transparent section; the at least one transparent section being laterally positioned along the elongated casing; the at least one ultraviolet projector being mounted within the elongated casing, adjacent to the at least one transparent section; and the at least one ultraviolet projector being in optical communication with the at least one transparent section.

8. The multifunctional sterilization tool as claimed in claim 1 comprising: an access port; a sealed cap; the access port being integrated into the rear end; and the sealed cap being releasably engaged to the access port.

9. The multifunctional sterilization tool as claimed in claim 8 comprising: the access port being further integrated into the reservoir.

10. The multifunctional sterilization tool as claimed in claim 8 comprising: the portable power supply being positioned adjacent to the access port.

11. The multifunctional sterilization tool as claimed in claim 1 comprising: a user interface; the user interface being laterally integrated into the elongated casing; the controller being electronically connected to the user interface; and the portable power supply being electrically connected to the user interface.

12. A multifunctional sterilization tool comprising: an elongated casing; at least one ultraviolet projector; a portable power supply; a reservoir; an atomizer; an aerosol conduit; a nozzle assembly; a controller; the elongated casing comprising between a fore end and a rear end; the at least one ultraviolet projector being laterally mounted to the elongated casing; the reservoir and the atomizer being mounted within the elongated casing, adjacent to the rear end; the reservoir being in fluid communication with the atomizer; the nozzle assembly being integrated into the fore end; the atomizer being in fluid communication with the nozzle assembly through the aerosol conduit; the controller and the portable power supply being mounted within the elongated casing; the controller being electronically connected to the atomizer and the at least one ultraviolet projector; the portable power supply being electrically connected to the controller, the atomizer, and the at least one ultraviolet projector; a quantity of aerosolizable sterilant; and the quantity of aerosolizable sterilant being retained within the reservoir.

13. The multifunctional sterilization tool as claimed in claim 12, wherein the quantity of aerosolizable sterilant is between 70% by volume (vol. %) and 75 vol. % of isopropyl alcohol in normal temperature and pressure (NTP).

14. The multifunctional sterilization tool as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one ultraviolet projector emits electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength between 222 nanometers (nm) and 289 nm.

15. The multifunctional sterilization tool as claimed in claim 12, wherein the atomizer is an ultrasonic atomizer.

16. The multifunctional sterilization tool as claimed in claim 12 comprising: a propellant mechanism; the propellant mechanism being mounted within the elongated casing; and the atomizer being in fluid communication with the aerosol conduit through the propellant mechanism.

17. The multifunctional sterilization tool as claimed in claim 12 comprising: the elongated casing further comprising at least one transparent section; the at least one transparent section being laterally positioned along the elongated casing; the at least one ultraviolet projector being mounted within the elongated casing, adjacent to the at least one transparent section; and the at least one ultraviolet projector being in optical communication with the at least one transparent section.

18. The multifunctional sterilization tool as claimed in claim 12 comprising: an access port; a sealed cap; the access port being integrated into the rear end; and the sealed cap being releasably engaged to the access port.

19. The multifunctional sterilization tool as claimed in claim 18 comprising: the access port being further integrated into the reservoir.

20. The multifunctional sterilization tool as claimed in claim 18 comprising: the portable power supply being positioned adjacent to the access port.