WO2022038435A1

WO2022038435A1 - A movable apparatus for decontamination/disinfection of an area or surroundings

Info

Publication number: WO2022038435A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/056686
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manish Unnithan
Original assignee: unnithan, bindu
Priority date: 2020-08-17
Filing date: 2021-07-24
Publication date: 2022-02-24

Abstract

As per the present invention, the entire decontamination system and apparatus (100) primarily comprises of a plurality of spraying devices (104) positioned to cover a target area for disinfection via a movable apparatus. When the target area is required to be decontaminated, based on the inputs from the controller, one of the control switches, present on the control panel (105) actuates a mechanism to spray an amount of hydrogen peroxide over the target area. Simultaneously, another switch activates a U-V light source (103) that provides UV light of not less than 2 milli joules per centimeter square is in such a position that the light reaches and covers all the area where any Hydrogen Peroxide has been sprayed. This UV light source is switched on and off with the help of another automated switch available on the control panel (105). The duration for regular intervals of switching on and off if required, can be done by a micro-controller (106) that is installed on the control panel (105). The apparatus is capable of moving and maneuvering through obstacles in the path while disinfecting.

Description

A MOVABLE APPARATUS FOR DECONTAMINATION / DISINFECTION OF AN AREA OR SURROUNDINGS

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to disinfectant/decontaminating systems, and more particularly to a movable apparatus for decontaminating surfaces/areas by spraying adequate amounts of Hydrogen Peroxide into the surroundings, and exposing it to Ultra Violet C light.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] The air and surfaces around us contain dust particles and air-borne pathogens. These air-borne pathogens can be microbes, bacteria and viruses. There pathogens end up in the air or on surfaces such as table tops, bus seats etc by some activity of an infected person in the vicinity. If an individual who is sick sneezes, these bacteria or viruses are released and stay in the surrounding air in the form of aerosol. Sometimes such contamination of the air is also possible by mere heavy breathing or panting of an infected individual. These air-borne microbes stay in the air as aerosol and are also known as bio-aerosols and could be anything ranging from a virus, bacteria or fungi. Even water that is available from various sources like bore wells, tube wells, freshwater lakes, rivers etc. contains disease causing germs and bacteria that have the potential to cause deadly diseases in humans. These microbes enter the bodies of healthy individuals through contaminated surfaces and have the potential to cause life threatening diseases.

[0004] Various sanitization and decontamination methods are available in the art but their usage is difficult because of their bulky nature and high maintenance requirements. Further, such decontamination methods usually spray disinfectants that are otherwise harmful to humans in large quantities. After the disinfection process is complete, a residue of the disinfectant is left at the disinfection site. Such disinfectants reach the bodies of humans through the food chain gradually over time because of bio magnification. These methods are employed and are also commercially available as products but they are expensive and not affordable to all sections of the society.

[0005] Therefore the present disclosure overcomes the above mentioned problem of disinfectant residue associated with the traditionally available method or system, any of the above mentioned inventions can be used with the presented disclosed technique with or without modification.

[0006] The present invention discloses an air and surface disinfection and decontamination technique that can be carried out at a large scale both at indoor and outdoor locations. The disclosed technique can easily be employed in bus-stands, hotels, houses, schools, colleges, hotels, malls, hospitals, etc.

[0007] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0008] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0009] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a movable apparatus for disinfecting and decontaminating air, surface areas and surroundings. [0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an efficient and affordable air and surroundings decontamination system for large areas.

[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a decontamination technique where no decontaminant residue is left.

SUMMARY

[0013] The present invention pertains to a surface and surroundings decontamination technique based on oxidation of microbial organisms and viruses by exposing them to a Hydroxyl molecule that is stimulated by Ultra-violet C light.

[0014] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the air and surroundings mixed with Hydrogen Peroxide that is exposed to a high output Ultra Violet light. The Hydrogen Peroxide molecule is broken down into hydroxyl molecules when it comes into contact with the Ultra-violet C light. This activated Hydroxyl oxidizes microbes and fungi that may be present in the water while the Ultra Violet light further causes damage to the DNA and RNA of the existing bacteria and viruses.

[0015] UV-C light is also capable of destroying pollutants like pesticides insecticides, pharma cuticles through UV oxidation process. It is very useful in disinfecting vegetables and fruits, this way it helps in reducing cancer epidemic in our society.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a movable apparatus for disinfecting an area is disclosed, wherein the apparatus comprises: a movable platform provided with at least two wheels, wherein the movable platform moves into the area to be disinfected; a plurality of Ultra-Violet C (UVC) tubes connected with the movable platform; and a sprinkler, at the top of the apparatus, to sprinkle hydrogen peroxide in the path of the apparatus or in the air, wherein when the sprinkled hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with UVC lights, emitted through UVC tubes, the hydrogen peroxide decomposes into two hydroxyl molecules, which act as a potent source of oxidation and destroys all organic/inorganic materials present around the path of the apparatus.

[0017] The present invention discloses an apparatus for purifying/decontaminating an area comprising a platform on which is installed a sprinkler that sprinkles Hydrogen Peroxide as a spray into the air or on the surface. The platform also has a one or more UV-C light source to radiate the UV- C light on the air, mixed with Hydrogen Peroxide that is in the form of an aerosol in the surroundings. There is provided a control panel to control the operation of the Hydrogen Peroxide spray mechanism and the control the activation and deactivation of the UV-C light source.

[0018] The control panel comprises a microcontroller, control switch to dispense controlled quantities of Hydrogen Peroxide from the sprinkler based on the microcontroller instruction.The control switch also controls the operation of the UV light source based on the microcontroller instruction and quantity of Hydrogen Peroxide sprinkled. There is a battery that provides the power to drive the apparatus and a communication transceiver to communicate remotely with the user. The microcontroller decides the actuation of Hydrogen Peroxide to be dispensed based on inputs from a proximity sensor that senses presence of any humans in the surroundings. In an embodiment, the microcontroller can be timed to activate the apparatus at regular intervals. For instance, in a restaurant that shuts shop at night, the operation of the UV-C lights and the spray can be timed to activate late at night so that the entire area gets disinfected for operations the next day.

[0019] In an aspect of the current invention, the Ultra-Violet rays cause damage to the DNA and RNA of any bacteria and viruses presented and thereby ensuring that the air is rendered pathogen free.

[0020] In an aspect of the present invention, the movable apparatus for disinfecting an area wherein organic/inorganic materials includes bacteria, virus, fungi, COVID-19 virus, spores and molds. The movable apparatus for disinfecting an area wherein the plurality of Ultra-Violet C (UVC) tubes use quartz technology and emits UVC light of 254 Nano-meter wave-length with intensity of more than two mille joules per cm square.

[0021] In an aspect of the present invention, the movable apparatus for disinfecting an area, wherein the apparatus includes a microcontroller, battery units, and transceiver to communicate with a remote device. In an aspect, the apparatus is programmed to be self- propelled into a predefined area and includes obstacle avoidance system, wherein the apparatus changes its path automatically wherein any obstacle comes.

[0022] In an aspect of the present invention, the movable apparatus for disinfecting an area where in, the UVC tubes use quartz technology to emits UVC Light of 254 Nano-meter wave-length that decomposes and destroys the RNA and DNA structure of micro-organisms including bacteria, virus, spores, molds and COVID -19 to disinfect the specified area. [0023] One should appreciate that although the present disclosure has been explained with respect to a defined set of functional modules, any other module or set of modules can be added/deleted/modified/combined and any such changes in architecture/construction of the proposed system are completely within the scope of the present disclosure. Each module can also be fragmented into one or more functional sub-modules, all of which also completely within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for decontaminating/sanitizing an area comprising of overhead spray and UV-C tubes mounted on a platform in a preferred embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2, in an embodiment of the present invention, is an exemplary illustration of the control panel mounted inside the movable platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a surface disinfecting/ air purifying system that makes of Ultra Violet C rays to cause decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide mixed with the water to release a hydroxyl molecule, thereby eliminating all microorganisms.

[0029] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. [0030] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0031] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).

[0032] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the purifying/decontaminating apparatus 100. As illustrated in figure 1, the entire decontamination apparatus (100) primarily comprises of a sprinkler (104) positioned at the top of a platform (101) and there being UV-C tubes (103) also installed on the platform (101). The target area for disinfecting is covered when the apparatus moves through the area autonomously. When the target area is required to be decontaminated, based on the inputs from the micro-controller (106), control switch present on the control panel (105) actuates a mechanism to spray/sprinkle an amount of hydrogen peroxide over the target area/surrounding. Simultaneously, the switch also activates a U-V light source that provides UV light of not less than 2 milli joules per centimeter squarein such a manner that the light reaches and covers all the area where any Hydrogen Peroxide has been sprayed. The duration for regular intervals of switching on and off if required, can be done by a micro -controller (106) that is installed on the control panel (105). The microcontroller is calibrated based on the timings when disinfection is required that can be a pre-calibrated information depending on the nature of the disinfection area. For instance, the system will be calibrated to activate and disinfect differently for a bus station and differently for a restaurant and a factory warehouse. The micro-controller (106) directs the control switch to spray Hydrogen Peroxide as an aerosol. Said Hydrogen Peroxide may be sprayed from the top, and is stored in the Hydrogen Peroxide storage box that is installed in the platform. Any other undesirable dust particles present when exposed to the UV light will also break down as UV light causes the bonds between molecules to break by virtue of the high energy thereby breaking the molecules down into smaller particles that will be harmless.

[0033] Figure 2 is an illustration of the control panel (105) that contains the batteries (107), the microcontroller (106) and a transceiver unit (108) to communicate with a remote device. The microcontroller (106) controls the movement of the device and also the activation of the sprinkling and switching on and off of the lights.

[0034] Hydrogen Peroxide is a chemical compound from the family of Peroxides. It has the chemical formula H₂O₂. Hydrogen Peroxide has the property of decomposing when exposed to UV-C waves at a wavelength of 254 Nanometers, i.e., Ultra-violet rays.

2H2O2 — >2 molecules of Hydroxyl

The above equation shows the decomposition of aHydrogen Peroxide molecule into 2 molecules of Hydroxyl.

[0035] The current disclosure proposes to use this property of Hydrogen Peroxide to make available Hydroxyl molecules to the viruses, bacteria and fungi that may be present in the surroundings/surfaces. Hydrogen Peroxide is added to the surroundings through sprays and while it is present in the air in aerosol form, it is then exposed to UV light of intensity not less than 2 milli joules per centimeter square. On exposure to the UV light, the Hydrogen peroxide molecule decomposes into a water molecule and an activated Oxygen atom. This activated Hydroxyl molecule oxidizes any existing micro-organisms, bacteria or fungi.

[0036] The quantity and duration of Hydrogen Peroxide to be sprayed is determined based on the inputs from the controller. The inputs can be based on inputs from a camera or a proximity sensor, to start the disinfection process. The process can be automated with the help of fixated timings for spraying/sprinkling and switching on and off of the lights at the required areas. The quantity of Hydrogen Peroxide to be added is pre-determined. The required amount of Hydrogen Peroxide is sprayed/sprinkled into the surrounding and then the UV-C lights are switched on.

[0037] Ultra violet light is in the spectrum of electromagnetic waves that contain high energy. The high energy of these UVC rays causes permanent damage to DNA and RNA of microbes. When the DNA and RNA of micro-organisms are exposed to UV light, the damage caused to their DNA & RNA renders them harmless to humans. In addition, any dust particles or extraneous particles present in the air in the surroundings or on the surface to be disinfected, when exposed to the UV-C light, disintegrate because of breaking of their bonds causing them to be dissoluted/disintegrated. The surroundings/surface are then rendered free from microbes, viruses and any other undesirable agents.

[0038] The system presented in the current invention is aimed at using these two above discussed techniques to obtain decontaminated ambience.

[0039] The present invention discloses an apparatus for purifying/decontaminating the environment comprisinga platform on which are mounted one or more spraying mechanisms(104) installed at a platform (101) to spray a required amount of Hydrogen Peroxide into the ambience. One or more UVC light sources (103) are mounted on the movable platform (101) to radiate the UVC light on the air mixed with the Hydrogen Peroxide aerosol, and a control panel (105) to control the operation of the spray/sprinklerand the UV-C light source.

[0040] The control panel (105) comprises a microcontroller (106), control switch to dispense controlled quantities of Hydrogen Peroxide from the spray/sprinkler based on the microcontroller instruction, and control switch also controls the operation of the UV-C light source based on the microcontroller instruction. A transceiver (108)is also integrated with the control panel (105) to receive and send signals remotely. In an embodiment, the microcontroller (106) decides the quantity and duration of Hydrogen Peroxide to be sprayed/sprinkled based on inputs from a proximity sensor or a manual switch on a remote hand held that is switched on when required and the apparatus is activated.

[0041] In an aspect of the present invention, the movable apparatus for disinfecting an area wherein organic/inorganic materials includes bacteria, virus, fungi, COVID-19 virus, spores and molds. The movable apparatus for disinfecting an area wherein the plurality of Ultra-Violet C (UVC) tubes use quartz technology and emits UVC light of 254 Nano-meter wave-length with intensity of more than two milli joules per cm square.

[0042] In an aspect of the present invention, the movable apparatus for disinfecting an area, wherein the apparatus includes a microcontroller, battery units, and transceiver to communicate with a remote device. In an aspect, the apparatus is programmed to be self- propelled into a predefined area and includes obstacle avoidance system, wherein the apparatus changes its path automatically wherein any obstacle comes.

[0043] In an aspect of the present invention, the movable apparatus for disinfecting an area where in, the UVC tubes use quartz technology to emits UVC Light of 254 Nano-meter wave-length that decomposes and destroys the RNA and DNA structure of microorganisms including bacteria, virus, spores, molds and COVID -19 to disinfect the specified area.

[0044] The duration for which the UV light is switched on depends on the amount of Hydrogen Peroxide sprayed and the disinfection requirement. The UV light is switched oncontinuouslyat repeated intervals with the help of the control switch depending on the inputs from a micro-controller. In an embodiment, a timer that automatically switches off the UV light after the required duration may be used.

[0045] In another aspect of the present invention, The movable apparatus (100) for disinfecting an area, wherein the apparatus is programmed to be self-propelled into a predefined area, wherein the apparatus includes obstacle avoidance system, wherein the apparatus changes its path automatically wherein any obstacle comes.

[0046] In another aspect, the said system is applied to subways, waiting areas, restaurant entrances where after every entry or exit, Hydrogen Peroxide is sprayed and is exposed to UV light to ensure localized disinfection. The movable apparatus (100) for disinfecting an area, wherein the UVC tubes (103) use quartz technology to emits UVC Light of 254 Nano-meter wave-length that decomposes and destroys the RNA and DNA structure of micro-organisms including bacteria, virus, spores, moulds and COVID -19 to disinfect the specified area.

[0047] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[0048] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. [0049] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing. [0050] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A movable apparatus (100) for disinfecting an area, wherein the apparatus comprises: a movable platform (101) provided with at least two wheels (102), wherein the movable platform moves into the area to be disinfected; a plurality of Ultra-Violet C (UVC) tubes (103) connected with the movable platform (101); and a spraying mechanism (104), at the top of the apparatus, to spray hydrogen peroxide in the path of the apparatus, wherein when the spayed hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with UVC lights, emitted through UVC tubes (103), the hydrogen peroxide decomposes into two hydroxyl molecules, which act as a potent source of oxidation and destroys all organic/inorganic materials present around the path of the apparatus.

2. The movable apparatus (100) for disinfecting an area as claimed in claim 1, wherein the organic/inorganic materials includes bacteria, virus, fungi, COVID-19 virus, spores and moulds.

3. The movable apparatus (100) for disinfecting an area as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of Ultra-Violet C (UVC) tubes (103) use quartz technology and emits UVC light of 254 nano-meter wavelength with intensity of more than two millijoules per cm square.

4. The movable apparatus (100) for disinfecting an area as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes control panel (105) comprising a micro -controller (106), battery units(107), and transceiver (108) to communicate with a remote device.

5. The movable apparatus (100) for disinfecting an area as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is programmed to self-propelled into a pre-defined area.

6. The movable apparatus (100) for disinfecting an area as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes obstacle avoidance system, wherein the apparatus changes its path automatically wherein any obstacle comes.

7. The movable apparatus (100) for disinfecting an area as claimed in claim 1, wherein the UVC tubes (103) use quartz technology to emits UVC Light of 254 nano-meter wave-length that decomposes and destroys the RNA and DNA structure of micro- organisms including bacteria, virus, spores, moulds and COVID -19 to disinfect the specified area. The movable apparatus (100) for disinfecting an area as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a storage box to store hydrogen peroxide.