Portable UV devices, systems and methods of use and manufacturing

• US 10,046,073 B2
• Filed: 07/29/2015
• Issued: 08/14/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bluemorph LLC
• Original Assignee: Bluemorph LLC
• Inventors: Farren, Alexander, Bareket, Noah, Beard, Thomas Edgar
• Primary Examiner(s): Joyner, Kevin
• Application Number:
  US14/813,057
• Publication Number:
  US 20150359915A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,112 Days
• Field of Search: 422 24
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 3/28 with ultraviolet light
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/00 Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor for contact lenses A61L12/00; atomisers for disinfecting agents A61M; sterilisation of packages or package contents in association with packaging B65B55/00; treatment of water, waste water, sewage or sludge C02F; disinfecting paper D21H21/36; disinfecting devices for water closets E03D; articles having provision for disinfection, see the relevant subclasses for these articles, e.g. H04R1/12
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/10 Ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/24 Apparatus using programmed or automatic operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/11 Apparatus for generating biocidal substances, e.g. vaporisers, UV lamps
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/14 Means for controlling sterilisation processes, data processing, presentation and storage means, e.g. sensors, controllers, programs
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/16 Mobile applications, e.g. portable devices, trailers, devices mounted on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/23 Containers, e.g. vials, bottles, syringes, mail
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/25 Rooms in buildings, passenger compartments
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2209/212 Use of ozone, e.g. generated by UV radiation or electrical discharge
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/00 Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air body deodorants A61Q15/00; purifying air by respirators A62B, A62D9/00; separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours B01D45/00 - B01D51/00, B03C3/00; chemical or biological purification of waste gases B01D53/34; production of ozone C01B13/10; air-conditioning systems incorporating sterilisation F24F3/16, F24F8/20
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/20 Ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: H01J 2237/0245 Moving whole optical system relatively to object
• CPC Class Codes: H01J 2237/22 Treatment of data
• CPC Class Codes: H01J 37/244 Detectors; Associated components or circuits therefor
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 90/10 Information and communication technologies [ICT] supporting adaptation to climate change, e.g. for weather forecasting or climate simulation

Abstract

Provided herein are portable ultraviolet (UV) devices, systems, and methods of use and manufacturing same. Methods of use include methods for UV disinfection and sterilization, more specifically, methods for UV disinfection and sterilization of a container, a room, a space or a defined environment. The portable UV devices, systems and methods are particularly useful for the UV disinfection and sterilization of a container, a room, a space or defined environment used in the food, beverage and dairy industry and in the process of fermentation for an alcoholic beverage. Provided are also portable UV devices, systems, and methods for inhibiting the growth of one or more species of microorganisms present in a container, a room, a space or a defined environment, preferably for inhibiting the growth of one or more species of microorganisms present on an interior surface of a container, a room, a space or a defined environment.

Claims

1. A portable ultraviolet (UV) device comprising:

(i) a lower frame comprising a first lower frame end and a second lower frame end;

(ii) an upper frame comprising a first upper frame end and a second upper frame end;

(iii) a first hinge movably connecting the lower frame to the upper frame and adapted to move the upper frame into an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame;

(iv) at least one first germicidal UV light source comprising a first lamp and connected to the lower frame;

(v) at least one second germicidal UV light source comprising a second lamp and connected to the upper frame; and

(vi) a means for controlling or facilitating movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame;

wherein (vi) comprises a rope or cable, wherein the rope or cable is connected to a first rope or cable anchoring point at the upper frame and fastened to a second rope or cable anchoring point located on either the lower frame or located on a mounting bracket movably attached to the lower frame and wherein, upon release of the rope or cable from the second rope or cable anchoring point, the upper frame moves from a horizontal position to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame, and

wherein, when not in use, the upper frame is positioned on top of the lower frame.

2. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first germicidal UV light source resides in a first housing.

3. The portable UV device according to claim 2, wherein the first housing permits UV light to pass through.

4. The portable UV device according to claim 3, wherein the housing is made of UV fused silica, CaF₂, MgF₂, BaF₂, quartz, sapphire, teflon, polydimethylsiloxane, TPX®

or polymethylpentene (PMP).

5. The portable UV device according to claim 1, further comprising:

(vii) a means for attaching the portable UV device to an opening of a container, to a fixture in a room, or to a fixture in or at a space or defined environment.

6. The portable UV device according to claim 5, wherein (vii) is a mounting bracket.

7. The portable UV device according to claim 5, further comprising:

(viii) a second hinge movably connecting the lower frame to the means for attaching the portable UV device to the opening of the container, to the fixture in the room or to the fixture in or at the space or defined environment.

8. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one germicidal UV light source or the at least one second germicidal UV light source is a pulsed germicidal UV light source.

9. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein (vi) permits the at least one second germicidal UV light source be positioned at an angle ranging from about 0 to about 90 degrees with respect to the position of the at least first germicidal UV light source.

10. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein (vi) further comprises a pneumatic cylinder.

11. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second germicidal UV light source resides in a second housing.

12. The portable UV device according to claim 11, wherein the first housing and the second housing are selected from selected from the group consisting of a housing comprising a protective sleeve, a housing comprising a fan cooling system, a housing comprising a reflector, a housing attached to a bracket, a housing attached to a central sleeve, a removable housing, a mesh cage housing, a cylindrical housing, a housing made of a polymer, a housing made of a metal, a housing made of plastic, a housing which may fold open, a housing, which does not allow UV light to pass through and from which the at least first germicidal UV light source or the at least second germicidal UV light source can be released,

and wherein the first housing and the second housing may be the same or different.

13. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein the second rope or cable anchoring point is a first rope post or a second rope post attached to the mounting bracket.

14. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein (vi) further comprises an upper frame fixture clip, wherein the upper frame clip is adapted to restrict movement of the upper frame, and wherein, upon release from the upper frame fixture clip, the upper frame moves from a horizontal position to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame.

15. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein (vi) further comprises an extension spring comprising a first hook attached to a first anchoring post and a second hook attached to a second anchoring post.

16. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein (vi) further comprises a motor.

17. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein (vi) further comprises a winch.

18. The portable UV device according to claim 1, further comprising:

(vii) a carrying handle.

19. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein the first upper frame end and the second upper frame end each comprise at least one opening adapted to attach at least one UV lamp socket and wherein the at least one second germicidal UV light source is attached to the at least one UV lamp socket.

20. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein the first lower frame end and the second lower frame end each comprise at least one opening adapted to attach at least one UV lamp socket and wherein the at least one first germicidal UV light source is attached to the at least one UV lamp socket.

21. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein the first upper frame end and the second upper frame end are connected by a plurality of rods.

22. The portable UV device according to claim 21, wherein the upper frame further comprises at least one cross connector and wherein the plurality of rods penetrates the at least one cross connector.

23. The portable UV device according to claim 1, further comprising:

(vii) a UV sensor attached to either the lower frame or the upper frame.

24. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first germicidal UV light source is a member of a plurality of first germicidal UV light sources, selected from the group consisting of two first germicidal UV light sources, three first germicidal UV light sources, four first germicidal UV light sources, five first germicidal UV light sources, six first germicidal UV light sources, seven first germicidal UV light sources, eight first germicidal UV light sources, nine first germicidal UV light sources, and ten first germicidal UV light sources, and wherein members of the plurality of the first germicidal UV light sources are the same or different germicidal UV light sources.

25. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second germicidal UV light source is a member of a plurality of second germicidal UV light sources, selected from the group consisting of two second germicidal UV light sources, three second germicidal UV light sources, four second germicidal UV light sources, five second germicidal UV light sources, six second germicidal UV light sources, seven second germicidal UV light sources, eight second germicidal UV light sources, nine second germicidal UV light sources, and ten second germicidal UV light sources, and wherein members of the plurality of the second germicidal UV light sources can be the same or different germicidal UV light sources.

26. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein the portable UV device comprises two first germicidal UV light sources connected to the lower frame and two second germicidal UV light sources connected to the upper frame and wherein the two first germicidal UV light sources and the two second germicidal UV light sources are the same or different germicidal UV light sources.

27. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein the first lamp and the second lamp are independently selected from the group consisting of a low pressure mercury lamp, a medium pressure mercury lamp, a high pressure mercury lamp, an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, a low pressure short arc xenon lamp, a medium pressure short arc xenon lamp, a high pressure short arc xenon lamp, an ultra-high pressure short arc xenon lamp, a low pressure long arc xenon lamp, a medium pressure long arc xenon lamp, a high pressure long arc xenon lamp, an ultra-high pressure long arc xenon lamp, a low pressure metal halide lamp, a medium pressure metal halide lamp, a high pressure metal halide lamp, an ultra-high pressure metal halide lamp, a tungsten halogen lamp, a quartz halogen lamp, a quartz iodine lamp, a sodium lamp, and an incandescent lamp.

28. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first germicidal UV light source or the at least one second germicidal UV light source is a UV-C light source.

29. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein the portable UV device is connected to a control box.

30. The portable UV device according to claim 29, wherein the control box comprises a circuit board controlling one or more functionalities of the portable UV device or relaying a response from the portable UV device.

31. The portable UV device according to claim 30, wherein the one or more functionalities of the portable UV device controlled by or relayed by the circuit board is selected from the group consisting of:

(A) communicating with a radiofrequency identifier;

(B) controlling a movement of the at least one first germicidal UV light source or the at least one second germicidal UV light source within a container, a room, a space or a defined environment;

(C) controlling a positioning of the at least one first germicidal UV light source or of the at least one second germicidal UV light source within the container, the room, the space or the defined environment;

(D) controlling activation and deactivation of the at least one first germicidal UV light source or of the at least one second germicidal UV light source;

(E) controlling an on/off status of the at least one first germicidal UV light source or of the at least one second germicidal UV light source based on whether a pre-determined UV intensity has been attained;

(F) controlling extension of the at least one first germicidal UV light source or of the at least one second germicidal UV light source from a housing;

(G) controlling retraction of the at least one first germicidal UV light source or of the at least one second germicidal UV light source into the housing;

(H) responding to a jammed position status of the at least one first germicidal UV light source or of the at least one second germicidal UV light source;

(I) controlling an optical sensor which initiates a timer upon inserting the at least one first germicidal UV light source or the at least one second germicidal UV light source into the container, the room, the space or the defined environment;

(J) controlling a speaker emitting an audible signal at the beginning or completion of a sterilization cycle;

(K) controlling a plurality of LED lights indicting a status of a sterilization cycle;

(L) relaying UV light intensity via a UV sensor to the container, the room, the space or the defined environment;

(M) uploading and relaying information from the radiofrequency identifier;

(N) generating a report on time of a sanitization cycle;

(O) generating a report on duration of a sanitization cycle;

(P) generating a report on UV light intensity attained during a sanitization cycle;

(Q) emailing, phoning or texting the report on time of a sanitization cycle;

(R) emailing, phoning or texting the report on duration of a sanitization cycle;

(S) mailing, phoning or texting the report on UV light intensity attained during a sanitization cycle;

(T) emailing, phoning or texting an alert that a sanitization cycle is in progress, interrupted or complete;

(U) emailing, phoning or texting an alert that the at least one first UV light source or the at least one second germicidal UV light source requires replacement;

(V) logging date, time and individual who used the portable UV device; and

(W) logging information of the container, the room, the space, or the defined environment in which the portable UV device will be and/or has been used.

32. The portable UV device according to claim 29, wherein the control box comprises a touchscreen interface adapted to provide an input for a functionality selected from the group consisting of:

(A) activating the portable UV device;

(B) deactivating the portable UV device;

(C) providing time input for completing a UV sterilization of a container, a room, or a defined environment;

(D) providing time elapsed for UV sterilization of the container, the room, or the defined environment;

(E) setting a desired UV intensity level;

(F) adjusting a UV intensity level; and

(G) logging in a code for a user.

33. The portable UV device according to claim 29, wherein the control box comprises an emergency shutdown button, an on/off switch, a status indicator light or an alarm light.

34. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one germicidal UV light source or the at least one second germicidal UV light source is connected to a detector.

35. The portable UV device according to claim 34, wherein the detector measures a UV intensity level.

36. The portable UV device according to claim 34, wherein the detector shuts off the at least one germicidal UV light source or the at least one second germicidal UV light source when a specified UV intensity level is attained.

37. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein the first lamp or the second lamp is selected from the group consisting of a hot cathode lamp, a slimline lamp, a high output lamp, a cold cathode lamp, a spectral calibration lamp, and an electrodeless lamp.

38. The portable UV device according to claim 1, wherein the first lamp or the second lamp is selected from the group consisting of low pressure UV lamp, a medium pressure UV lamp, a high pressure UV lamp, and an ultra high-pressure lamp.

39. The portable UV device according to claim 1, further comprising:

(vii) an optical component selected from the group consisting of a reflector, a shutter, a lens, a splitter, and a mirror.

40. The portable UV device according to claim 39, wherein the optical component is a reflector and wherein the reflector partially surrounds the at least one first germicidal UV light source or the at least one second germicidal UV light source.

41. The portable UV device according to claim 1, further comprising:

(vii) a plurality of wheels attached to the lower frame.

84. A system comprising:

(i) the portable UV device according to claim 1; and

(ii) a container, a room, a space or a defined environment.

85. The system according to claim 84, wherein the container is selected from the group consisting of:

(A) a container for fermenting an alcoholic beverage;

(B) a container for storing or transporting a dairy product, a liquid dairy, a liquid dairy composition or a dry dairy composition;

(C) a container for water, milk, coffee, tea, juice, or a carbonated beverage; and

(D) a container for a biological fluid.

86. The system according to claim 85, wherein the container for the biological fluid is selected from the group consisting of a container for blood, a container for a blood product, a container for a fermentation product, a container for a cell culture product, and a container for a biotechnology product.

87. The system according to claim 84, wherein the container, room, space or defined environment comprises an interior surface comprising wood, plastic, concrete, a polymer, etched aluminum, foil aluminum, polished aluminum, chromium, glass, nickel, silver, stainless steel, tri-plated steel, water paint, white cotton, white oil paint, white paper, white porcelain, white wall plaster or a fabric.

88. The system according to claim 84, wherein the container is selected from the group consisting of a vat, a silo, a tub, a basket, a case, a box, a barrel, a storage bin, a beverage container, and an aquarium.

89. The system according to claim 84, wherein the container is made of stainless steel, wood, plastic, concrete, a polymer, or glass.

90. The system according to claim 84, wherein the container is selected from the group consisting of a container comprising an interior surface on which a microorganism is present, a container comprising an opening at the top of the container, a container comprising an opening at the bottom of the container, a container comprising an opening at the side of the container, and a container comprising a material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic, concrete, polymer, etched aluminum, foil aluminum, polished aluminum, chromium, glass, nickel, silver, stainless steel, tri-plated steel, water paint, white cotton, white oil paint, white paper, white porcelain, white wall plaster, and a fabric.

91. The system according to claim 84, wherein the container, room, space or defined environment comprises an interior surface comprising a liquid layer.

92. The system according to claim 91, wherein the liquid layer comprises a liquid selected from the group consisting of apple juice, beer, liquid sugar, milk, vinegar, water, and wine.

93. The system according to claim 84, wherein the room, space or defined environment is selected from the group consisting of a commercial kitchen, a medical facility, an acute care area, an operating room, a medical equipment storage cabinet, a clean room, a bathroom, a waiting room, a food production area, a food processing area, a nursery home, a trailer, a rail car, a grocery store display case, a deli counter, a fish display case, a poultry display case, a floral display case, a refrigerated display case, a non-refrigerated display case, and a conveyor belt.

94. A system comprising:

(i) the portable UV device according to claim 1; and

(ii) a control box, wherein the control box comprises a circuit board controlling one or more functionalities of the portable UV device.

95. The system according to claim 94, further comprising:

(iii) a case, wherein, the portable UV device, when not in use, resides within the case.

96. The system according to claim 95, wherein the case is attached to the control box.

97. The system according to claim 95, further comprising:

(iv) a transportation rack adapted to accommodate the control box and case for transportation.

98. A method for UV sterilization of an interior surface of or in a container, an interior surface of or in a room, an interior surface of or in a space or an interior surface of or in a defined environment, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) movably and inwardly inserting through an opening of a container, through an opening of a room, through an opening of a space or through an opening of a defined environment the at least one first germicidal UV light source and the at least one second germicidal UV light source of the portable UV device of claim 1; and

(b) activating the at least one first germicidal UV light source and the at least one second germicidal UV light source;

whereby the interior surface of or in the container, the interior surface of or in the room, the interior surface of or in the space or the interior surface of or in the defined environment is sterilized.

99. The method according to claim 98, wherein the container is selected from the group consisting of:

(A) a container for fermenting an alcoholic beverage;

(B) a container for storing or transporting a dairy product, a liquid dairy, a liquid dairy composition or a dry dairy composition;

(C) a container for water, milk, coffee, tea, juice, or a carbonated beverage; and

(D) a container for a biological fluid.

100. The method according to claim 98, wherein the container for the biological fluid is selected from the group consisting of a container for blood, a container for a blood product, a container for a fermentation product, a container for a cell culture product, and a container for a biotechnology product.

101. The method according to claim 98, wherein the container is selected from the group consisting of a vat, a silo, a tub, a basket, a case, a box, a barrel, a storage bin, a beverage container, and an aquarium.

102. The method according to claim 98, wherein the container is made of stainless steel, wood, plastic, concrete, a polymer, or glass.

103. The method according to claim 98, wherein the container is selected from the group consisting of a container comprising an interior surface on which a microorganism is present, a container comprising an opening at the top of the container, a container comprising an opening at the bottom of the container, a container comprising an opening at the side of the container, and a container comprising a material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic, concrete, polymer, etched aluminum, foil aluminum, polished aluminum, chromium, glass, nickel, silver, stainless steel, tri-plated steel, water paint, white cotton, white oil paint, white paper, white porcelain, white wall plaster, and a fabric.

104. The method according to claim 98, wherein the room, space or defined environment is selected from the group consisting of a commercial kitchen, a medical facility, an acute care area, an operating room, a medical equipment storage cabinet, a clean room, a bathroom, a waiting room, a food production area, a food processing area, a nursery home, a trailer, a rail car, a grocery store display case, a deli counter, a fish display case, a poultry display case, a floral display case, a refrigerated display case, a non-refrigerated display case, and a conveyor belt.

105. The method according to claim 98, wherein the container, room, space or defined environment comprises an interior surface comprising wood, plastic, concrete, a polymer, etched aluminum, foil aluminum, polished aluminum, chromium, glass, nickel, silver, stainless steel, tri-plated steel, water paint, white cotton, white oil paint, white paper, white porcelain, white wall plaster or a fabric.

106. The method according to claim 98, wherein the container, room, space or defined environment comprises an interior surface comprising a liquid layer.

107. The method according to claim 106, wherein the liquid layer comprises a liquid selected from the group consisting of apple juice, beer, liquid sugar, milk, vinegar, water, and wine.

108. The method according to claim 98, wherein the method further comprises the step of:

(c) programming the portable UV device to obtain a predetermined UV light intensity.

109. The method according to claim 108, wherein step (c) comprises an algorithm taking into account one or more of a parameter selected from the group consisting of size of the container, the room, the space or the defined environment, shape of the container, the room, the space or the defined environment, intensity of the at least one first germicidal UV light source, intensity of the at least one second germicidal UV light source, distance of the at least one first germicidal UV light source from the surface of the container, the room, the space or the defined environment to be sterilized, and distance of the at least one second germicidal UV light source from the surface of the container, the room, the space or the defined environment to be sterilized.

110. The method according to claim 98, wherein the method further comprises the step of:

(c) moving the at least one first germicidal UV light source and the at least one second germicidal UV light source from a first position within the container, room, space or defined environment to a second position within the container, room, space or defined environment.

111. The method according to claim 98, further comprising the step of:

(c) placing a detector at an interior location within the container, room, space or defined environment, wherein the detector is configured to measure a UV intensity level.

112. The method according to claim 98, wherein one or more species of microorganisms is present on the surface of or in the container, on the surface of or in the room, on the surface of or in the space or on the surface of or in the defined environment and wherein step (b) results in inhibiting the growth of the one or more species of microorganisms.

113. The method according to claim 112, wherein the one or more species of microorganisms is selected from the group consisting of Candida, Kloeckera, Hanseniaspora, Zygosaccharomyces, Schizosaccharomyces, Torulaspora, Brettanomyces, Pichia, Hansenula, Metschnikowia, Debaryomyces, Saccharomycodes, Williopsis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces bayanus, Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium diphtheria, Salmonella paratyphi, Salmonella typhosa, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigellaflexerni, Staphylococcus albus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus hemolyticus, Streptococcus lactis, Streptococcus viridians, Vibrio comma, Brettanomyces (Dekkera), lactic acid bacteria, Pediococcus, Lactobacillus, Oenococcus, Acetobacter, and Leuconostoc.

114. The method according to claim 98, wherein the at least one first germicidal UV light source and the at least one second germicidal UV light source each produce a UV light intensity within a range of between 1,300 μ

Ws/cm² to 440,000 μ

Ws/cm².

115. A method for manufacturing the portable UV device of claim 1, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) attaching at least one first germicidal UV light source to a lower frame;

(b) attaching at least one second germicidal UV light source to an upper frame;

(c) attaching a first hinge to the lower frame and to the upper frame thereby movably connecting the lower frame to the upper frame so that the upper frame can move into an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame; and

(d) attaching a means for controlling or facilitating movement of the upper frame into an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame;

whereby the portable UV device of claim 1 is manufactured.

116. The method according to claim 115, further comprising the step of:

(e) attaching at least one stop post to either the lower frame or upper frame, wherein the at least one stop post is adapted to prevent movement of the at least one second germicidal UV light source beyond an approximately perpendicular position with respect to the position of the at least first germicidal UV light source.

117. The method according to claim 115, further comprising the step of:

(e) attaching a plurality of wheels to the lower frame.

42. A portable ultraviolet (UV) device comprising:

(i) a lower frame comprising a first lower frame end and a second lower frame end;

(ii) an upper frame comprising a first upper frame end and a second upper frame end;

(iii) a first hinge movably connecting the lower frame to the upper frame and adapted to move the upper frame into an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame;

(iv) at least one first germicidal UV light source comprising a first lamp and connected to the lower frame;

(v) at least one second germicidal UV light source comprising a second lamp and connected to the upper frame;

(vi) a means for controlling or facilitating movement of the upper frame to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame; and

(vii) at least one stop post;

wherein the at least one stop post is adapted to prevent movement of the at least one second germicidal UV light source beyond an approximately perpendicular position with respect to the position of the at least first germicidal UV light source; and

wherein, when not in use, the upper frame is positioned on top of the lower frame.

43. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein the at least one first germicidal UV light source resides in a first housing.

44. The portable UV device according to claim 43, wherein the first housing permits UV light to pass through.

45. The portable UV device according to claim 44, wherein the housing is made of UV fused silica, CaF₂, MgF₂, BaF₂, quartz, sapphire, teflon, polydimethylsiloxane, TPX®

or polymethylpentene (PMP).

46. The portable UV device according to claim 43, wherein the at least one second germicidal UV light source resides in a second housing.

47. The portable UV device according to claim 46, wherein the first housing and the second housing are selected from selected from the group consisting of a housing comprising a protective sleeve, a housing comprising a fan cooling system, a housing comprising a reflector, a housing attached to a bracket, a housing attached to a central sleeve, a removable housing, a mesh cage housing, a cylindrical housing, a housing made of a polymer, a housing made of a metal, a housing made of plastic, a housing which may fold open, a housing, which does not allow UV light to pass through and from which the at least first germicidal UV light source or the at least second germicidal UV light source can be released,

and wherein the first housing and second housing may be the same or different.

48. The portable UV device according to claim 43, wherein the optical component is a reflector, and wherein the reflector partially surrounds the at least one first germicidal UV light source or the at least one second germicidal UV light source.

49. The portable UV device according to claim 42, further comprising:

(viii) a means for attaching the portable UV device to an opening of a container, to a fixture in a room, or to a fixture in or at a space or defined environment.

50. The portable UV device according to claim 49, wherein (viii) is a mounting bracket.

51. The portable UV device according to claim 49, further comprising:

(ix) a second hinge movably connecting the lower frame to the means for attaching the portable UV device to the opening of the container, to the fixture in the room or to the fixture in or at the space or defined environment.

52. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein the at least one germicidal UV light source or the at least one second germicidal UV light source is a pulsed germicidal UV light source.

53. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein (vi) permits the at least one second germicidal UV light source be positioned at an angle ranging from about 0 to about 90 degrees with respect to the position of the at least first germicidal UV light source.

54. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein (vi) comprises a pneumatic cylinder.

55. The portable UV device according to claim 54, wherein the second rope or cable anchoring point is a first rope post or a second rope post attached to the mounting bracket.

56. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein (vi) comprises a rope or cable, wherein the rope or cable is connected to a first rope or cable anchoring point at the upper frame and fastened to a second rope or cable anchoring point located on either the lower frame or located on a mounting bracket movably attached to the lower frame and wherein, upon release of the rope or cable from the second rope or cable anchoring point, the upper frame moves from a horizontal position to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame.

57. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein (vi) comprises an upper frame fixture clip, wherein the upper frame clip is adapted to restrict movement of the upper frame, and wherein, upon release from the upper frame fixture clip, the upper frame moves from a horizontal position to an angular position with respect to the position of the lower frame.

58. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein (vi) comprises an extension spring comprising a first hook attached to a first anchoring post and a second hook attached to a second anchoring post.

59. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein (vi) comprises a motor.

60. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein (vi) comprises a winch.

61. The portable UV device according to claim 42, further comprising:

(viii) a carrying handle.

62. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein the first upper frame end and the second upper frame end each comprise at least one opening adapted to attach at least one UV lamp socket and wherein the at least one second germicidal UV light source is attached to the at least one UV lamp socket.

63. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein the first lower frame end and the second lower frame end each comprise at least one opening adapted to attach at least one UV lamp socket and wherein the at least one first germicidal UV light source is attached to the at least one UV lamp socket.

64. The portable UV device according to claim 63, wherein the upper frame further comprises at least one cross connector and wherein the plurality of rods penetrates the at least one cross connector.

65. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein the first upper frame end and the second upper frame end are connected by a plurality of rods.

66. The portable UV device according to claim 42, further comprising:

(viii) a UV sensor attached to either the lower frame or the upper frame.

67. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein the at least one first germicidal UV light source is a member of a plurality of first germicidal UV light sources, selected from the group consisting of two first germicidal UV light sources, three first germicidal UV light sources, four first germicidal UV light sources, five first germicidal UV light sources, six first germicidal UV light sources, seven first germicidal UV light sources, eight first germicidal UV light sources, nine first germicidal UV light sources, and ten first germicidal UV light sources, and wherein members of the plurality of the first germicidal UV light sources are the same or different germicidal UV light sources.

68. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein the at least one second germicidal UV light source is a member of a plurality of second germicidal UV light sources, selected from the group consisting of two second germicidal UV light sources, three second germicidal UV light sources, four second germicidal UV light sources, five second germicidal UV light sources, six second germicidal UV light sources, seven second germicidal UV light sources, eight second germicidal UV light sources, nine second germicidal UV light sources, and ten second germicidal UV light sources, and wherein members of the plurality of the second germicidal UV light sources can be the same or different germicidal UV light sources.

69. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein the portable UV device comprises two first germicidal UV light sources connected to the lower frame and two second germicidal UV light sources connected to the upper frame and wherein the two first germicidal UV light sources and the two second germicidal UV light sources are the same or different germicidal UV light sources.

70. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein the first lamp and the second lamp are independently selected from the group consisting of a low pressure mercury lamp, a medium pressure mercury lamp, a high pressure mercury lamp, an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, a low pressure short arc xenon lamp, a medium pressure short arc xenon lamp, a high pressure short arc xenon lamp, an ultra-high pressure short arc xenon lamp, a low pressure long arc xenon lamp, a medium pressure long arc xenon lamp, a high pressure long arc xenon lamp, an ultra-high pressure long arc xenon lamp, a low pressure metal halide lamp, a medium pressure metal halide lamp, a high pressure metal halide lamp, an ultra-high pressure metal halide lamp, a tungsten halogen lamp, a quartz halogen lamp, a quartz iodine lamp, a sodium lamp, and an incandescent lamp.

71. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein the at least one first germicidal UV light source or the at least one second germicidal UV light source is a UV-C light source.

72. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein the portable UV device is connected to a control box.

73. The portable UV device according to claim 72, wherein the control box comprises a circuit board controlling one or more functionalities of the portable UV device or relaying a response from the portable UV device.

74. The portable UV device according to claim 73, wherein the one or more functionalities of the portable UV device controlled by or relayed by the circuit board is selected from the group consisting of:

(A) communicating with a radiofrequency identifier;

(B) controlling a movement of the at least one first germicidal UV light source or the at least one second germicidal UV light source within a container, a room, a space or a defined environment;

(C) controlling a positioning of the at least one first germicidal UV light source or of the at least one second germicidal UV light source within the container, the room, the space or the defined environment;

(D) controlling activation and deactivation of the at least one first germicidal UV light source or of the at least one second germicidal UV light source;

(E) controlling an on/off status of the at least one first germicidal UV light source or of the at least one second germicidal UV light source based on whether a pre-determined UV intensity has been attained;

(F) controlling extension of the at least one first germicidal UV light source or of the at least one second germicidal UV light source from a housing;

(G) controlling retraction of the at least one first germicidal UV light source or of the at least one second germicidal UV light source into the housing;

(H) responding to a jammed position status of the at least one first germicidal UV light source or of the at least one second germicidal UV light source;

(I) controlling an optical sensor which initiates a timer upon inserting the at least one first germicidal UV light source or the at least one second germicidal UV light source into the container, the room, the space or the defined environment;

(J) controlling a speaker emitting an audible signal at the beginning or completion of a sterilization cycle;

(K) controlling a plurality of LED lights indicting a status of a sterilization cycle;

(L) relaying UV light intensity via a UV sensor to the container, the room, the space or the defined environment;

(M) uploading and relaying information from the radiofrequency identifier;

(N) generating a report on time of a sanitization cycle;

(O) generating a report on duration of a sanitization cycle;

(P) generating a report on UV light intensity attained during a sanitization cycle;

(Q) emailing, phoning or texting the report on time of a sanitization cycle;

(R) emailing, phoning or texting the report on duration of a sanitization cycle;

(S) mailing, phoning or texting the report on UV light intensity attained during a sanitization cycle;

(T) emailing, phoning or texting an alert that a sanitization cycle is in progress, interrupted or complete;

(U) emailing, phoning or texting an alert that the at least one first UV light source or the at least one second germicidal UV light source requires replacement;

(V) logging date, time and individual who used the portable UV device; and

(W) logging information of the container, the room, the space, or the defined environment in which the portable UV device will be and/or has been used.

75. The portable UV device according to claim 72, wherein the control box comprises a touchscreen interface adapted to provide an input for a functionality selected from the group consisting of:

(A) activating the portable UV device;

(B) deactivating the portable UV device;

(C) providing time input for completing a UV sterilization of a container, a room, or a defined environment;

(D) providing time elapsed for UV sterilization of the container, the room, or the defined environment;

(E) setting a desired UV intensity level;

(F) adjusting a UV intensity level; and

(G) logging in a code for a user.

76. The portable UV device according to claim 72, wherein the control box comprises an emergency shutdown button, an on/off switch, a status indicator light or an alarm light.

77. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein the at least one germicidal UV light source or the at least one second germicidal UV light source is connected to a detector.

78. The portable UV device according to claim 77, wherein the detector measures a UV intensity level.

79. The portable UV device according to claim 77, wherein the detector shuts off the at least one germicidal UV light source or the at least one second germicidal UV light source when a specified UV intensity level is attained.

80. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein the first lamp or the second lamp is selected from the group consisting of a hot cathode lamp, a slimline lamp, a high output lamp, a cold cathode lamp, a spectral calibration lamp, and an electrodeless lamp.

81. The portable UV device according to claim 42, wherein the first lamp or the second lamp is selected from the group consisting of low pressure UV lamp, a medium pressure UV lamp, a high pressure UV lamp, and an ultra high-pressure lamp.

82. The portable UV device according to claim 42, further comprising:

(viii) an optical component selected from the group consisting of a reflector, a shutter, a lens, a splitter, and a mirror.

83. The portable UV device according to claim 42, further comprising:

(vii) a plurality of wheels attached to the lower frame.

118. A system comprising:

(i) the portable UV device according to claim 42; and

(ii) a container, a room, a space or a defined environment.

119. The system according to claim 118, wherein the container is selected from the group consisting of:

(A) a container for fermenting an alcoholic beverage;

(B) a container for storing or transporting a dairy product, a liquid dairy, a liquid dairy composition or a dry dairy composition;

(C) a container for water, milk, coffee, tea, juice, or a carbonated beverage; and

(D) a container for a biological fluid.

120. The system according to claim 119, wherein the container for the biological fluid is selected from the group consisting of a container for blood, a container for a blood product, a container for a fermentation product, a container for a cell culture product, and a container for a biotechnology product.

121. The system according to claim 118, wherein the container is selected from the group consisting of a vat, a silo, a tub, a basket, a case, a box, a barrel, a storage bin, a beverage container, and an aquarium.

122. The system according to claim 118, wherein the container is made of stainless steel, wood, plastic, concrete, a polymer, or glass.

123. The system according to claim 118, wherein the container is selected from the group consisting of a container comprising an interior surface on which a microorganism is present, a container comprising an opening at the top of the container, a container comprising an opening at the bottom of the container, a container comprising an opening at the side of the container, and a container comprising a material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic, concrete, polymer, etched aluminum, foil aluminum, polished aluminum, chromium, glass, nickel, silver, stainless steel, tri-plated steel, water paint, white cotton, white oil paint, white paper, white porcelain, white wall plaster, and a fabric.

124. The system according to claim 118, wherein the room, space or defined environment is selected from the group consisting of a commercial kitchen, a medical facility, an acute care area, an operating room, a medical equipment storage cabinet, a clean room, a bathroom, a waiting room, a food production area, a food processing area, a nursery home, a trailer, a rail car, a grocery store display case, a deli counter, a fish display case, a poultry display case, a floral display case, a refrigerated display case, a non-refrigerated display case, and a conveyor belt.

125. The system according to claim 118, wherein the container, room, space or defined environment comprises an interior surface comprising wood, plastic, concrete, a polymer, etched aluminum, foil aluminum, polished aluminum, chromium, glass, nickel, silver, stainless steel, tri-plated steel, water paint, white cotton, white oil paint, white paper, white porcelain, white wall plaster or a fabric.

126. The system according to claim 118, wherein the container, room, space or defined environment comprises an interior surface comprising a liquid layer.

127. The system according to claim 126, wherein the liquid layer comprises a liquid selected from the group consisting of apple juice, beer, liquid sugar, milk, vinegar, water, and wine.

128. A system comprising:

(i) the portable UV device according to claim 42; and

(ii) a control box, wherein the control box comprises a circuit board controlling one or more functionalities of the portable UV device.

129. The system according to claim 128, further comprising:

(iii) a case, wherein, the portable UV device, when not in use, resides within the case.

130. The system according to claim 129, wherein the case is attached to the control box.

131. The system according to claim 129, further comprising:

(iv) a transportation rack adapted to accommodate the control box and case for transportation.

132. A method for UV sterilization of an interior surface of or in a container, an interior surface of or in a room, an interior surface of or in a space or an interior surface of or in a defined environment, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) movably and inwardly inserting through an opening of a container, through an opening of a room, through an opening of a space or through an opening of a defined environment the at least one first germicidal UV light source and the at least one second germicidal UV light source of the portable UV device of claim 42; and

(b) activating the at least one first germicidal UV light source and the at least one second germicidal UV light source;

whereby the interior surface of or in the container, the interior surface of or in the room, the interior surface of or in the space or the interior surface of or in the defined environment is sterilized.

133. The method according to claim 132, wherein the container is selected from the group consisting of:

(A) a container for fermenting an alcoholic beverage;

(B) a container for storing or transporting a dairy product, a liquid dairy, a liquid dairy composition or a dry dairy composition;

(C) a container for water, milk, coffee, tea, juice, or a carbonated beverage; and

(D) a container for a biological fluid.

134. The method according to claim 132, wherein the container for the biological fluid is selected from the group consisting of a container for blood, a container for a blood product, a container for a fermentation product, a container for a cell culture product, and a container for a biotechnology product.

135. The method according to claim 132, wherein the container is selected from the group consisting of a vat, a silo, a tub, a basket, a case, a box, a barrel, a storage bin, a beverage container, and an aquarium.

136. The method according to claim 132, wherein the container is made of stainless steel, wood, plastic, concrete, a polymer, or glass.

137. The method according to claim 132, wherein the container is selected from the group consisting of a container comprising an interior surface on which a microorganism is present, a container comprising an opening at the top of the container, a container comprising an opening at the bottom of the container, a container comprising an opening at the side of the container, and a container comprising a material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic, concrete, polymer, etched aluminum, foil aluminum, polished aluminum, chromium, glass, nickel, silver, stainless steel, tri-plated steel, water paint, white cotton, white oil paint, white paper, white porcelain, white wall plaster, and a fabric.

138. The method according to claim 132, wherein the room, space or defined environment is selected from the group consisting of a commercial kitchen, a medical facility, an acute care area, an operating room, a medical equipment storage cabinet, a clean room, a bathroom, a waiting room, a food production area, a food processing area, a nursery home, a trailer, a rail car, a grocery store display case, a deli counter, a fish display case, a poultry display case, a floral display case, a refrigerated display case, a non-refrigerated display case, and a conveyor belt.

139. The method according to claim 132, wherein the container, room, space or defined environment comprises an interior surface comprising wood, plastic, concrete, a polymer, etched aluminum, foil aluminum, polished aluminum, chromium, glass, nickel, silver, stainless steel, tri-plated steel, water paint, white cotton, white oil paint, white paper, white porcelain, white wall plaster or a fabric.

140. The method according to claim 132, wherein the container, room, space or defined environment comprises an interior surface comprising a liquid layer.

141. The method according to claim 140, wherein the liquid layer comprises a liquid selected from the group consisting of apple juice, beer, liquid sugar, milk, vinegar, water, and wine.

142. The method according to claim 132, wherein the method further comprises the step of:

(c) programming the portable UV device to obtain a predetermined UV light intensity.

143. The method according to claim 142, wherein step (c) comprises an algorithm taking into account one or more of a parameter selected from the group consisting of size of the container, the room, the space or the defined environment, shape of the container, the room, the space or the defined environment, intensity of the at least one first germicidal UV light source, intensity of the at least one second germicidal UV light source, distance of the at least one first germicidal UV light source from the surface of the container, the room, the space or the defined environment to be sterilized, and distance of the at least one second germicidal UV light source from the surface of the container, the room, the space or the defined environment to be sterilized.

144. The method according to claim 132, wherein the method further comprises the step of:

(c) moving the at least one first germicidal UV light source and the at least one second germicidal UV light source from a first position within the container, room, space or defined environment to a second position within the container, room, space or defined environment.

145. The method according to claim 132, further comprising the step of:

(c) placing a detector at an interior location within the container, room, space or defined environment, wherein the detector is configured to measure a UV intensity level.

146. The method according to claim 132, wherein one or more species of microorganisms is present on the surface of or in the container, on the surface of or in the room, on the surface of or in the space or on the surface of or in the defined environment and wherein step (b) results in inhibiting the growth of the one or more species of microorganisms.

147. The method according to claim 146, wherein the one or more species of microorganisms is selected from the group consisting of Candida, Kloeckera, Hanseniaspora, Zygosaccharomyces, Schizosaccharomyces, Torulaspora, Brettanomyces, Pichia, Hansenula, Metschnikowia, Debaryomyces, Saccharomycodes, Williopsis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces bayanus, Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium diphtheria, Salmonella paratyphi, Salmonella typhosa, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella flexerni, Staphylococcus albus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus hemolyticus, Streptococcus lactis, Streptococcus viridians, Vibrio comma, Brettanomyces (Dekkera), lactic acid bacteria, Pediococcus, Lactobacillus, Oenococcus, Acetobacter, and Leuconostoc.

148. The method according to claim 132, wherein the at least one first germicidal UV light source and the at least one second germicidal UV light source each produce a UV light intensity within a range of between 1,300 μ

Ws/cm² to 440,000 μ

Ws/cm².