Disinfecting device utilizing ultraviolet radiation

• US 20070192987A1
• Filed: 02/22/2006
• Published: 08/23/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Original Assignee: Oreck Holdings LLC (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Inventors: Garcia, Carrie, Garcia, Ken
• Granted Patent: US 8,186,004 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 15/339
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 13/10 Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/00 Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/02 Nozzles suction nozzles for fluid transport B65G51/00
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/04 with driven brushes or agitators
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2805 Parameters or conditions being sensed
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2836 characterised by the parts which are controlled
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2857 User input or output elements for control, e.g. buttons, switches or displays
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2889 Safety or protection devices or systems, e.g. for prevention of motor over-heating or for protection of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/30 Arrangement of illuminating devices

Abstract

A disinfecting device is presented having a UV light source for radiation of a cleaning medium to eradicate the medium of infestation agents such as molds, viruses, bacteria and dust mites. The device enhances the disinfection of the medium by providing mechanisms for enhanced penetration of the UV light into the cleaning medium. The device also offers enhanced heat dissipation to promote effective use of the device. Also provided are safety mechanisms to promote the safe and advantageous use of the UV device.

Claims

1. A disinfecting device for use in disinfecting a cleaning medium of infestation agents, the device comprising:

a housing;

a bulb assembly disposed within the housing, the bulb assembly defining a bulb chamber, the bulb chamber substantially dust-tight, the bulb assembly having a UV bulb positioned in the chamber and operable to radiate UV light onto the cleaning medium.

2. A device as in claim 1 wherein the dust-tight chamber is substantially airtight.

3. A device as in claim 1 wherein the bulb chamber is partially defined by a lens disposed between the UV bulb and the cleaning medium.

4. A device as in claim 2 wherein the lens is operable to transmit at least 80 percent of the UV light radiated from the UV bulb.

5. A device as in claim 3 wherein the lens is of silica or quartz.

6. A device as in claim 1, the bulb assembly further comprising a mechanism for dampening vibration on the UV bulb.

7. A device as in claim 6 wherein the mechanism comprises suspension supports.

8. A device as in claim 1 wherein the bulb assembly further comprises a reflector operable to reflect UV light radiated from the UV bulb onto the cleaning medium.

9. A device as in claim 1 further comprising a vacuum assembly for vacuuming the cleaning medium.

10. A device as in claim 9 wherein the vacuum assembly further comprises a beater bar.

11. A device as in claim 9 wherein the vacuum assembly is operable to produce a flow of air;

and

the device further comprising a heat dissipation system, the system including flowing air produced by the vacuum assembly across an exterior surface of the bulb assembly.

12. A device as in claim 11, the heat dissipation system further comprising at least one air flow passage for communicating air from the exterior of the chamber to the interior of the chamber, and further comprising an air filter operable to filter dust from the air flowing into the chamber.

13. A device as in claim 11, the heat dissipation system further comprising at least one fin extending from the bulb assembly and operable to transfer heat away from the bulb assembly.

14. A device as in claim 11 wherein the heat dissipation system is operable to maintain the interior of the bulb assembly chamber at less than 110 degrees.

15. A device as in claim 1 wherein the UV bulb is positioned no more than about one inch above the cleaning medium.

16. A device as in claim 1, the device further comprising at least one protruding member operable to contact the cleaning medium and to expose at least a portion of the cleaning medium to UV light radiated from the UV bulb.

17. A device as in claim 16 wherein the cleaning medium is a carpet medium having a plurality of fibers, the at least one protruding member operable to contact the fibers, create space between the fibers and expose a portion of the fibers to direct UV light.

18. A device as in claim 17 wherein the at least one protruding member is positioned in the direct path of UV light radiated from the UV bulb.

19. A device as in claim 1 further comprising a handle assembly, the handle assembly having a safety switch assembly operatively associated therewith.

20. A device as in claim 1 wherein the bulb assembly is a bulb-in-bar assembly