ORGANISM GROWTH SUPPRESSION USING ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

• US 20070205382A1
• Filed: 04/27/2006
• Published: 09/06/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sensor Electronic Technology Incorporated (Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Sensor Electronic Technology Incorporated (Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd.)
• Inventors: Shur, Michael, Bilenko, Yuriy, Gaska, Remigijus
• Granted Patent: US 7,553,456 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 250/504.R
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/10 Ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/23 Solid substances, e.g. granules, powders, blocks, tablets

Abstract

A solution for suppressing organism growth using ultraviolet radiation generated by solid state ultraviolet radiation emitters, such as ultraviolet diodes is provided. The invention includes a connection structure that includes a plurality of solid state ultraviolet radiation emitters disposed thereon. Each of the plurality of solid state ultraviolet radiation emitters emits ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength less than or equal to four hundred nanometers to harm a target organism that may be present on a surface. In one embodiment, the connection structure comprises a two-dimensional mesh that may be placed adjacent an air filter, incorporated in a cover, and/or moved with respect to a surface, such as the interior of an air duct. In this manner, the invention can suppress and/or prevent the growth of organisms, such as biofilms and mold, in locations that are susceptible to such growth.

Claims

1. A system for suppressing organism growth, the system comprising:

a connection structure; and

a plurality of solid state ultraviolet radiation emitters disposed on the connection structure, wherein each of the plurality of emitters emits ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength less than or equal to four hundred nanometers to harm a target organism.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the connection structure comprises at least one of:

a flexible wire, a rigid wire, a flexible plastic, or a rigid plastic.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the connection structure comprises at least one two dimensional mesh.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of emitters includes at least one of:

a light emitting diode or a laser diode.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a power source that operates the plurality of emitters.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a germicidal catalyst disposed on the connection structure.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of emitters includes:

a first set of emitters that emit electromagnetic radiation having a first wavelength; and

a second set of emitters that emit electromagnetic radiation having a second wavelength that is distinct from the first wavelength.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a mercury lamp that emits ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength less than or equal to four hundred nanometers.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a system for moving the connection structure with respect to a surface on which the target organism is present.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a system for measuring an amount of the target organism on a surface.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a system for adjusting at least one of an intensity or a wavelength of the ultraviolet radiation.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising an air filter adjacent to the connection structure.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a cover that incorporates the connection structure.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the target organism comprises at least one of:

biofilm or mold.

15. A system for suppressing organism growth, the system comprising:

a connection structure;

a plurality of solid state ultraviolet radiation emitters disposed on the connection structure, wherein each of the plurality of emitters emits ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength less than or equal to four hundred nanometers to harm a target organism;

at least one power source that operates the plurality of emitters; and

wiring that connects each of the plurality of emitters to at least one of the at least one power sources.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a system for moving the connection structure with respect to a surface on which the target organism is present.

17. The system of claim 15, further comprising a system for measuring an amount of the target organism on a surface.

18. The system of claim 15, further comprising a system for adjusting at least one of an intensity or a wavelength of the ultraviolet radiation.

19. The system of claim 15, further comprising an air filter adjacent to the connection structure.

20. The system of claim 15, further comprising a cover that incorporates the connection structure.

21. A method of suppressing organism growth, the method comprising:

obtaining a connection structure comprising a two dimensional mesh that includes a plurality of solid state ultraviolet radiation emitters disposed thereon, wherein each of the plurality of emitters emits ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength less than or equal to four hundred nanometers;

placing the connection structure adjacent to a surface; and

emitting ultraviolet radiation toward the surface to harm a target organism.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the placing includes moving the connection structure with respect to a surface on which the target organism is present.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the placing includes attaching an air filter to the connection structure, wherein the surface is on the air filter.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the placing includes covering the surface with a cover that incorporates the two dimensional mesh.