Self-Sterilizing Input Device
First Claim
1. A system for disinfecting a surface of an input device, comprising:
- a chamber configured to enclose the surface of the input device, the chamber switchable between an open state and a closed state, the chamber including a drawer configured to support the input device, the drawer moveable between an operative position and a sterilize position;
a sensor configured to provide a signal when the chamber is in the closed state;
a UV light; and
a controller configured to cause the drive unit to switch the chamber to the closed state in response to a trigger requesting activation of the UV light and to activate the UV light in response to the signal received from the sensor.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for sterilizing a surface on an input device is disclosed. A chamber is configured to enclose an input device such as a keyboard and is configured to be switched between an open and a closed state. A drive unit may be provided to switch the chamber between states. In an embodiment, the drive unit may include a motor. A sensor provides a signal to a controller when the chamber is the closed state and the controller actuates a UV light. In an embodiment, the controller actuates the drive unit and the UV light in response to a trigger. In an embodiment, the trigger may be provided from a change in state in a computer coupled to the input device.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for disinfecting a surface of an input device, comprising:
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a chamber configured to enclose the surface of the input device, the chamber switchable between an open state and a closed state, the chamber including a drawer configured to support the input device, the drawer moveable between an operative position and a sterilize position; a sensor configured to provide a signal when the chamber is in the closed state; a UV light; and a controller configured to cause the drive unit to switch the chamber to the closed state in response to a trigger requesting activation of the UV light and to activate the UV light in response to the signal received from the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of sterilizing a surface of an input device in a chamber, comprising:
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(a) receiving a trigger requesting a sterilization cycle to begin; (b) providing an actuation input to a drive unit in response to the trigger, the drive unit configured to switch the chamber between an open and a closed state by positioning a drawer that supports the input device, the drawer being positioned between an operative position and a sterilize position, the operative position corresponding to the open state of the chamber and the sterilize position corresponding to the closed state of the chamber; (c) determining that the chamber is in a closed state; and (d) actuating a UV light for a predetermined time. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A system for sterilizing a surface of an input device, comprising:
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a chamber configured to switch between an operative state and a closed state; a keyboard having a housing coupled to the chamber, the chamber including a drawer configured to support the input device, the drawer being moveable between a first position wherein the keyboard is at least partially exposed outside of the chamber, and a second position wherein the keyboard is contained within the chamber, and the keyboard including an operative surface; a UV light configured to sterilize the operative surface when the chamber is in the closed state; a sensor configured to provide a signal when the chamber is in the closed state; and a controller configured to actuate the UV light in response to the signal provided by the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification