Writing implement sterilization apparatus
First Claim
1. A writing implement sterilization apparatus comprising:
- a container;
a lid attached to the container;
a first source of ultraviolet radiation disposed within the container;
a writing implement holder for supporting writing implements disposed within the container;
a power supply connected to the first source; and
an interlocking switch, connected between the power supply and the first source and being biased to the off position, such that when the lid is in an open position the interlocking switch is not engaged and no power is supplied to the first source andwhen the lid is closed, the interlocking switch is engaged and power is supplied to the first source.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A writing implement sterilization apparatus having ultraviolet sterilization in an enclosed container to kill bacteria and other disease carrying organisms. The invention comprises a horizontal or vertical container into which a user places pens, pencils, or other writing implements to be sterilized. An ultraviolet source within the container irradiates the writing implement thereby killing any microorganisms that might reside on the writing implements. Ultraviolet radiation below 200 nm can also be used thereby creating ozone gas having germicidal characteristics. The ozone gas is circulating in and around the writing implements thereby providing further sterilization together with the ultraviolet radiation. An interlocking switch turns the UV source off when the container is opened.
72 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A writing implement sterilization apparatus comprising:
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a container; a lid attached to the container; a first source of ultraviolet radiation disposed within the container; a writing implement holder for supporting writing implements disposed within the container; a power supply connected to the first source; and an interlocking switch, connected between the power supply and the first source and being biased to the off position, such that when the lid is in an open position the interlocking switch is not engaged and no power is supplied to the first source and when the lid is closed, the interlocking switch is engaged and power is supplied to the first source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15)
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13. The writing implement sterilization apparatus of claim I further comprising an indicator light connected to the interlocking switch and the first source such that the indicator light is lit only when the interlocking switch is engaged and the first source is illuminated.
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16. A writing implement sterilization apparatus comprising:
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a container; a lid attached to the container; a first source of ultraviolet radiation, disposed within the container; a second source of ultraviolet radiation, disposed within the lid; a writing implement holder for supporting writing implements disposed within the container; a power supply connected to the first source; and an interlocking switch, connected between the power supply and the first source and being biased to the off position, such that when the lid is in an open position the interlocking switch is not engaged and no power is supplied to the first source and when the lid is closed, the interlocking switch is engaged and power is supplied to the first source. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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20. A writing implement sterilization apparatus comprising:
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a substantially vertically oriented container for vertical placement of writing implements; a lid attached to the substantially vertically oriented lower container; a substantially vertically oriented ultraviolet radiation source disposed within the container for sterilizing writing implements contained therein; a substantially vertically oriented writing implement holder for supporting writing implements disposed within the container; a power supply connected to the ultraviolet radiation source; and an interlocking switch, connected between the power supply and the ultraviolet radiation source and being biased to the off position, such that when the lid is in an open position the interlocking switch is not engaged and no power is supplied to the ultraviolet radiation source and when the lid is closed, the interlocking switch is engaged and power is supplied to the ultraviolet radiation source. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23)
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24. A writing implement sterilization apparatus comprising:
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a substantially horizontally oriented container for horizontal placement of writing implements; a lid attached to the substantially horizontally oriented container; a substantially horizontally oriented ultraviolet radiation source disposed within the container for sterilizing writing implements contained therein; a substantially horizontally oriented writing implement holder for supporting writing implements disposed within the container; a power supply connected to the ultraviolet radiation source; and an interlocking switch, connected between the power supply and the ultraviolet radiation source and being biased to the off position, such that when the lid is in an open position the interlocking switch is not engaged and no power is supplied to the ultraviolet radiation source and when the lid is closed, the interlocking switch is engaged and power is supplied to the ultraviolet radiation source. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26)
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Specification