Plug and method of manufacture
First Claim
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1. A plug for an enclosure in which a radiation source is disposed, wherein the plug comprises ultraviolet-activated material that emits visible light when the radiation source is energized.
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Abstract
A plug for an enclosure for holding a radiation source is provided. The plug is formed from a material that emits visible light when the radiation source is energized, such that the status of the radiation source may be determined by an operator without the need for status monitoring equipment. The plug seals the radiation source from the environment to prevent ozone formation and to prevent leakage into or out of the enclosure.
13 Citations
33 Claims
- 1. A plug for an enclosure in which a radiation source is disposed, wherein the plug comprises ultraviolet-activated material that emits visible light when the radiation source is energized.
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9. An apparatus for holding a radiation source comprising:
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an external housing formed from a transparent or translucent material, the external housing having at least one opening through which the radiation source may be inserted into the external housing;
a plug disposed in the opening of the external housing, wherein the plug comprises ultraviolet-activated material that emits visible light when the radiation source is energized; and
one or more conducting elements extending through the plug, so as to allow the radiation source within the external housing to be electrically connected to a power source external to the enclosure. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for decreasing ozone generation in a decontamination system comprising:
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disposing a radiation source in an enclosure;
sealing the enclosure with an airtight ultraviolet-activated plug, that is operable to emit light when the radiation source is energized; and
electrically connecting the radiation source to a power source using a conductor that extends through an aperture formed in the airtight ultraviolet-activated plug. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
periodically monitoring the status of the plug to determine if the plugs is not emitting light; and
replacing the radiation source when the plug is not emitting light.
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19. The method of claim 17 wherein sealing the enclosure with an airtight translucent plug further comprises:
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installing the plug into the enclosure with an o-ring seal between the plug and the enclosure; and
installing a fastener into the enclosure so as to apply a force to the plug, the o-ring seal, and the enclosure, thereby sealing the enclosure.
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20. The method of claim 19 wherein the fastener is a threaded fastener.
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21. The method of claim 17, wherein sealing the enclosure with an airtight ultraviolet plug further comprises:
sealing the enclosure with an airtight plug comprising material, wherein the material substantially blocks ultraviolet light but not visible light emitted by the radiation source.
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22. The method of claim 17, wherein sealing the enclosure with an airtight ultraviolet plug further comprises:
sealing the enclosure with an airtight plug comprising ultraviolet luminescent material.
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23. The method of claim 17, wherein sealing the enclosure with the airtight ultraviolet activated plug further comprises:
sealing the enclosure with an airtight ultraviolet activated plug, wherein the plug is visible outside the decontamination system.
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24. A method for making a plug for an enclosure holding a radiation source comprising:
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forming a plug from ultraviolet-activated material having predetermined dimensions;
forming a seal structure onto the plug;
forming a penetration through the plug; and
installing a conductor through the penetration. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
placing a conductor into a penetration channel in an injection mold; and
injecting an ultraviolet-luminescent material into the mold so as to surround the conductor in the penetration channel.
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32. The method of claim 24, wherein forming the plug from ultraviolet-activated material further comprises:
forming the plug from material, wherein the material substantially blocks ultraviolet light but not visible light emitted by the radiation source.
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33. The method of claim 24, wherein forming the plug from ultraviolet-activated material further comprises:
forming the plug from ultraviolet luminescent material.
Specification