Method and device for ultraviolet light sterilizing

• US 8,779,385 B2
• Filed: 04/18/2011
• Issued: 07/15/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/18/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gilda Noori
• Original Assignee: Gilda Noori
• Inventors: Noori, Gilda
• Primary Examiner(s): Souw, Bernard E
• Application Number:
  US13/089,092
• Publication Number:
  US 20120261593A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,184 Days
• Field of Search: 250/455.11, 250/461.1, 250/438, 250/504.R, 250/504.H, 42/24, 421/20, 421/21, 421/863, 422/24, 422/50, 422/120, 422/121, 422/186.3
• US Class Current: 250/455.11
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/10 Ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/122 Chambers for sterilisation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/24 Medical instruments, e.g. endoscopes, catheters, sharps

Abstract

In accordance with the present invention, a device and method is provided for covering and sterilizing a stethoscope or other medical instrument for safer use. The device comprises a closed housing for shielding the object to be sterilized, a means for receiving the object, a power supply, an ultraviolet light source within the housing, and a switch for controlling that lamp.

Claims

1. A device employing UV light for sterilizing, comprising:

a closed housing with an opening configured to receive an object to be sterilized;

a power supply;

a control switch;

an object sensor; and

at least one ultraviolet light source mounted within the housing, wherein the ultraviolet light source is controlled by the control switch and the object sensor;

wherein

the housing contains a reflective material on a plurality of its inner surfaces; and

wherein

all surfaces of the object are irradiated by ultraviolet light.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the opening is configured to receive the head of a stethoscope.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the object sensor is configured to sense the presence of an object that is placed in the opening and thereby activate the at least one ultraviolet light source.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the object sensor is an infrared sensor.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the object sensor is a normally-off, push-button switch that is activated upon placement of the object in the opening.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a fastener configured to fasten the device to the user'"'"'s clothing.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the UV lamp generates radiation with a wavelength ranging from 200 nm to 290 nm.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the UV lamp generates radiation with a wavelength of 254 nm.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the power supply is a re-chargeable battery.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a mechanism for mounting the device on a vertical wall and/or desktop.

11. A device employing UV light for sterilizing, comprising:

a closed housing;

a retractable tray that extends from the housing, the tray configured to receive an object to be sterilized;

a power supply;

an object sensor;

a switch; and

at least one ultraviolet light source mounted within the housing, wherein the ultraviolet light source is controlled by the control switch and the object sensor;

wherein

the housing contains a reflective material on a plurality of its inner surfaces; and

wherein

all surfaces of the object are irradiated by ultraviolet light.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein the retractable tray is configured to slide horizontally in and out of the housing.

13. The device of claim 11 wherein the retractable tray is hinged at a bottom end and free at a top end, wherein the tray opens at an angle from the vertical axis.