Disinfecting device utilizing ultraviolet radiation

• US 20070194255A1
• Filed: 02/22/2006
• Published: 08/23/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Original Assignee: Oreck Corporation (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Inventors: Garcia, Carrie P., Garcia, Ken V.
• Granted Patent: US 7,476,885 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 250/504.00R
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/10 Ultraviolet radiation

Abstract

A disinfecting device is presented having a UV light source for radiation of a cleaning medium to eradicate the medium of infestation agents such as molds, viruses, bacteria and dust mites. The device enhances the disinfection of the medium by providing mechanisms for enhanced penetration of the UV light into the cleaning medium. The device also offers enhanced heat dissipation to promote effective use of the device. Also provided are safety mechanisms to promote the safe and advantageous use of the UV device.

Claims

1. A disinfecting device for use in disinfecting a cleaning medium of infestation agents, the device comprising:

a housing;

a bulb assembly disposed within the housing and having a UV bulb positioned to radiate UV light onto the cleaning medium; and

at least one protruding member operable to contact the cleaning medium and to expose at least a portion of the cleaning medium to UV light radiated from the UV bulb.

2. A device as in claim 1 wherein the cleaning medium is a carpet medium having a plurality of fibers, the at least one protruding member operable to contact the fibers, create space between the fibers and expose a portion of the fibers to direct UV light.

3. A device as in claim 1 wherein at least one protruding member is positioned in the direct path of UV light radiated from the UV bulb.

4. A device as in claim 1 wherein at least one protruding member is positioned in front of the UV bulb and at least one protruding member is positioned behind the UV bulb.

5. The device as in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of at least one of the protruding members is directly below the UV bulb.

6. The device as in claim 1 wherein the bulb assembly further comprises a lens disposed between the UV bulb and the cleaning medium.

7. The device as in claim 1 wherein the bulb assembly comprises a substantially dust-tight chamber, the UV bulb disposed within the chamber.

8. The device as in claim 7 wherein the dust-tight chamber is airtight.

9. A device as in claim 1 further comprising a vacuum assembly for vacuuming the cleaning medium.

10. A device as in claim 1 further comprising a handle assembly, the handle assembly having a safety switch assembly operatively associated therewith.

11. A device as in claim 10 further comprising a second safety switch.

12. A device as in claim 10 wherein the safety switch is a dead-man'"'"'s switch.

13. A device as in claim 11 wherein the second safety switch is a cleaning medium contact switch.

14. A device as in claim 1 wherein the bulb assembly further comprises a reflector positioned to reflect UV light radiated from the UV bulb onto the cleaning medium.

15. The device as in claim 1 wherein the bulb assembly comprises a substantially dust-tight chamber, the UV bulb disposed within the chamber;

the device further comprising a vacuum assembly for cleaning the cleaning medium, the vacuum assembly producing a flow of air; and

the device further comprising a heat dissipation system, the system including flowing air produced by the vacuum assembly across an exterior surface of the bulb assembly.

16. A device as in claim 15, the heat dissipation system further comprising at least one air flow passage for communicating air from the exterior of the chamber to the interior of the chamber, and further comprising an air filter operable to filter dust from the air flowing into the chamber.

17. A device as in claim 15, the heat dissipation system further comprising at least one fin extending from the bulb assembly and operable to transfer heat away from the bulb assembly.

18. A device as in claim 1 wherein the at least one protruding member is a flexible rubber or plastic material.

19. A device as in claim 1 wherein the at least one protruding member is a plurality of bristles.

20. A device as in claim 1 wherein the at least one protruding member is stationary.

21. A device as in claim 15 wherein the heat dissipation system is operable to maintain the interior of the bulb assembly chamber at less than 110 degrees.

22. A device as in claim 1 wherein the UV bulb is positioned no more than about 0.5 inches above the cleaning medium.

23. A device as in claim 1 further comprising a bulb-in-bar assembly and wherein the UV bulb is positioned in the bulb-in-bar assembly.