Self-Propelled Sterilization Robot and Method

• US 20080056933A1
• Filed: 08/29/2006
• Published: 03/06/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/29/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Sovereign DEED LLC
• Original Assignee: Sovereign DEED LLC
• Inventors: Moore, Barrett H., Botos, Matthew J.
• Application Number:
  US11/468,157
• Publication Number:
  US 20080056933A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/1
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/30 by suction
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4005 Arrangements of batteries or cells; Electric power supply arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4011 Regulation of the cleaning machine by electric means; Control systems and remote control systems therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4027 Filtering or separating contaminants or debris
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/405 Machines using UV-lamps, IR-lamps, ultrasound or plasma cleaning
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4097 Means for exhaust-air diffusion; Exhaust-air treatment, e.g. air purification; Means for sound or vibration damping
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2201/00 Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2201/04 Automatic control of the travelling movement; Automatic obstacle detection
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/02 using physical phenomena
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/10 Ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/24 Apparatus using programmed or automatic operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/16 using physical phenomena
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/20 Ultraviolet radiation

Abstract

A sterilization apparatus (200) comprises a robot (201), at least one germicidal energy source (202), and at least one motive capability (203). The sterilization apparatus may optionally further comprise numerous additional components, including a filtration unit (204), at least one power source (209), a power connector (210), an environmental sampling device (211), at least one sensor (212), a control system (213), an audio output device (214), a data transmitter (215), a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver (216), a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (217), a vacuum device (218), a floor washing device (219), an activator (220), a waterproof housing (221), and/or a padded housing (222).

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a robot configured and arranged to move over a surface;

at least one germicidal energy source carried by the robot;

at least one motive capability to facilitate movement of the robot over the surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the germicidal energy source carried by the robot is selected from the group consisting of:

ultraviolet (UV) lamps;

radiofrequency electric field (RFEF) apparatuses;

electrostatic apparatuses;

heat generating devices capable of producing heat at a temperature of at least 80°

C.;

or

a combination thereof.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the germicidal energy source is configured and arranged to emit germicidal energy outwardly from the robot.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the germicidal energy source configured and arranged to emit germicidal energy outwardly from the robot comprises at least one 254 nanometer UV lamp.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the at least one 254 nanometer UV lamp comprises multiple UV lamps.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the multiple UV lamps are aimed in a plurality of outward directions.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein at least one of the multiple UV lamps is configured and arranged to emit UV waves outwardly towards a floor surface and at least one of the multiple UV lamps is configured and arranged to emit UV waves outwardly into the ambient air.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an air filtration unit that is carried by the robot, wherein the air filtration unit comprises:

at least one filter capable of filtering out airborne particulate matter at least as small as 500 microns, wherein the at least one filter comprises at least one of;

high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter;

ultra low penetration air (ULPA) filter;

super ultra low penetration air (SULPA) filter;

activated carbon filter;

electrostatic precipitator filter;

charged media filter;

gas phase filter;

hybrid filter,

charcoal filter;

fiberglass filter;

polyester filter;

mechanical filter;

electronic filter;

ceramic filter;

carbon filter;

high efficiency gas adsorber (HEGA) filter; and

at least one air drawer capable of drawing ambient air toward the self-propelled sterilization robot and through the at least one filter.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the air filtration unit further comprises at least one air circulator capable of circulating filtered air into the ambient air.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the air filtration unit further comprises an aromatic scent releaser positioned to permit air being expelled into the ambient air to be purposefully infused with a predetermined aromatic scent.

11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the at least one filter is capable of filtering out airborne particulate matter at least as small as 0.3 microns.

12. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the at least one filter comprises multiple filters.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the multiple filters comprises at least one filter capable of filtering out airborne particulate matter of at least as small as 0.3 microns and at least one activated carbon filter.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the multiple filters are arranged in a side-by-side configuration.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the multiple filters arranged in the side-by-side configuration are a same type of filter.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the multiple filters arranged in the side-by-side configuration are different types of filters.

17. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the multiple filters are arranged in a stacked configuration.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the multiple filters arranged in the stacked configuration are a same type of filter.

19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the multiple filters arranged in the stacked configuration are different types of filters.

20. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the at least one air drawer comprises multiple air drawers.

21. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a control system.

22. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a vacuum device.

23. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a floor washing device.

24. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a sensor capable of detecting the presence of at least one of the group consisting of:

a human;

an animal;

visible light.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein detection of a human, an animal, and/or visible light triggers the robot'"'"'s movement to couple to a docking station.

26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein detection of a human, an animal, and/or visible light generates an audible warning.

27. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein detection of a human, an animal, and/or visible light triggers the germicidal energy source to turn off.

28. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the sensor comprises at least one of:

an infrared sensor;

a motion sensor.

29. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one germicidal energy source configured and arranged to emit germicidal energy inwardly toward the filtration unit.

30. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a power source selected from the group consisting of:

at least one rechargeable battery;

a power cord that operably connects to a docking station;

at least one commutator interface that permits contact to an external power supply.

31. The apparatus of claim 30 further comprising a power connector configured and arranged to electrically couple to a docking station to recharge the battery.

32. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a data transmitter.

33. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the data transmitter is a wireless transmitter.

34. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the data transmitter is a data transmitter cord connected to a docking station.

35. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an activator, wherein the activator comprises at least one of the following:

an automated timer activator;

a remotely-operated activator.

36. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a debris detecting sensor capable of detecting debris on a surface and generating a signal in response to detection of the debris, the signal triggering a pause in the robot'"'"'s movement for at least a predetermined length of time.

37. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a global positioning system (GPS) receiver.

38. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a beacon sensor, wherein the beacon sensor monitors to detect a signal from a beacon, and generating a signal in response to detection of a beacon signal, the signal triggering the robot to particularly focus its sterilization activity in an area that is proximal to the beacon.

39. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a beacon sensor, wherein the beacon sensor monitors to detect a signal from a beacon, and generating a signal in response to detection of a beacon signal, the signal triggering the robot to particularly focus its sterilization activity in an area that is remote from the beacon.

40. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the robot'"'"'s sterilization activity movement is generally random in direction.

41. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one environment sensor, wherein the environmental sensor monitors to detect at least one of the following environmental conditions:

temperature;

humidity;

barometric pressure;

smoke;

radon;

ionizing radiation.

42. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the environmental sensor generates a signal in response to detection of an environmental condition above a predetermined value.

43. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein detection of an environmental condition above a preset value generates an audible warning.

44. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein detection of an environmental condition above a preset value generates a signal that is transmitted to a docking station such that the generated signal is storable as data by the docking station.

45. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a chemical agent detection device, wherein the chemical agent detection device is capable of detecting at least one of the chemical agents selected from the group consisting of:

biotoxin;

blister agent/vesicant;

blood agent;

caustic agent;

choking/lung/pulmonary agent;

incapacitating agent;

long-acting anticoagulant;

metal;

nerve agent;

organic solvent;

riot control agent/tear gas;

toxic alcohol;

vomiting agent.

46. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein detection of a chemical agent above a predetermined value generates an audible warning.

47. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein detection of a chemical agent above a predetermined value generates a signal that is transmitted to a docking station such that the generated signal is storable as data by the docking station.

48. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a waterproof housing.

49. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an allergen sensor, wherein the allergen sensor detects at least one of the following allergens:

ragweed;

dust;

dust mites;

pollen;

pet dander; and

mold spores

50. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an environmental sampling device, wherein the environmental sampling device takes a sample using at least one of the following sampling methods:

swab sampling;

sponge sampling;

direct surface sampling;

air sampling.

51. The apparatus of claim 50 wherein the sampling method is capable of detecting at least one of the following indicators of contaminated air or surfaces:

aerobic plate count;

psychotrophic plate count;

Enterobacteriaceae;

coliform;

yeast;

mold;

adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

52. A robot system comprising:

a docking station; and

a robot, the robot comprising;

at least one germicidal energy source configured and arranged to emit germicidal energy outwardly from the robot;

at least one motive capability to facilitate the robot'"'"'s movement on a surface;

a filtration unit for filtering the ambient air, the filtration unit comprising;

at least one filter capable of filtering out airborne particulate matter at least as small as 500 microns, wherein the at least one filter comprises at least one of;

high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter;

ultra low penetration air (ULPA) filter;

super ultra low penetration air (SULPA) filter;

activated carbon filter;

electrostatic precipitator filter;

charged media filter;

gas phase filter;

hybrid filter,

charcoal filter;

fiberglass filter;

polyester filter;

mechanical filter;

electronic filter;

ceramic filter;

carbon filter;

high efficiency gas adsorber (HEGA) filter; and

at least one air drawer capable of drawing ambient air toward the self-propelled sterilization robot and through the at least one filter.

53. The robot system of claim 52 further comprising a power connector configured and arranged to electrically couple the robot to the docking station.

54. The robot system of claim 52 further comprising a beacon that is separate from the robot and wherein the robot further comprises a beacon sensor that is configured and arranged to influence control of the at least one motive capability.

55. The robot system of claim 52 further comprising an external electricity conducting device.

56. A method comprising providing a sterilization apparatus, the sterilization apparatus comprising:

a robot configured and arranged to move over a surface;

at least one germicidal energy source carried by the robot;

at least one motive capability to facilitate movement of the robot over the surface.

57. The method of claim 56 wherein the germicidal energy source carried by the robot is selected from the group consisting of:

ultraviolet (UV) lamps;

radiofrequency electric field (RFEF) apparatuses;

electrostatic apparatuses;

heat generating devices capable of producing heat at a temperature of at least 80°

C.;

or

a combination thereof.

58. The method of claim 57 wherein the germicidal energy source is configured and arranged to emit germicidal energy outwardly from the robot.

59. The method of claim 58 wherein the germicidal energy source configured and arranged to emit germicidal energy outwardly from the robot comprises at least one 254 nanometer UV lamp.

60. The method of claim 59 wherein the at least one 254 nanometer UV lamp comprises multiple UV lamps.

61. The method of claim 60 wherein the multiple UV lamps are aimed in a plurality of outward directions.

62. The method of claim 60 wherein at least one of the multiple UV lamps is configured and arranged to emit UV waves outwardly towards a floor surface and at least one of the multiple UV lamps is configured and arranged to emit UV waves outwardly into the ambient air.

63. The method of claim 56 wherein the robot further comprises an air filtration unit, wherein the air filtration unit comprises:

at least one filter capable of filtering out airborne particulate matter at least as small as 500 microns, wherein the at least one filter comprises at least one of;

high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter;

ultra low penetration air (ULPA) filter;

super ultra low penetration air (SULPA) filter;

activated carbon filter;

electrostatic precipitator filter;

charged media filter;

gas phase filter;

hybrid filter,

charcoal filter;

fiberglass filter;

polyester filter;

mechanical filter;

electronic filter;

ceramic filter;

carbon filter;

high efficiency gas adsorber (HEGA) filter; and

at least one air drawer capable of drawing ambient air toward the self-propelled sterilization robot and through the at least one filter.

64. The method of claim 63 wherein the air filtration unit further comprises at least one air circulator capable of circulating filtered air into the ambient air.

65. The method of claim 63 wherein the air filtration unit further comprises an aromatic scent releaser positioned to permit air being expelled into the ambient air to be purposefully infused with a predetermined aromatic scent.

66. The method of claim 63 wherein the at least one filter is capable of filtering out airborne particulate matter at least as small as 0.3 microns.

67. The method of claim 63 wherein the at least one filter comprises multiple filters.

68. The method of claim 67 wherein the multiple filters comprises at least one filter capable of filtering out airborne particulate matter of at least as small as 0.3 microns and at least one activated carbon filter.

69. The method of claim 67 wherein the multiple filters are arranged in a side-by-side configuration.

70. The method of claim 69 wherein the multiple filters arranged in the side-by-side configuration are a same type of filter.

71. The method of claim 70 wherein the multiple filters arranged in the side-by-side configuration are different types of filters.

72. The method of claim 67 wherein the multiple filters are arranged in a stacked configuration.

73. The method of claim 72 wherein the multiple filters arranged in the stacked configuration are a same type of filter.

74. The method of claim 72 wherein the multiple filters arranged in the stacked configuration are different types of filters.

75. The method of claim 63 wherein the at least one air drawer comprises multiple air drawers.

76. The method of claim 64 wherein the at least one air circulator comprises multiple air circulators.

77. The method of claim 56 wherein the robot further comprises a vacuum device.

78. The method of claim 56 wherein the robot further comprise a floor washing device.

79. The method of claim 56 wherein the robot further comprises a sensor capable of detecting the presence of at least one of the group consisting of:

a human;

an animal;

visible light.

80. The method of claim 79 wherein detection of a human, an animal, and/or visible light triggers the robot'"'"'s movement to couple to a docking station.

81. The method of claim 79 wherein detection of a human, an animal, and/or visible light generates an audible warning.

82. The method of claim 79 wherein detection of a human, an animal, and/or visible light triggers the germicidal energy source to turn off.

84. The method of claim 56 wherein the robot further comprises at least one germicidal energy source configured and arranged to emit germicidal energy inwardly toward the filtration unit.

85. The method of claim 56 wherein the robot further comprises a power source selected from the group consisting of:

at least one rechargeable battery;

a power cord that operably connects to a docking station;

at least one commutator interface that permits contact to an external power supply.

86. The method of claim 85 wherein the robot further comprises a power connector configured and arranged to electrically couple to a docking station to recharge the battery.

87. The method of claim 56 wherein the robot further comprises a data transmitter.

88. The method of claim 87 wherein the data transmitter is a wireless transmitter.

89. The apparatus of claim 87 wherein the data transmitter is a data transmitter cord connected to a docking station.

90. The method of claim 56 wherein the robot further comprises an activator, wherein the activator comprises at least one of the following:

an automated timer activator;

a remotely-operated activator.

91. The method of claim 56 wherein the robot further comprises a debris detecting sensor capable of detecting debris on a surface and generating a signal in response to detection of the debris, the signal triggering a pause in the robot'"'"'s movement for at least a predetermined length of time.

92. The method of claim 56 wherein the robot further comprises a global positioning system (GPS) receiver.

93. The method of claim 56 wherein the robot further comprises a beacon sensor, wherein the beacon sensor monitors to detect a signal from a beacon, and generating a signal in response to detection of a beacon signal, the signal triggering the robot to particularly focus its sterilization activity in an area that is proximal to the beacon.

94. The method of claim 56 wherein the robot further comprises a beacon sensor, wherein the beacon sensor monitors to detect a signal from a beacon, and generating a signal in response to detection of a beacon signal, the signal triggering the robot to particularly focus its sterilization activity in an area that is remote from the beacon.

95. The method of claim 56 wherein the robot'"'"'s sterilization activity movement is generally random in direction.

96. The method of claim 56 wherein the robot further comprises at least one environment sensor, wherein the environmental sensor monitors to detect at least one of the following environmental conditions:

temperature;

humidity;

barometric pressure;

smoke;

radon;

ionizing radiation.

97. The method of claim 96 wherein the environmental sensor generates a signal in response to detection of an environmental condition above a predetermined value.

98. The method of claim 97 wherein detection of an environmental condition above a preset value generates an audible warning.

100. The method of claim 56 wherein the robot further comprises a chemical agent detection device, wherein the chemical agent detection device is capable of detecting at least one of the chemical agents selected from the group consisting of:

biotoxin;

blister agent/vesicant;

blood agent;

caustic agent;

choking/lung/pulmonary agent;

incapacitating agent;

long-acting anticoagulant;

metal;

nerve agent;

organic solvent;

riot control agent/tear gas;

toxic alcohol;

vomiting agent.

101. The method of claim 100 wherein detection of a chemical agent above a predetermined value generates an audible warning.

102. The method of claim 101 wherein detection of a chemical agent above a predetermined value generates a signal that is transmitted to a docking station such that the generated signal is storable as data by the docking station.

103. The method of claim 56 wherein the robot further comprises a waterproof housing.

104. The method of claim 56 wherein the robot further comprises an allergen sensor, wherein the allergen sensor detects at least one of the following allergens:

ragweed;

dust;

dust mites;

pollen;

pet dander; and

mold spores

105. The method of claim 56 wherein the robot further comprises an environmental sampling device, wherein the environmental sampling device takes a sample using at least one of the following sampling methods:

swab sampling;

sponge sampling;

direct surface sampling;

air sampling.

106. The method of claim 105 wherein the sampling method is capable of detecting at least one of the following indicators of contaminated air or surfaces:

aerobic plate count;

psychotrophic plate count;

Enterobacteriaceae;

coliform;

yeast;

mold;

adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

107. The method of claim 56 wherein the robot further comprises a control system.

108. The method of claim 56 further comprising using the robot in a hospital.

109. The method of claim 56 further comprising using the robot in a storage facility.

110. The method of claim 56 further comprising using the robot in a civil defense shelter.

83. The method of claim 83 wherein the sensor comprises at least one of:

an infrared sensor;

a motion sensor.

99. The method of 97 wherein detection of an environmental condition above a preset value generates a signal that is transmitted to a docking station such that the generated signal is storable as data by the docking station.