PORTABLE ANTIMICROBIAL ULTRA VIOLET STERILIZER

• US 20120328474A1
• Filed: 09/07/2012
• Published: 12/27/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kenneth L. Campagna
• Original Assignee: Kenneth L. Campagna
• Inventors: Campagna, Kenneth L.
• Granted Patent: US 9,114,183 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/23
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/10 Ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/202 Ozone
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/24 Apparatus using programmed or automatic operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/14 Means for controlling sterilisation processes, data processing, presentation and storage means, e.g. sensors, controllers, programs
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/16 Mobile applications, e.g. portable devices, trailers, devices mounted on vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sterilization unit consisting of a cubical enclosure which uses a sequenced supply of ozone and ultraviolet radiation in the C band (UVC) wave length to sterilize. In use, an article to be sterilized is positioned atop a glass plate mounted between two sources of UVC radiation sources and ozone is first supplied to the enclosure for a period of 15 seconds to 60 minutes followed by a supply of UVC radiation for a period of 15 seconds to 60 minutes.

Claims

1. A method for sterilizing an article comprising the steps of:

placing said article in an enclosure defining a generally rectangular and generally airtight chamber having space therein for receiving articles to be sterilized,

exposing said article to ozone gas in said chamber for a period of from about 15 seconds to about 60 minutes at a rate of about 0.25 grams to about 10 grams per hour, and

exposing said article to UVC radiation in said chamber for a period of from about 15 seconds to about 60 minutes at a rate of about 100 microwatts to about 800 microwatts per square centimeter at one meter from a UVC source irradiating at a wavelength of about 254 nm.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said article is placed on a support shelf formed of silica or quartz glass or sapphire plate disposed substantially centrally of said chamber, wherein said support shelf receives said article for sterilization and transmits at least 55% of UVC radiation.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein an interior surface of said chamber comprises a material that is reflective of and opaque to ultraviolet radiation, and each corner of said chamber is curved to enhance scattering of said ultraviolet radiation.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said chamber has at least one UVC lamp that is configured to supply UVC radiation at wavelength of from about 253.7 nm to about 254.4 nm, spans substantially the full width of said chamber and produces from about 100 microwatts to about 800 microwatts per square centimeter at one meter from said at least one UVC lamp.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said chamber has at least one ozone lamp configured to supply UV radiation at a wavelength of about 185 nm that is disposed substantially centrally on a top wall of said chamber, spans substantially the full width of said chamber and produces from about 0.25 grams to about 10 grams per hour of ozone.