Ozone hand sterilizer

• US 5,945,068 A
• Filed: 03/20/1996
• Issued: 08/31/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 01/26/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Daniel A. Ferone
• Original Assignee: Daniel A. Ferone
• Inventors: Ferone, Daniel A.
• Primary Examiner(s): MCKANE, ELIZABETH L
• Application Number:
  US08/619,042
• Time in Patent Office: 1,259 Days
• Field of Search: 422/28, 422/29, 422/292, 422/300, 422/186.07, 422/186.12, 4/535, 4/222, 4/623, 4/625, 4/626, 4/628, 134/56 R, 134/201, 134/11, 134/31, 134/37, 134/90, 134/95.2, 134/95.3, 134/102.1, 134/102.3, 34/90, 210/760, 261/DIG. 42
• US Class Current: 422/28
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 2210/00 Combinations of water taps, soap dispensers and hand dryers
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/18 Liquid substances or solutions comprising solids or dissolved gases
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/057 touchless, i.e. using sensors
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 261/42 Ozonizers

Abstract

An apparatus and method for sterilizing hands includes a sink containing ozonated water. Water is continually circulated through said sink past an ozone generator which continually injects ozone into the sink. The individual sanitizes his hands by simply immersing his hands in the ozonated water for a period of time effective to destroy germs. Upstream of the sink is a secondary water circulation system which includes a second ozone generator which maintains a constant supply of ozonated water which can be added to the sink when necessary. An infrared sensor can be added to detect when individuals are using the sink and further to determine when make-up water is required. The present invention optionally will include an ozonated air hand drier or an ozonated air applicator for towels. This system is designed to ensure that individuals in, for example, food service operations maintain sanitary conditions.

Claims

1. An apparatus for sterilizing hands, comprising:

a sink;

a primary water circulation system fluidly connected to said sink and adapted to fill and continuously recirculate water to and from said sink in contact with hands placed therein;

a first ozone generator fluidly connected to said primary water circulation system for adding ozone to said recirculating water in said sink for sterilizing hands placed therein;

a secondary water circulation system fluidly connected to said primary water circulation system wherein said secondary water circulation system feeds water to said primary circulation system; and

a second ozone generator fluidly connected to said secondary water circulation system for adding ozone to the water fed to said primary circulation system.

2. The apparatus claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of said first and second ozone generators comprises a venturi injector fluidly connected to said respective primary and secondary water circulation systems for injecting ozone into water circulating in said respective primary and secondary water circulation systems.

3. The apparatus claimed in claim 1 further comprising a vent located adjacent said sink and adapted to vent gas above said sink to thereby remove ozone in air above said sink.

4. The apparatus claimed in claim 3 wherein said vent directs said gas to a hand drier.

5. The apparatus claimed in claim 3 wherein said vent directs said gas to a heater.

6. The apparatus claimed in claim 1 further comprising a first sensor adapted to detect when water is needed by said primary water circulation system.

7. The apparatus claimed in claim 6 further including a second sensor adapted to detect when an individual is washing his hands in said sink.

8. The apparatus claimed in claim 7 further comprising an alarm connected to said second sensor, said second sensor including a timer, and wherein said second sensor activates said alarm if said individual does not wash his hands for a predetermined period of time in said sink.

9. A method of sterilizing hands, comprising the steps of:

providing a sink;

filling said sink with ozonated water;

continuously circulating ozonated water to and from said sink from a primary water circulation system;

placing said hands in said filled sink for a period of time to contact said circulating ozonated water and sterilize said hands with said ozonated water;

circulating ozonated water in a secondary water circulation system; and

feeding said ozonated water from said secondary water circulation system to said primary water circulation system.

10. The method claimed in claim 9 further comprising drying said hands with ozonated air.

11. The method claimed in claim 9 further comprising applying ozone to towels and drying said hands with said towels.