Self-sanitizing structure for implementing sanitization patterns that neutralize infectious agents on the structure's surfaces
US12186437B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 2, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2202/25
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a self-sanitizing structure that includes a body having a contact surface that can be contacted by a person, along with an energy source formed as an array of addressable energy sources. The energy source generates electromagnetic radiation and direct the electromagnetic radiation through the body to the contact surface. A sensor system is coupled to the contact surface, and a controller is coupled to the energy source and the sensor system. The body scatters the electromagnetic radiation and passes it through the body to the contact surface in a manner that maintains the scattered electromagnetic radiation that reaches the contact surface as sanitizing electromagnetic radiation at or above a minimum irradiance level that neutralizes infectious agents. The sensor system generates touch data in response to the contact surface being touched, and the controller uses the touch data to control the addressable energy sources.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.