Self-sanitizing structure for implementing sanitization patterns that neutralize infectious agents on the structure's surfaces
US12194167B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 6, 2023 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2202/25
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention include a self-sanitizing structure and method of forming the same, where the self-sanitizing structure 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 directs the electromagnetic radiation through the body to the contact surface. 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. A sensor system generates touch data in response to the contact surface being touched, and a controller uses the touch data to control the addressable energy sources.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.