Patent · US Expired

Trash receptacle sterilization method and apparatus

US6365113B1 · kind B1 · utility

19Cited by
15References
23Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 20, 2000
Grant dateApr 2, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 20, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61L2/202
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A trash receptacle sterilization apparatus having ultraviolet sterilization in an enclosed container to kill bacteria and other disease carrying organisms. The receptacle has a vertical container into which a user places trash, other trash receptacles or other objects to be sterilized. An ultraviolet source within the container irradiates the trash receptacle thereby killing any microorganisms that might reside on or in the trash receptacles. Ultraviolet radiation below 200 nm can also be used thereby creating ozone gas having germicidal characteristics. The ozone gas is circulating in and around the trash receptacles thereby providing further sterilization together with the ultraviolet radiation. An interlocking switch turns the UV source off when the container is opened.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.