UV sterilization of user interface fomites
US7372044B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 13, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 2, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2/24
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Techniques for sterilizing a fomite are disclosed. A UV sterilization apparatus includes a housing for enveloping a fomite inside the housing. The housing is composed of a material that prevents transmission of electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet range. Attached to the housing is a closure element, and the closure element is also composed of a material that prevents transmission of electromagnetic radiation in the UV range but allows transmission of electromagnetic radiation in the visual range. An ultraviolet light source is attached to an internal surface of the housing or an internal surface of the closure element, and the light source sterilizes the fomite enclosed inside the housing by transmitting ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation towards the fomite.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.