Sterilization system with ultraviolet emitter for eradicating biological contaminants
US8779391B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2202/25
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An exemplary sterilization system includes a self-propelled robotic mobile platform for locating and eradicating infectious bacterial and virus strains on floors (and objects thereon), walls, cabinets, angled structures, etc., using one or more ultraviolet light sources. A controller allows the system to adjust the quantity of ultraviolet light received by a surface by, for example, changing the intensity of energy input to a ultraviolet light source, changing a distance between a ultraviolet light source and a surface being irradiated, changing the speed/movement of the mobile platform to affect time of exposure, and/or by returning to contaminated areas for additional passes. The mobile platform may include a sensor capable of detecting fluorescence of biological contaminants irradiated with ultraviolet light to locate contaminated areas. The system is thus capable of “seek and destroy” functionality by navigating towards contaminated areas and irradiating those areas with ultraviolet light accordingly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.