JP2023540998A - Decontamination of human contact points with pathogens - Google Patents

Abstract

The pathogen decontamination device has an access door that is configurable to be in an open or closed position, an opening for positioning the enclosure over or around the fomite, and an access door that opens in response to a trigger or triggering event. a housing including one or more ultraviolet light sources disposed inside the housing and configured to decontaminate the fomite. A pathogen decontamination device may include one or more sensors configured to detect a trigger event. The one or more sensors may include an obstacle sensor, a motion sensor or detector, a light sensor, an acoustic sensor, and/or a thermal or infrared sensor. The access door may include one or more access panels. The one or more ultraviolet light sources may produce UV-C radiation having a wavelength in the range of 200-280 nm.
[Selection diagram] Figure 1A

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/075,040, filed on September 4, 2020. The entire contents of this provisional application are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention belongs to the technical field of infectious disease prevention. More specifically, the present invention is in the technical field of infectious disease prevention by decontaminating pathogenic microorganisms near human contact points using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation.

Infectious diseases are often caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that are transmitted directly or indirectly from person to person. Since pathogenic bacteria thrive in warm environments of 95-100°F, the human skin temperature of 98.6°F provides an optimal carrier platform for these microorganisms to survive and multiply. In fact, clinical trials have shown that some bacteria double every 20 minutes, forming millions of bacteria in just 8 hours.

Although not all pathogens cause disease, all infectious diseases are caused by pathogens. The four major types of pathogens that cause human disease include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The study found that 20% of people do not wash their hands after using the bathroom, and 30% of those who wash their hands do not use soap. In total, there are between 2 and 10 million pathogens present between a person's fingertips and elbow at any given time. Whenever an individual comes into contact with an inanimate object at a human touchpoint, such as a commercial door handle, a restroom stall latch, a credit card payment terminal, or a gas pump handle, pathogens are transferred to the fomite. The process of indirectly moving to the next user is started.

As 80% of infectious diseases are transmitted by hands, the rapid spread of pathogenic microorganisms through public contact points is a key factor in several global health pandemics, including SARS and, most recently, COVID-19. It has become. These events had a major impact on the global economy and led to millions of morbidities and deaths.

Current methods employed to solve this problem include manual cleaning, antimicrobial substances to prepare and/or coat the fomite, automatic and user-initiated mechanical disinfection devices, and ultraviolet sterilization. irradiation (UVGI). Although each of these methods is useful, their effectiveness is relatively small in high-access areas due to problems such as rapid recontamination and long decontamination cycles.

Manual cleaning requires the use of disinfectants, disinfectants, and sterilizers, each type of product designed to achieve a different result, to clean and disinfect surfaces of fomites. . Disinfectants prevent bacterial growth and/or kill bacteria in 30 seconds to 5 minutes, but viruses do not. Disinfectants act as disinfectants against bacteria, some viruses, and fungi, and typically achieve results in 10 minutes. Sterilizers are the most powerful cleaning agents and, when used properly, kill 100% of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, typically in a sterilization time of 10 to 15 minutes, but this may vary depending on the specific use. will vary depending on the agent being sterilized, the environment in which it is applied, and the composition of the material being sterilized.

In addition to health risks to cleanup workers and environmental hazards, the effectiveness of a cleaning agent depends on the application process and the surface of the material to which it is applied. As previously mentioned, cleaning agents are typically specifically required to remain wet for 5 to 15 minutes to achieve 100% reduction of pathogenic microorganisms. This time requirement is often ignored due to lack of user training, worker productivity demands, and demands for rapid restitution of user access to the media.

In addition, cleanup workers should note that most cleaning agents are formulated for specific surface types, regardless of whether the vehicle is composed of porous or non-porous materials, which reduces sterilization efficacy. , often using the same agent to cleanse all fomites. Hospital research also showed that some pathogens "killed" by cleaning products can be regenerated into living microorganisms in as little as two hours, in a process known as photoreactivation. Finally, even if the fomite is properly sterilized, it remains only until recontaminated by airborne bacteria or interaction with the next user.

Antimicrobial substances have been used both as existing vehicle materials and as surface coatings. More recently, copper and its alloys (brass, bronze, cupronickel, copper-nickel-zinc, etc.) have been shown to be natural antimicrobial substances with unique properties that destroy a wide range of microorganisms. One disadvantage for the use of copper on public touch points is that studies have shown that when combined with a regular cleaning schedule, it takes just two hours to kill 99.9% of germs. It takes up to 6 hours to kill 99.9% of the virus.

The use of antimicrobial membranes and photodynamic polymer coatings have also been discussed as possible solutions. One problem with these solutions is the time required to sensitize the material. In the case of photodynamic polymers, which require only oxygen and natural light, this process requires 60 minutes to achieve a 1 log antimicrobial reduction.

There are three major problems that prevent antimicrobial substances and coatings from being a suitable solution for preventing the transmission of infectious diseases from fomites at human contact points. First, during the long time required to achieve 99.9% inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms, millions of additional microorganisms from new users can be deposited onto the fomite, causing The aim is to eliminate the possibility that objects will be disinfected during periods of heavy use. Second, their effectiveness varies depending on the pathogens they fight. Some are only effective against bacteria or viruses, but not both. Among those that have been shown to be able to kill both bacteria and viruses, many of them are unable to kill other types of pathogenic microorganisms such as fungi, spores, and/or parasites. On the other hand, none of these substances were shown to be equally effective against all microorganisms. Finally, the cost and implementation time to replace and coat all public media makes this option undesirable and impractical.

Mechanical sterilization options for fomites at human contact points include chemicals in the form of disinfectants, disinfectants, or sterilizers, or germicidal light-activated ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (as used herein) to kill pathogenic microorganisms. , UVGI). Chemical-based devices typically have a housing filled with a purification product that is mounted near the media and applied to the target surface via a user-actuated lever or via the triggering action of an automated sensor. have User-actuated models present problems at the outset, as pathogens are transmitted from each user's hands to the lever, which accumulates with each use of the device.

Automated sensor-activated devices solve the user interface problem, but other significant problems remain, especially in combating human touch point pathogen contamination in public places. First, chemicals typically require up to 15 minutes for optimal efficacy in killing pathogenic microorganisms, which often prevents interaction with subsequent users of frequently accessed fomites. It's not the right time to eliminate the infection before. Second, chemical residues, even though effective in killing pathogens on fomites, pose new health risks. The reason is that it is distributed into the hands of subsequent users. Finally, chemical residues around the distribution area pose a potential for slip and fall injuries.

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) has been validated as a sterilization method in medical and surgical settings since the 1950s. Wavelengths between 200 and 280 nm are classified as UV-C light and have the strongest germicidal effect. Exposure to UV-C destroys the DNA of pathogens, rendering them unable to reproduce. Until relatively recently, the primary method of producing germicidal light was to use mercury-filled tubes. These are commonly known as germicidal lamps and are similar in appearance to standard fluorescent lamps. Although the production of light that peaks at 253.7 nm is effective in killing pathogenic microorganisms, it is not optimal. The reason is that 265 nm has been proven to be the most effective wavelength against a wide range of bacteria and viruses.

The use of UV-C light to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms is a globally recognized solution and is widely used in medical environments, including sterilization in equipment, equipment, surgical and patient rooms, and HVAC systems. ing. It is also commonly used to treat air, water, and surfaces in a variety of industries and sectors, including, but not limited to, water purification plants, food production and packaging, and warehousing. In recent years, small user-activated UV-C devices such as lamps and handheld wands have become available to the consumer market for sterilizing surfaces such as sinks, toilets, toothbrushes, keys, and cell phones. It's here.

However, germicidal lamps have not proven to be a commercially available solution for the eradication of pathogens on fomites at public contact points. Disadvantages of using germicidal lamps on high-access surfaces such as door handles and elevator buttons include, but are not limited to, lack of rapid repeatability, reduced overall life expectancy in case of repeated on and off cycles; slow start-up times to reach the peak wavelength, high heat generation, the need for additional equipment, i.e., ballasts, to operate, and leakage of mercury from defective or ruptured valves to human skin or Risk to the public in case of eye contact.

Therefore, there is a need in the field for novel pathogen decontamination methods, devices, and instruments that can rapidly and efficiently sterilize fomites at human contact points to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and the loss of millions of lives. exists.

The pathogen decontamination device has an access door that is configurable to be in an open or closed position, an opening for positioning the enclosure over or around the fomite, and an access door that opens in response to a trigger or triggering event. A drive assembly configured to include a housing including one or more ultraviolet light sources disposed inside the housing and configured to decontaminate the fomite. A pathogen decontamination device may include one or more sensors configured to detect a trigger event. The one or more sensors may include a motion detection sensor and/or a light sensor. The access door may include one or more access panels. The one or more ultraviolet light sources may produce UV-C radiation having a wavelength in the range of 200-280 nm.

This disclosure describes pathogen decontamination methods and includes, but is not limited to, door handles, washroom latches, locking bolts, gas pump handles, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, shopping cart handles, elevator control panels, public telephones, paper towel removal levers, restrooms, etc. The present invention relates to a device that is attached to a human contact point medium, including a handle and a seat, to form a chamber enclosing it. The device automatically kills nearby pathogens within seconds with ultraviolet germicidal radiation (referred to herein as "UVGI") after each interaction with a user. The UVGI dose is determined by UV-C LED semiconductor chips (herein referred to as (also called "UV-C"). The chip preferably delivers the doses at an optimal wavelength of 265 nm or alternatively via a multi-wavelength UV-C LED array to specifically target different types of pathogens. The inner components surrounding the media within the chamber are layered with a UV-C reflective material such as aluminum foil, PTFE, UV reflective paint, or any similar material known to optimize reflectance. . Once the UVGI dose is administered, the fomite is left sealed in the enclosure to prevent recontamination from airborne pathogenic microorganisms. Upon subsequent detection of the occupant's presence by the sensor technology, the drive and pulley system retracts the laminated access panel to allow interaction of the pathogen-free contact point with the fomite; Trigger termination of panel and repeated UVGI cycles.

Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims.
The following figures illustrate various features and aspects of the invention.
Like reference numbers may refer to like elements throughout the drawings and the detailed description. The drawings may not be to scale, and the relative dimensions, proportions, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, explanation, and convenience.

1 illustrates an elevational front view of an example pathogen decontamination chamber for human contact point fomites according to various embodiments of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 3 shows a right side elevational perspective view of a pathogen decontamination chamber consisting of battery components and a partially encased drive panel. FIG. 3 is an elevational front perspective view of the front interior including the access panel rail and obstacle sensor. FIG. 3 is an elevational rear perspective view of the base plate attached to the pathogen decontamination chamber. FIG. 3 is an exploded elevational rear view of the components contained within the upper housing assembly and base plate assembly. FIG. 3 is a front view of the base plate of the pathogen decontamination chamber including a microcontroller and an attached UV-C source. A front view of the base plate cover is shown. FIG. 6 is an exploded front view of the arrangement of the base plate cover on the base plate. FIG. 3 is a front view of a baseplate cover that combines with the baseplate to form a baseplate assembly. FIG. 3 is an exploded elevational front view of the upper housing, base plate cover, and base plate. FIG. 3 is an exploded plan view of the adjustable UV-C mounting stand component. FIG. 4 is a side view of the swivel angle in the range 15° to 90° formed by the UV-C mounting stand; FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the UV-C mounting stand tilted at a forward angle of 30°. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the UV-C stand tilted at an angle of 75°. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the UV-C mounting stand tilted at a 45° angle. FIG. 3 is an elevational front view of the UV-C mounting stand tilted at a 15° angle. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the pivoting motion caused by the UV-C mounting stand; FIG. 3 is a front close-up view of the access panel assembly. FIG. 2 is a top view of an access panel frame with integrated rails. FIG. 3 is a close-up side view of the nylon glide within the panel rail. FIG. 3 is a side view of the drive clip. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the drive clip. FIG. 3 is an external side view of the access panel support arm. FIG. 3 shows an inside side view of the access panel support arm. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the left access panel frame, panel rail, and drive rail. Figure 8A is the side cross-sectional view shown at 8A with the addition of the pulley and chain drive clip, support arm, and exploded view. 8B is a modified side cross-sectional view to show the pulley and chain in its operative position; FIG. FIG. 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of the access panel coupled to their respective rails in a closed position and locating the panel compartments when the access panel is retracted. A) in the closed position; B) 25% retracted; C) 50% retracted; D) 75% retracted; and E) fully retracted and parked in the panel compartment. shows a side cross-sectional view. FIG. 3 is a close-up rear view of the drive assembly. FIG. 7 is a close-up rear view of the upper housing assembly. Figure 3 shows a front interior view of the open pathogen decontamination chamber adjacent to the elevator control panel. Figure 3 shows a front interior view of the open pathogen decontamination chamber adjacent to the door handle. Figure 3 shows a front interior view of an open pathogen decontamination chamber adjacent to a wall-mounted toll-free telephone. Figure 3 shows a front interior view of the open pathogen decontamination chamber adjacent to the washroom divider main tightening bolts. FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram for a pathogen decontamination chamber. A) closed and sealed; B) access panel 25% retracted; C) access panel 50% retracted; D) access panel 75% retracted; E) access panel 100% retracted. Figure 3 shows a front view of the pathogen decontamination chamber parked in the panel compartment with the elevator control panel exposed. A front view of a removed recessed door handle base plate and a commercially available door handle and lock is shown. Figure 3 shows a front view of a recessed door handle base plate adjacent to a commercially available door handle and lock. FIG. 6 shows a front view of a removed door handle base plate cover and a recessed door handle base plate adjacent to a commercially available door handle and lock. Figure 3 shows a front view of a fitted door handle base plate assembly and a commercially available door handle and lock. FIG. 3 shows a front exploded perspective view of the door handle base plate assembly and the upper housing assembly projected into position adjacent to the commercial door. FIG. 2 shows a front view of a commercially available door handle pathogen decontamination chamber with an access panel housed adjacent to the commercially available door. FIG. 6 shows a front view of a removed telescoping gas pump base plate with microcontroller, UV-C, and gas pump handle. FIG. 3 shows a front view of a recessed gas pump base plate with a microcontroller and UV-C adjacent to the gas pump handle. Gas pump handle shows a front view of the removed gas pump baseplate cover and fitted baseplate adjacent to the handle. FIG. 4 shows a front view of the fitted gas pump base plate assembly and gas pump handle. FIG. 3 shows a front exploded perspective view of the upper housing assembly projected adjacent the gas pump base plate assembly and gas pump handle. Figure 3 shows a front view of a pathogen decontamination chamber with an access panel housed adjacent to a gas pump handle. Figure 3 shows a front view of a gas pump service pedestal with a gas pump handle pathogen decontamination chamber adjacent to the gas pump. FIG. 3 is a front view of the pathogen decontamination chamber of the lavatory latch in the closed position. FIG. 3 shows an elevational perspective view of the lavatory latch pathogen decontamination chamber and brush shield. FIG. 3 is a front view of the pathogen decontamination chamber of the lavatory latch in the open position adjacent to the latch; FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of the lavatory latch pathogen decontamination chamber and battery access door. FIG. 6 shows a front view of the removed telescoping divider hasp baseplate, microcontroller, and installed UV-C. Figure 3 shows a front view of an inset partition latch base plate with a microcontroller and UV-C adjacent to the toilet latch. FIG. 6 shows a front view of the removed partition latch baseplate cover and fitted baseplate adjacent to the lavatory latch. Figure 3 shows a front view of the telescoping partition latch base plate assembly and lavatory latch. FIG. 3 is a front close-up view of the lavatory latch access panel assembly. FIG. 3 is a rear close-up view of the lavatory latch drive assembly. FIG. 3 is a rear exploded view of the components contained within the lavatory latch upper housing assembly. FIG. 7 is a rear close-up view of the upper housing assembly of the lavatory latch. FIG. 3 is a front exploded view of the top housing, base plate cover, and base plate of the bathroom latch. FIG. 3 is a front view of the pathogen decontamination chamber of the washroom door lock in the open position adjacent to the washroom latch and door; 1 is a front view of a retail point-of-sale terminal ("POS") pathogen decontamination chamber (referred to herein as a "POS chamber") and a mounting stand; FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of an open POS chamber and mounting stand. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the POS chamber and mounting stand. FIG. 2 is a front view of a POS baseboard with a microcontroller and UV-C. FIG. 3 is a front view of a POS base plate cover with a UV-C cutout. 2 is a front exploded view of a POS baseboard cover projected onto and adjacent to a POS baseboard and mounting stand; FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the POS base plate assembly and mounting stand. FIG. 3 is a front close-up view of the POS chamber access panel assembly. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the POS chamber driver assembly. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the POS chamber upper housing assembly. FIG. 3 is a front exploded view of the POS chamber upper housing assembly projected into position on the POS base plate assembly and mounting stand; FIG. 3 is a front view of a closed POS chamber. A) in the closed position; B) one access panel retracted; C) two access panels retracted; D) three access panels retracted; E) four access panels retracted; FIG. 3A is a front view of a POS chamber, F) with five access panels; and G) with six access panels. Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of a POS chamber attached to a retail register. FIG. 2 shows a front view of a shopping cart cylindrical pathogen decontamination chamber (also referred to herein as an "SC chamber") adjacent to a shopping cart. FIG. 3 is a close-up front view of the SC chamber, access sensor, and status lamp. A front view of the SC chamber base plate is shown. A top perspective view of the SC chamber base plate and UV-C is shown. FIG. 3 is an elevational side view of an SC chamber base plate cover with a UV-C cutout. FIG. 3 is an elevated front exploded perspective close-up view of the SC chamber baseplate cover projected into position on the SC chamber baseplate which together form the substructure assembly; FIG. 3 is a front exploded view of the shopping cart handle and the undercarriage assembly projected near the left and right housings of the SC chamber. Figure 3 shows a side perspective view of the constructed left housing and battery access panel. FIG. 3 is an exploded elevational side perspective view of the components including the left housing of the SC chamber. FIG. 3 is a close-up side view of the left housing and battery access panel. FIG. 3 is a side perspective exploded view of the drive hub (also referred to herein as the "hub") projected near the drive drum (also referred to herein as the "drum") of the left housing; FIG. 3 is a side close-up view of the left hub and drum assembly (also referred to herein as "H&D") in the closed position; FIG. 3 is an elevated side perspective exploded view of the components including the right housing of the SC chamber. FIG. 12 shows a side perspective view of opposing and parallel left and right housings adjacent to the cyl drive panel (also referred to herein as "cyl panel #1") in the closed position. Left hub and drum assembly in closed position and cylindrical rail group (herein collectively referred to as "cyl rail" or "rail") with projection lines showing details of rotation of the drive hub and drum components during the storage process It is a close-up side view of the A close-up side view of the nylon glide is shown. Figure 3 shows a top perspective view of a cylindrical access panel. FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of a cylindrical access panel. Bottom surface projecting the boundaries of three access panels with cylindrical drive clips (also referred to herein as "cyl drive clips") and cylindrical channel guides (also referred to herein as "cyl channel guides") A perspective exploded view is shown. A) At hub position “0” (closed); B) At hub position “1” (one panel retracted); C) At hub position “2” (two panels retracted) D) at hub position "3" (three panels retracted); and E) at hub position "4" (access panel open). A) in the closed state (hub position "0"); B) with one access panel retracted (hub position "1"); C) with two access panels retracted (hub position "2") D) Access to the sterile shopping cart handle with three access panels retracted (hub position "3"); and with all access panels retracted (hub position "4") FIG. 2 shows a panel elevation plan view of the SC chamber, allowing for.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes all combinations of one or more of the related list items. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to encompass the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The terms "comprise" and/or "comprising," as used herein, indicate the presence of the stated feature, step, operation, element, and/or component. It will be further understood that the present invention does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components and/or collections thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. . Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be construed to have meanings consistent with those meanings in the context of the art and this disclosure, and should not be interpreted as idealized or overly formal. It is further understood that nothing shall be interpreted to mean anything unless expressly so defined herein.

The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in obtaining a thorough understanding of the methods, products, and/or systems described herein. However, various variations, modifications, and equivalents to the methods, products, and/or systems described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

It will be appreciated that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed in the description of the invention. Each of these has individual advantages, and each can also be used with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Therefore, in this description, in the interest of clarity, we refrain from unnecessarily repeating all possible combinations of the individual steps. Nevertheless, this specification should be read with the understanding that such combinations are fully within the scope of the present invention.

A novel method for decontaminating inanimate objects (hereinafter referred to as "fomites") of human contact points and sealing them from airborne pathogens during use to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. and devices are discussed herein. In the present invention, examples of intermediaries include, but are not limited to, door handles, washroom latches, locking bolts, gas pump handles, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, shopping cart handles, elevator control panels, public telephones, and paper towel removal levers. , toilet handles and seats, etc. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for purposes of explanation and to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

This disclosure is to be considered as illustrative of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated in the figures or description below.

In certain embodiments, methods of sterilizing and sealing human contact point media are provided. A device including a solid skin is proximate to or attached to the fomite to form a chamber that seals the fomite from airborne pathogens. The skin includes a cutout at the front and a rear opening. The front cutout is suitably positioned in front of the contact point and sealed with one or more retractable panels, which, when retracted, allows user access to the medium. The rear part of the skin is sealed off by a base plate to which the media is attached or directly by a structure. At the end of each use, the sterilization process is completed to kill/inactivate microorganisms, and the device is then kept closed and only opened upon user detection by sensor technology to prevent airborne pathogens from being in use. Prevents adhesion to fomites.

In certain embodiments, a device (also referred to as a "device" or "chamber") is provided that is configured to decontaminate and seal a human contact point fomite from pathogens. The device includes a solid outer front skin that is positioned over and secured adjacent to or attached to the vehicle to form a sealed chamber. The skin features an opening at the front of the vehicle, which is sealed by one or more retractable panels, and another opening at the rear, which is completely or completely sealed by the base plate. partially surrounded. The interior of the chamber is coated with a UV-C reflective material such as aluminum foil, PTFE, UV reflective paint, or any similar material known to maximize UV reflectance. The interior of the chamber can also be optimally fixed or adjustable at an angle to the upper housing assembly, including the baseplate and/or retractable panel, to ensure proper coverage and the most effective placement around the media. including one or more ultraviolet-C wavelength LED semiconductor chips (hereinafter referred to as "UV-C", "UV-C source" or "chip") attached, and the interaction with the user ends Each time, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (also referred to herein as "UVGI") kills nearby pathogens within seconds. In this embodiment, UV-C preferably delivers their doses at an optimal wavelength of 265 nm. The device remains sealed after the UVGI cycle to prevent airborne pathogens from contaminating fomites between users. Upon detection of an occupant by sensor technology, the access panel is retracted, providing unobstructed access to pathogen-free fomites, and then closed after use, allowing UVGI cycles and sealing of fomites from airborne pathogens. will be carried out again.

In certain embodiments, the device is configured with a single alternative UV-C wavelength, such as far UV-C in the range 207-222 nm, instead of 265 nm, to provide specific UV-C wavelengths that can be optimally inactivated at the alternative wavelength. Pathogen(s) may be targeted. In certain embodiments, the device may be configured with a multi-wavelength UV-C array within a chamber to target different types of pathogens that are optimally inactivated at alternative wavelengths. For example, some protein-based pathogens are optimally killed at 220 nm rather than 265 nm, while other pathogens may be more sensitive to the 280 nm wavelength. In certain embodiments, the chamber of the device may be configured with ozone-producing UV-C operating at a wavelength of 185 nm, which can be employed in conjunction with non-ozone-producing UV-C or as a stand-alone sterilization method. In certain embodiments, the UV light source within the chamber can be an LED, pulsed xenon, low pressure mercury, or any other suitable light delivery format. In certain embodiments, the device may be constructed from a single freestanding housing without a back platen.

In the following, the invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments are shown. Figures 1A-17E describe embodiments of pathogen decontamination chambers for use with a wide range of human contact point fomites.

1A-1D depict front, side, and front perspective views of a pathogen decontamination chamber (also referred to herein as a "chamber" or "apparatus") 100 for human contact point fomites 115; and an elevational rear perspective view, respectively. FIG. 1A shows a front view of the exterior of pathogen decontamination chamber 100, also revealing exterior elements of upper housing assembly 101 (also referred to herein as "UHA"). Chassis 102 is the outer skin of chamber 100, with a center cutout to provide front access to media 115 and a baseplate assembly 118 (FIG. 1D) onto media 115 and at the rear of chamber 100. ) includes an open back area (FIG. 1D) to allow placement adjacent to the Chassis 102 may be constructed of plastic, aluminum, carbon fiber, fiberglass, or any other suitable material. At the rear of the cutout, access panel group 103, which includes a collection of four access panels (also referred to herein as "access panels" or "panels") for device 100, is provided with ultraviolet germicidal radiation (herein referred to as "access panels" or "panels"). The front surface of the access chamber 100 is arranged to seal the front surface of the access chamber 100 to prevent recontamination by airborne microorganisms during cycles (referred to in the literature as "UVGI" or "UVGI cycles") and when access is not required. Ru.

FIG. 1A also shows an integrated emergency handle 104 located near the bottom of the access panel 103 for raising and lowering in case of power loss or mechanical malfunction. Access sensor 106 is placed under access panel 103, recognizes the presence of a user, and initiates opening of access panel 103. Two chamber status lights 105 are located on either side of the access sensor to visually report the operational status of the system: power on, UVGI progress, malfunction, and battery status.

FIG. 1B depicts the chamber 100 with access panel #4 (also referred to herein as the "drive panel") partially retracted to expose the obstacle sensor 110, also shown in FIG. 1C. A side perspective view is shown. The right side of the chamber consists of a battery access door 107, a battery release latch 108 (also referred to herein as a "battery latch"), and a battery lock 109. In a preferred embodiment, the battery 126 is lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (Li-NMC), lithium ion (“Li-ion”), or any other persistent type that would optimize chamber operation. obtain. In certain embodiments, the device can be powered by an AC connection, wireless, solar, or any other means that provides sufficient power to operate.

FIG. 1C shows a front view of the chamber 100 with a raised (not visible) access panel 103 in the panel compartment 111, with an access panel frame 113 (herein referred to as an "AP frame") as indicated by the rectangular dashed line. ), an integrated panel rail 112 (also referred to herein as "rails" or individually "rails"), a support bridge 114, and an intermediary 115. The peripheral components of item 139 (also referred to herein as the "AP assembly") are exposed. FIG. 1C further shows an obstruction sensor that detects the presence of a user or foreign object during closure of access panel 103 and prompts chamber 100 to reverse the closure procedure and retract access panel 103 into panel compartment 111. The location of 110 has been revealed. The rear side of the chamber 100 is shown in elevation in FIG. 1D and includes a base plate assembly 118 and an example of a media 115 bounded by a rectangular dashed line.

Referring to FIG. 2, an elevated rear perspective exploded view shows the major parts 100 of the chamber contained within the upper housing assembly 101 and baseplate assembly 118. Looking diagonally from the top right to the bottom left, a rear view of the chassis 102 is illustrated. A drive assembly 122 , including a drive motor 119 , a drive shaft 120 (also referred to herein as a “shaft”), a pulley 121 , and an access panel 103 , is centered in front of the chassis 102 such that it is aligned with the access panel 103 . Attached to the opening. A u-shaped shroud 123 including a UV reflective coating 124 is secured onto the drive motor 119 and the shroud legs 123 extend to cover the sides of the drive assembly 122. The UV-C 125 is mounted adjacent to the vertical arm of the shroud and delivers UVGI doses directly to the front and/or sides of the vehicle 115 from that location. In certain embodiments, UV-C 125 may be mounted at other locations within upper housing assembly 101 to deliver optimal UVGI doses, including on the back of access panel 103 facing media 115. Battery 126 is secured to the top of shroud 123 to complete the main part of upper housing assembly 101. A baseplate cover 117 consisting of a UV-C cutout 127 is attached to the back of the upper housing assembly 101, followed by a baseplate 116 consisting of a UV-C 125 located adjacent to the microcontroller 128 and medium 115. The combined baseplate cover 117 and baseplate 116 form a baseplate assembly 118, as shown in FIG. 3D.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-D, FIGS. 3A and 3B show front views of baseplate 116 and baseplate cover 117, respectively, each separated into two halves, L and R. The right side baseplate 116-R and baseplate cover 117-R each include top and bottom interlocking male tabs 129, which are connected to the left side female tab receptacle 130 of the baseplate 116-L and baseplate cover 117-L. (collectively referred to as "interlocking tabs"). This allows the baseplate 116 and baseplate cover 117 to be mounted adjacent to the base of the medium 115 as a single combined unit forming the baseplate assembly 118, as shown in FIG. 3D. do.

Returning to FIG. 3A, baseplate 116 includes a microcontroller 128 that manages power, sensors, mechanical, and all programmable functions of chamber 100. In a preferred embodiment, the base plate 116 includes one or more UV-C LED chips 125 (hereinafter referred to as Also referred to in the literature as "UV-C", "UV-C source", or "chip"). UV-C mounting stand 131 is then mounted adjacent baseplate 116. The UV-C 125 fixed to the base plate directs the wavelength to human contact in some or all of those areas, rather than at the front, such as the door handle 155 (FIG. 15B), which receives a small proportion of surface contact. This allows for directing to the back and sides of the medium 115 to be received. In an alternative embodiment, UV-C mounting stand 131 is removed, allowing UV-C 125 to be secured directly to baseplate 116.

Continuing the reference to UV-C125 in Figure 3A, the preferred embodiment is intended for UV-C LEDs to run at exactly 265 nm, which is widely recognized as the optimum wavelength for ultraviolet sterilization. do. Although it has been demonstrated that virtually all pathogens are inactivated by UV-C125 at a wavelength of 265 nm, the optimal wavelength for some protein-based pathogens is 220 nm, while for others It is most rapidly inactivated near 280 nm. Therefore, an alternative embodiment calls for a multi-wavelength or multi-mode UV-C125 array to be placed throughout the interior of chamber 100 and delivered in a pulsed format to specifically target specific types of pathogens. .

As shown in FIG. 3B, the baseplate cover 117 includes a UV reflective material or substance 124, such as a PTFE reflector, paint, aluminum foil, or any other material or coating known to enhance UV reflectance. coated with The base plate cover 117 has a UV-C cutout 127, which is placed directly on the UV-C 125 of the base plate 116. In a preferred embodiment, the UV-C cutouts 127 are not covered, but in certain embodiments they are covered with a suitable translucent material to seal the UV-C 125, as required by the application. obtain.

A baseplate cover 117 is placed over the baseplate 116, as shown in the front exploded view of FIG. 3C, and together they form a baseplate assembly 118, as shown in FIG. 3D. Baseplate 116 and baseplate cover 117 may be constructed of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material. Although this is the preferred embodiment, alternative embodiments include a cover with a hollow core to allow placement through the integral base plate 116 and intermediary 115, a base plate 116 without a cover, a single integral base plate 116, Base plates 116 and covers, or other embodiments not described herein, etc., may be employed to achieve the desired results.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an exploded front view of upper housing assembly 101 ("UHA") projected onto baseplate cover 117 and baseplate 116 is shown in further detail. A baseplate 116 with a UV-C 125 and a microcontroller 128 is mounted adjacent to the medium 115, and a baseplate cover 117 with a UV-C cutout 127 is attached to the baseplate 116, together with A bedplate assembly 118 is formed, shown in FIG. 3D. Upper housing assembly 101 is then placed over media 115 and secured to base plate assembly 118 to enable chamber 100. In an alternative embodiment, upper housing 101 and base plate assembly 118 are preassembled, allowing chamber 100 to be attached to media 115 as one piece.

FIG. 5 shows a UV-C mounting stand 131 including a mounting base 132, a pivot plate 134, and a UV-C mounting tray 137 (also referred to herein as a "UV-C tray", "tray", or "mounting tray"). Figure 1 shows an exploded top view of the As shown by the dashed projection arrow, a pivot plate 134 is coupled to the mounting base 132 and a pivot plate screw and washer 135 is threaded through the center of the pivot plate into a threaded screw receiver 133 in the mounting base 132. The rotating plate 134 can be rotated horizontally. The UV-C tray 137 is coupled using mounting tray hinge screws 138 to pivot plate hinges 136 that are arranged parallel and opposite on each side of the pivot plate 134 so that the UV-C tray 137 pivots forward and rearward. allows for turning. Once the UV-C mounting stand 131 is secured to the base plate 116, the UV-C 125 can be positioned to deliver the UV-C dose in the optimum direction and angle to most efficiently perform its UVGI function.

6A-F illustrate the directional and angular flexibility provided by UV-C mounting stand 131. FIG. 6A shows a side view of turning angles ranging from 15° to 90° in 15° increments. Figure 6B shows a front perspective view with a 30° forward angle, Figure 6C shows a top view with a 75° slope angle, Figure 6D shows a front perspective view with a 45° slope angle, and Figure 6E shows a front perspective view with a 45° slope angle. A front perspective view is shown at an angle of 15°, and FIG. 6F shows a top view of the extent of pivoting of the mounting stand 131.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a front close-up view of an access panel assembly 139 (also referred to herein as an "AP assembly") is shown. The AP assembly 139 includes access panels (also referred to herein as "access panels") 103, panel rails 112, and parallel and includes support bridges 114 arranged oppositely to form left and right side AP assemblies 139.

FIG. 8A shows a plan view of the access panel frame 113, panel rail 112, and support bridge 114 arranged in parallel, left and right, and oppositely arranged positions. Referring to the access panel frame 113, as shown in FIG. A panel rail 112 is present. The fourth rail of this four-panel embodiment is an opening formed between the base of the access panel frame 113, identified as the support bridge 114, and the lower end of the third incorporated panel rail.

In addition to the panel rails 112 that are identified as a group of parts, each individual panel rail is evident in FIG. 8A, individually ranging from rails #1 to 4 in this four-panel embodiment. Considering the left side view from the top rail to the bottom rail (shown from left to right), rail #1 of this four-panel configuration runs from its panel compartment 111 position to the opening of chamber 100. Move to cover the first 25%. Rail 144 #2 covers 25-50% of the opening of chamber 100. Rail 145 #3 covers 50-75% of the opening. Rail 145 #4 (also referred to herein as the "drive rail") is formed between the base of access panel frame 113, identified as support bridge 114, and the lower end of panel rail 145 #3. This is an opening and covers 75 to 100% (bottom) of the opening of the chamber 100, completing the closing and sealing of the chamber 100.

9A and 9B show top and side views, respectively, of drive clip 141. A drive clip 141 couples to (or is optionally molded into) the outer right and left portions of the drive panel 151, and its annular fork portions couple to a drive chain 147 that connects the drive panel 151 to its respective move in the direction. The flat base of the drive clip 141 travels over the protruding edge of the AP frame 113 (referred to herein as a support bridge 114) and abuts against the panel support arm 142 during storage so that the respective panel 103 Ensure synchronization and stability are maintained.

9C and 9D are elevational side and close-up views, respectively, of support arms 142 attached to (or optionally molded into) the outer left and right sides of each individual access panel in AP group 103. shows. The base of support arm 142 moves laterally along support bridge 114 to stabilize and maintain synchronization of access panel 103. During storage, the support arms 142 are pushed in by the drive clips as they are moved, stacked, and parked in the panel compartments 111.

10A-10C show side cross-sectional views of left access panel frame 113, panel rail 112, and support bridge 114 (supported by the view of mounting panel 103 in FIG. 11). FIG. 10A reveals rail 143 #1 as the top rail and serving as a side support for access panel 148 #1 (FIG. 11), as also noted in the plan view of FIG. 8A. This, in turn, is responsible for sealing off the top 25% of the chamber 100 when the panel 103 is completely closed. #2 of rail 144 is adjacent to #2 of access panel 149 (FIG. 11) and seals 25-50% of the opening of chamber 100, and #3 of rail 145 is adjacent to #3 of access panel 150 (FIG. 11). 11) and is 50-75% sealed, and #4 of rail 146 (drive rail) is adjacent to #4 of access panel 151 (also referred to herein as the "drive panel") (FIG. 11). Adjacent and 75-100% sealed. FIG. 10B increases detail from 10A by adding a perspective view of support arms 142 and drive clips 141 extending from their respective panels to support bridge 114. Additionally, FIG. 10B shows an exploded view of the pulley 121 and drive chain location 147 relative to the access panel frame 113. FIG. 10C completes this view by placing pulley 121 and drive chain 147 in position for this embodiment. This view is reflected on the right side of the chamber.

FIG. 11 includes an AP frame 113, a support bridge 114, a rail 112, and an access panel 103, with the access panel 103 in the closed position and each panel connected to its own panel rail 112 (as shown in FIG. 10A). FIG. 13 shows a side cross-sectional close-up view of the access panel assembly 139 (previously shown). Viewing the view of FIG. 11 from right to left, panel #1 of panel 148 seals off the top 25% of the front of chamber 100, followed by panel #2 of panel 149, #3 of panel 150, and panel #1 of panel 151. #4 (also referred to herein as the "drive panel") seals off the remainder of the chamber 100 in 25% increments in this four panel embodiment. Once stowed, the panels 103 are stacked one on top of the other and "parked" in the panel compartment 111 for installation of the chamber 100 outside the media 115 coverage area, as clearly shown in FIG. 12E. Reduce area. In this embodiment, pulleys 121 are located at each end of AP frame 113 and drive chain 147 loops around the top and bottom of support bridge 114.

Referring now to the operation of the AP assembly 139 in more detail, FIGS. 12A-E illustrate side cross-sectional close-up views of five-stage panel storage in a four-panel embodiment. FIG. 12A shows access panel 103 in the closed position. Panel #4 (driving panel) of panel 151 is placed at the bottom of access panel 103, and as it is retracted, begins to push #3 of access panel 150, as shown in FIG. 12B. As panel 150 #3 continues to be retracted by drive panel 151, it captures panel 149 #2, as shown in FIG. 12C. Drive panel 151, access panel #3 of access panel 150, and access panel #2 of access panel 149 continue to retract synchronously as they connect with panel #1 of panel 148 (shown in FIG. 12D, but in this figure all access panels 103 are stacked on top of each other). The chain 147 continues to house the drive panel 151 and attaches it to #2 of the panel 149, all of which are in the panel compartment 111 (the panel compartment area is delimited by the vertical dashed line in FIGS. 12A-E). #1 of panel 148 is captured as shown in FIG. 12E until it is received within the rails 143, 144, 145, 146 of

FIG. 13 shows drive motor 119, drive shaft 120, pulley 121, chain 147, access panel frame 113, rail 112, support bridge 114, APs 148, 149, 150, 151 #1-4 (individually referred to in this figure). ), a support arm 142 , a drive panel 151 , a drive clip 141 , a channel guide 153 , a guide clip 152 , a panel section 111 , and a UV reflective coating 124 . . Upon activation of drive motor 119, drive shaft 120 and pulley 121 begin to move chain 147 and attached drive clip 141, which in turn initiates movement of drive panel 151. Two opposingly disposed guide clips 152 are attached to (or incorporated into) the horizontal leading edge of the drive panel 151 and then to the access panel 103, respectively, with the protruding tips of the guide clips 152 adjacent. It is fitted into the channel guide 153. During storage, the two guide clips 152 on the drive panel 151 move vertically within the channel guide 153 of #3 of the access panel 150 and begin to push it in the direction of #2 of the access panel 149. Guide clip 152 on #3 of access panel 150 and then move each access panel within their adjacent channel guides 153 to move adjacent panels until access panel 103 is parked within panel compartment 111. Push in the appropriate direction. Access panel 103 is stabilized and synchronized during movement by the base of drive clip 141 that slides along and is supported by support arm 142 and support bridge 114. In alternative embodiments, the drive assembly 122 may consist of any mechanism that can raise or lower the access panel, including, but not limited to, belts, springs, magnets, and hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical linear actuators.

FIG. 14 shows a rear close-up view of the interior of upper housing assembly 101. FIG. The parts shown in this figure are chassis 102, battery 126, panel compartment 111, UV-C 125, UV-C mounting stand 131, support arm 142, channel guide 153, guide clip 152, drive clip 141, emergency handle 104. , an obstacle sensor 110, an access panel 103, and a UV reflective surface 124 (not visible).

15A-D show front perspective views of pathogen decontamination chamber 100 with retracted access panel 103 showing examples of positioning of different agents 115 within the chamber. FIG. 15A shows the pathogen decontamination chamber 100 adjacent to the elevator control panel 154. FIG. 15B shows chamber 100 adjacent to an internal vertical bar door handle 155, such as those used in theaters and auditoriums. FIG. 15C shows chamber 100 adjacent to a wall-mounted toll-free telephone 156, such as those in airports and hotels. FIG. 15D shows the chamber 100 adjacent the lavatory tightening bolt handle 157.

FIG. 16 shows a flow diagram 158 illustrating one operation of the pathogen decontamination chamber 100 for use with a human contact point fomite 115. In standby mode, the access sensor 106 monitors the presence of a user, the definition of which varies depending on the application. In certain embodiments, a user may be defined as any person within a certain distance, i.e., 6 feet, of chamber 100, while in certain other embodiments, a user may be defined as any person within a certain distance, i.e., 6 feet, of chamber 100; While in yet other embodiments, the user may be defined as someone who has placed their hand within a certain range, i.e., 6 inches; may be defined as anyone within chamber 100 who has other similar methods or equipment defined as: If an occupant is detected, the access panel 103 is retracted and left open for a programmed period of time or until the sensor 106 no longer detects any obstructions, or a combination of both. If the closure criteria are met, the access panel 103 starts closing and stops closing only in case of an obstruction or a newly defined occupant, in which case the access panel 103 starts retracting again. Once the device 100 is sealed, the UVGI cycle begins. If a user is detected while the cycle is in progress, the cycle is stopped and the access panel 103 is opened. Once the UVGI cycle is complete, the access panel 103 remains closed to prevent recontamination by airborne pathogens, and the device 100 remains in a standby state until the presence of an occupant is detected. .

17A-E illustrate front perspective views of pathogen decontamination chamber 100 showing five levels of panel storage, using elevator control panel 154 as an example of fomite 115. 17A shows chamber 100 closed and sealed, FIG. 17B shows chamber 100 with panel 151 (drive panel) #4 housed, FIG. 17C shows chamber 100 50% open, and FIG. 17D shows chamber 100 75% open, and FIG. 17E shows open chamber 100 exposing sterile, germ-free elevator control panel 154.

Referring to an alternative embodiment, FIGS. 18A-20B illustrate a commercially available door handle and lock pathogen decontamination chamber 200 (also referred to herein as a "DHL chamber"). This embodiment is unchanged from FIG. 1A (pathogen decontamination chamber) of the present invention, apart from the configuration of the base plate 116 and base plate cover 117. The illustrations of the invention are therefore limited to the modifications and resulting embodiments of the invention.

As shown in the front of FIGS. 18A-D, the door handle and lock baseplate assembly 203 (also referred to herein as a "DHL baseplate assembly") in this embodiment It has a form-fitting cutout, in this case a commercially available door handle and lock 204, to fit the door handle and lock 204. FIG. 18A includes a microcontroller 128, a UV-C 125, and a UV-C mounting stand 131 made to fit adjacent to the base of the handle and lock 203 using male 129 and female 130 interlocking tabs. The left and right sides of a two-part door handle and lock baseplate (also referred to herein as a "DHL baseplate"), 201-L, 201-R, are shown. The resulting integrated DHL base plate 201 is shown in FIG. 18B. FIG. 18C shows a snap-in door handle and lock baseplate cover (herein referred to as "DHL baseplate cover") that includes a UV reflective coating 124 and a UV-C cutout 127 made to snap into the DHL baseplate 201. Figure 18D shows the resulting DHL baseplate assembly 203, with UV reflective coating 124 applied to the door handle and lock 204. It is fitted adjacent to it.

FIG. 19A shows an exploded front view of the upper housing assembly 101 projected in position adjacent to the DHL bedplate assembly 203, plus the DHL bedplate assembly inserted adjacent and inserted from FIG. 18D. 205 shows a distal front perspective view of a commercially available door 205 with 203, handle, and lock 204. FIG. FIG. 19B shows a front perspective view of the DHL pathogen decontamination chamber 200 attached to a commercially available door 205 with the access panel 103 open to expose the adjacent door handle and lock 204.

Referring now to another embodiment, FIGS. 20A-21C illustrate a gas pump handle pathogen decontamination chamber (also referred to herein as a "GP chamber"). This embodiment is unchanged from the FIG. 1A (Pathogen Decontamination Chamber) embodiment of the invention, apart from the configuration of the base plate 116 and base plate cover 117. This figure is therefore limited to illustrations of the modifications and resulting embodiments of the invention.

As shown in the front view of FIGS. 20A-D, the gas pump baseplate assembly 303 (also referred to herein as a "GP baseplate assembly") in this embodiment conforms to the contours of the media 115. The gas pump handle 304 has a shape-fitting cutout, in this case a gas pump handle 304 (also referred to herein as a "GP handle" or "gas pump"). FIG. 20A shows a microcontroller 128, UV-C 125, and UV-C made to fit adjacent to the base of the gas pump handle 304 and retractable hose well 305 using male 129 and female 130 interlocking tabs. The left and right sides, 301-L, 301-R, of a two-part gas pump baseplate (also referred to herein as a “GP baseplate”) including a mounting stand 131 are shown. The resulting integrated GP baseplate 301 is shown in FIG. 20B adjacent to the GP handle 304 and retractable hosewell 305. FIG. 20C shows removed left and right snap-on gas pump baseplate covers 302-L, 302-R including UV reflective coating 124 and UV-C cutouts 127 made to snap onto GP baseplate 301. (also referred to herein as a "GP baseplate cover"), FIG. A base plate assembly 303 is shown.

FIG. 21A shows an exploded front view of the upper housing assembly 101 projected in position adjacent to the gas pump handle 304, plus an adjacent inlaid GP baseplate with UV reflective coating 124 with insert view from FIG. 20D. A distal front perspective view of gas pump handle 304 and retractable hosewell 305 with assembly 303 is shown. FIG. 21B shows a front perspective view of the GP pathogen decontamination chamber 300 with the panel 103 opened to expose the adjacent gas pump handle 304 and retractable hosewell 305. FIG. 21C shows an example of a gas pump handle pathogen decontamination chamber 300 in a closed position adjacent to a gas pump handle 304 within a gas station service pedestal 306.

Referring now to another embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 22A-D each illustrate a single panel in an embodiment of a lavatory latch pathogen decontamination chamber 400 (also referred to herein as an "RS chamber"). Figure 2 shows a front closed view, a side perspective view, a front open view, and a top perspective view of the pathogen decontamination chamber. As shown in FIG. 22A, the front of the RS chamber includes a lavatory drive panel 412 (access panel) (also referred to herein as the "RS drive panel"), an emergency handle 104, an access sensor 106, and an access sensor 106. includes four system status lights 105 on the right side, and a divider latch 406 protrudes from the side.

As shown in FIG. 22B, the elevational perspective view shows the latch doorway 404 on the side of the RS chamber 400 in addition to an exploded view of the brush shield 405 projected in a position adjacent to the latch doorway 404. Brush shield 405 constitutes latch doorway 404 and seals latch doorway 404 while having a degree of freedom to allow outward movement of partition latch 406 (also referred to herein as "latch"). Consists of multiple layers of dense but flexible fibers. The inward facing fibers of the brush shield 405 are layered with a UV reflective coating 124 to promote UV reflectivity, while the outward facing layers prevent light from escaping from the interior of the RS chamber 400. It is sufficiently detailed. In certain other embodiments, brush shield 405 may be constructed of any material or substance that continues to seal latch doorway 404 while moving latch 406 laterally. In certain other embodiments, RS chamber 400 may not include brush shield 405.

FIG. 22C shows a front view of the RS chamber 400 with the drive panel 412 housed in the panel compartment 111 to allow user access to the latch 406, with an obstruction located proximate to the bottom of the RS chamber 400. Sensor 110 is revealed. An elevated top perspective view of the RS chamber 400 can be seen in FIG. 22D, showing the battery access door 107, the battery release latch 108 (also referred to herein as the "battery latch"), and the battery lock 109 (also referred to herein as the "battery latch"). (also known as a "safety lock").

As shown in the front view of FIGS. 23A-D, the lavatory latch baseplate assembly 403 (also referred to herein as the "RS baseplate assembly") is configured to conform to the contours of the media 115. It has a form-fitting cutout, in this case a washroom latch 406 (also referred to herein as a "partition latch"). FIG. 23A consists of a microcontroller 128, a UV-C 125, and a UV-C mounting stand 131 made to fit adjacent the base of the divider latch 406 using male 129 and female 130 interlocking tabs. The left and right sides of a two-part washroom latch baseplate 401 (also referred to herein as an "RS baseplate") are shown. The obtained integrated RS base plate 401 is shown in FIG. 23B. FIG. 23C shows a two-part washroom latch baseplate cover that includes a UV-C cutout 127 and a UV reflective coating 124 projected onto the RS baseplate 401 and adjacent to the divider latch 406. 402 (also referred to herein as "RS baseplate cover"), FIG. 23D shows the resulting RS baseplate assembly with UV reflective coating 124 fitted into partition latch 406 403 is shown.

Referring now to FIG. 24, a front close-up view of the lavatory latch access panel assembly 413 (also referred to herein as the "RS access panel assembly") is shown. In contrast to previous multi-panel embodiments that also included rails for the second panel, RS access panel assembly 413 includes access panel frame 113, support bridge 114, and RS drive panel 412. The functionality remains the same as the previous embodiment. Access sensor 106, status light 105, obstacle sensor 110, and emergency handle 104 are also shown.

FIG. 25 shows the drive motor 119, drive shaft 120, pulley 121, drive chain 147, access panel frame 113, support bridge 114, drive clip 141, channel guide 153, guide clip 152, obstacle sensor 110, RS drive panel 412, FIG. 4 shows a rear close-up view of a lavatory latch drive assembly 410 (also referred to herein as an "RS drive assembly") including the emergency handle 104 and the emergency handle 104. The functionality is the same as 1A of the present invention.

FIG. 26 shows a washroom partition chassis 409 (also referred to herein as the "RS chassis") that includes a UV reflective coating 124, an RS drive assembly 410 that includes a UV reflective coating 124, and a shroud 123 that includes a UV reflective coating. , UV-C 125, and a battery 126 that includes a UV reflective coating 124. FIG. The functionality remains consistent with FIG. 1A of the present invention, however, the physical structure is different as it is a single panel embodiment excluding additional panels, panel rails, and associated support components.

FIG. 27 shows a visual view including the RS chassis 409, shroud 123, battery 126, UV-C 125, UV reflective coating 124, RS drive panel 412, channel guide 153, guide clip 152, obstacle sensor 110, and emergency handle 104. Figure 3 shows a rear view of the RS UHA408 with possible parts.

FIG. 28 shows a front exploded elevational view of the RS baseplate 401, RS baseplate cover 402, and RS UHA 408 projected into position adjacent to the lavatory latch 406.

FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of the washroom partition door 411, partition latch 406, and partition latch receiver 407 with the adjacent RS chamber 400 with the RS drive panel 412 opened to allow access to the partition latch 406. shows.

Referring now to additional embodiments of the present invention, FIGS. 30A-36 illustrate a retail cashier stand-alone point of sale (POS) terminal pathogen decontamination chamber 500 (hereinafter referred to as (also referred to as a "POS chamber").

30A-C show a front closed view, a front open view, and a rear perspective view, respectively, of a POS chamber adjacent to a POS mounting stand. The stand can be permanently fixed to a fixed object, such as a table or counter, with fasteners or adhesive, or it can be moved without being attached, if desired, depending on the application and environment. In this embodiment, the front of the POS chamber includes a chassis 502, an access sensor 106, a status light 105, an obstacle sensor 110, a POS stand 506, and a group of six panel access panels (also referred to herein as "access panels"). ) 524 to minimize the vertical footprint of the device as shown in FIGS. 30A-B. The rear perspective view of FIG. 30C shows the direct AC electrical output connections 509 for the POS chamber. Alternate embodiments may include a battery 126 power source for environments where AC wiring is not available. The POS chamber can be constructed of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material.

31A-B, FIG. 31A shows a POS baseplate 503 including baseplate 503, microcontroller 128, integrated POS mounting plate surface 507, UV-C 125, and UV-C mounting stand 131. A front view is shown. The depth of the POS base plate 503 allows for the installation of a POS terminal 510 (Fig. 35G), and the upwardly sloping bottom edge with the UV-C 125 and UV-C mounting stand 131 attached to its surface directs light to the POS terminal 510 (Fig. 35G). 35G) surface. In an alternative embodiment, the UV-C 125 can be placed directly on the surface of the baseplate 503 without the UV-C mounting stand 131. In another embodiment, UV-C 125 can be placed on the back of access panel 524. FIG. 31B shows a front view of POS baseboard cover 504 including UV-C cutout 127, UV reflective surface 124, and POS stand mounting plate 508.

FIG. 32A shows a mounting stand projected onto and adjacent to a POS baseplate 503 that includes a UV-C cutout 127 and a microcontroller 128, a UV-C 125, and an integrated POS mounting plate surface 507. A front exploded view of a POS baseplate cover 504 including a plate 508 is shown. As shown in FIG. 32B, the combination of the POS base plate 503 and the POS base plate cover 504 forms a POS base plate assembly 505. As shown in FIG. 32B, POS mounting stand plate 508 is attached to POS stand 506. In an alternative embodiment, the POS baseplate assembly 505 may function as a standalone assembly without the use of a POS stand 506 or external mounting equipment.

FIG. 33A shows an access panel frame 113 (also referred to herein as an "AP frame"), a POS panel rail 512 (also referred to herein as a "POS rail"), and a support POS access panel group 514 (herein referred to as "POS access panel FIG. 5 shows a front view of a POS access panel assembly 515 (also referred to herein as a "POS AP assembly") that makes up a POS access panel assembly 515 (also referred to herein as a "POS AP assembly"). POS AP assembly 515 includes relatively equivalent parts, and apart from the number of access panels 514 (6 to 4) and the number of rails 515 for supporting access panels 514 (5 to 3), It shares the same functional operation as the description given for the access panel assembly 139 shown in FIGS. 1A and 7 of the invention.

FIG. 33B shows the drive motor 119, drive shaft 120, pulley 121, chain 147, access panel frame 113, POS rail 512, support bridge 114, POS access panel 514, support arm 142, POS drive panel 513, drive clip 141, channel A rear close-up view of a POS drive assembly 516 including guide 153, guide clip 152, panel section 111, emergency handle 104, and UV reflective coating 124 is shown.

Still referring to the POS drive assembly 516 shown in FIG. 33B, upon actuation of the drive motor 119, the drive shaft 120 and pulley 121 begin to move the chain 147 and attached drive clip 141, which in turn: The movement of the POS drive panel 513 is started. Two opposingly disposed guide clips 152 are each attached to (or incorporated into) a POS drive panel 513 at the horizontal leading edge and then a POS access panel 514 such that the protruding tips of the guide clips 152 It is fitted into the adjacent channel guide 153. During storage, the two guide clips 152 on the drive panel 513 begin to move vertically within the channel guide 153 of the adjacent POS access panel 514 and push it toward the next adjacent POS access panel 514. The guide clips 152 on each POS access panel 514 move within their adjacent channel guides 153 to direct the adjacent access panel 514 in the proper orientation until the POS access panel 514 is parked within the panel compartment 111. push. POS access panel 514 is stabilized and synchronized during movement by the base of drive clip 141 that slides along and is supported by support arm 142 and support bridge 114. The POS drive assembly 516 shown in FIG. 33B includes relatively equivalent parts, apart from the number of access panels 514, rails 512, and their supporting components, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 13 of the present invention. share the same functional behavior as the detailed description of

FIG. 33C shows a rear close-up view of a POS upper housing assembly 501 (also referred to herein as "POS UHA") including an adjacent POS terminal 510, indicated by a dashed rectangle. The parts shown in this figure are POS chassis 502, optional battery 126, panel compartment 111, UV-C 125, UV-C mounting stand 131, support arm 142, channel guide 153, guide clip 152, drive clip 141, Includes emergency handle 104, obstacle sensor 110, POS access panel 514 (including drive panel 513), and UV reflective surface 124 (not visible). The POS UHA 501 shown in FIG. 33C includes relatively equivalent parts and, apart from the number of access panels 514, rails 512, and their supporting components, the detailed description of FIGS. 1A and 14 of the present invention. share the same functional behavior.

FIG. 34A shows a front exploded view of the POS UHA 501 projected onto and adjacent to the POS baseplate assembly 505, and the resulting front perspective view of the POS chamber 500 is shown in FIG. 34B. There is.

35A-G show front views of seven access panel positions of the POS chamber 500, starting with the POS terminal closed and sealed in FIG. 35A and ending with the fully available POS terminal 510 in FIG. 35G.

FIG. 36 shows a front perspective example of the POS chamber 500 adjacent to the retail register 511.

Referring now to additional embodiments of the invention, FIGS. 37A-47E illustrate a cylindrical pathogen eradication chamber 600. In a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical chamber 600 collects pathogens from elongated and horizontally displaced fomites 115, i.e., push-type door handles (e.g., panic bars, crash bars, horizontal push bars), shopping cart handles, etc. used to remove. In an alternative embodiment, the cylindrical pathogen decontamination chamber 600 may be oriented vertically or diagonally above the fomite 115 to serve the cylindrical chamber 600 better than a linear chamber.

Referring now to the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 37A-47E, a cylindrical pathogen decontamination chamber for a shopping cart handle 600 (also referred to herein as an "SC chamber") is shown. FIG. 37A provides an example of a front view of SC chamber 600 adjacent shopping cart 609. FIG. 37B shows the cylindrical access panel group 604 (also referred to herein as a "cyl panel" or "access panel"), left housing 605, right housing 606, access sensor 106, status light 105, and undercarriage assembly. 603 shows a front view of SC chamber 600 removed from shopping cart 609 with front facing parts including 603.

38A-B show a front view and an elevation front perspective view, respectively, of a cylindrical bedplate 601 (also referred to herein as a "cyl bedplate") of an SC chamber 600. As shown in FIG. 38B, the cyl baseplate 601 includes a UVC 125 positioned in close proximity to the top back surface of the slope to deliver UVGI directly in the direction of the shopping cart handle 610 (FIG. 40A). In a preferred embodiment, the UV-C 125 is incorporated or affixed to UV adhesive strips 611, which are pre-wired to power the UV-C 125. Alternative embodiments include incorporating the UVC 125 directly into the surface during the manufacturing process by, but not limited to, adhering directly to the surface, attaching to the cyl baseplate 601 with a UV-C mounting stand 131, or any other suitable method. Including getting. In another embodiment, UV-C 125 may be affixed directly to one or more of cyl panels 604.

FIG. 39A shows a cylindrical bedplate cover 602 including a UV reflective surface 124 made of UV reflective paint, TPFE, aluminum foil or any other substance/material proven to optimize UV reflectance. FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of a "cyl bedplate cover" (also referred to herein as a "cyl bedplate cover"). The cyl baseplate cover 602 also includes a UV-C cutout 612 that covers the UV-C 125 from the cyl baseplate 601 to allow light to be delivered to the shopping cart handle 610 ( FIG. 40A), and at the same time prevent unauthorized changes by the user.

FIG. 39B shows an elevated front exploded perspective view of the cyl bedplate cover 602 projected and installed onto the cyl bedplate 601 to form the substructure assembly 603 of the SC chamber 600. Cyl baseplate 601 and cyl baseplate cover 602 can be manufactured from metal, plastic, or any other suitable material.

Shopping cart handle 610 is flanked on both sides by parallel boxes identified as left housing 605 and right housing 606, as shown in the exploded front view of FIG. 40A. Left housing 605 (also referred to herein as the "drive housing") contains the functional output, electrical, and power components of SC chamber 600, including access sensor 106 and status light 105. The right housing 606 (also referred to herein as the "driven housing") serves as a receptacle for the right cyl access panel 604 (FIG. 44B). Still referring to FIG. 40A, the exploded view is centered between and adjacent to left housing 605 and right housing 606 and is projected relative to its location on chamber 600 below shopping cart handle 610. The undercarriage assembly 603 is shown.

FIG. 40B shows a side view of left housing 605 including battery access door 107, battery latch 108, and safety lock 109. Both left housing 605 and right housing 606 can be constructed from metal, plastic, or any other suitable material that can provide the necessary strength, stiffness, and durability to optimize operation of chamber 600.

FIG. 41A shows a left housing chassis 607, a microcontroller 128, a battery 126, a cylindrical drive motor 613 (also referred to herein as a "cyl motor" or "motor"), a drive shaft 615, a motor support 614, and a drive hub. 616 (also referred to herein as the "hub"), a driven drum 617 (also referred to herein as the "drum"), and an end cap 618, shown in a side perspective exploded view of parts of the left housing 605 . Hub 616 connects directly to cyl motor 613 and drive shaft 615 and rotates clockwise to accommodate cyl access panels 604 in a stacked array and provide access to shopping cart handle 610, as shown in FIG. 41A. and rotate counterclockwise to close and seal chamber 600. Drum 617, in contrast, functions as a stationary component and therefore does not rotate.

The open oval central portion of end cap 618 is placed around the end of drum 617 to secure it in place and then attached to left chassis 607 to seal left housing 605. An assembled view of the left housing 605 in hub position "0" (closed) 635 is shown in FIG. 41B.

FIG. 42A shows a front close-up exploded view of the left hub 616 projected into its position within the center portion of the left drum 617. The two integral parts form a left hub and drum assembly 621 (also referred to herein as a "left H&D assembly"), as shown in FIG. 42B. A cyl rail 630 supporting cyl panel 604 is also shown in FIG. 42B. Additional details regarding the interface between hub 616, drum 617, and cyl access panel 604 are provided in FIGS. 44A-48E.

More particularly, with further reference to FIG. 37A of the present invention, a right housing 606 including a right chassis 608, a free spinning hub 619, a drive shaft 615, a free spinning hub support 620, a right H&D assembly 622, and an end cap 618. A side perspective exploded view is shown in FIG. 43A. The right housing 606, as previously stated, is a "driven housing"; it is subordinate to the left housing 605 in that it has no power or control functions within the SC chamber 600. The right chassis 608 is further differentiated from the left chassis 607 by having less internal area due to the absence of the microcontroller 128 and battery 126 from the chassis 608, as previously shown in FIG. 40A. Alternative embodiments include, but are not limited to, electric H&D assemblies in both the left and right housings 621, 622 powered by single or multiple cyl drive motors 613 and by single or multiple batteries 126. obtain.

Further, referring to FIG. 43A, the right housing 606 includes a free spinning hub 619 and a coupled drive shaft 615 that is actuated through movement of components within the opposing left housing 605. The drum 617 is secured in a rest position overlapping the free spinning hub 619 in the right chassis 608 when the end cap 618 is inserted into the chassis 608 to close the right housing assembly 606.

FIG. 43B shows left chassis 607 (shown with side removed) coupled to cyl panel 631 #1 (also referred to herein as the "drive panel") coupled to right housing 606 in the closed position. and a side perspective view of the left H&D assembly 621 (other internal parts removed for visibility).

FIG. 44A shows a side close-up view of the left H&D assembly 621 in hub position "0" 635 (closed). The left hub 616, when viewed from the right side (inside) of the left chassis 608, rotates clockwise to move the cyl access panels 604 above each other, as indicated by the directional arrows in the left H&D assembly 621 of FIG. 44A. Stored in a stacked format. In the hub position "zero" 635 (closed position), cyl panel 631 #1 (drive panel as shown in FIG. 47A) is inserted into the slot at the 8-10 o'clock position on the hub 616, as shown in FIG. 44A. cyl rail 626 #1 (also referred to herein as the "drive rail"). The built-in rails within drum 617 each include built-in nylon glides 140, shown in FIG. 44B, to facilitate freedom of movement and prevent friction during movement of cyl panel 604. Alternative embodiments include, but are not limited to, ball bearings or similar attachments, surface coatings, materials, or any other suitable solution for the cyl panel 604 that promotes freedom of movement and reduces friction. cyl rail 630. In another embodiment, cyl panel 604 may be constructed from any material that facilitates freedom of movement and reduces friction between cyl rails 630 without the use of additional components.

45A-B show top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the cylindrical access panel 604 with cyl panel 631 #1 in the left view of FIGS. 45A-45B and 45C. The bottom view of FIG. 45B shows a cylindrical drive clip 623 (also referred to herein as a “cyl drive clip” or “drive clip”) and aluminum foil, UV reflective paint, TPFE, or UV- A UV reflective coating 124 is shown, such as any other substance/material that optimizes the reflectance of C light. All interior areas within the undercarriage assembly 603 and the access panel 604 of the SC chamber 600 are coated with UV reflective materials/substances 124, as are all media-facing components in various embodiments of the present invention. coated. FIG. 45C shows a bottom exploded view of three access panels 604, an example of their boundaries with projected arrows indicating the placement of each access panel 604 in the array. Describing FIG. 45C in more detail from left to right, the left panel is an example of cyl panel 631 #1 (drive panel), showing the panel with cyl drive clip 623 but without channel guide 624. The cyl drive clip 623 shown at the top and bottom of the figure is oriented vertically and within the recessed barrel of the channel guide 624 of #3 (middle panel) of the adjacent cyl panel 633, as illustrated by the arrow. allow them to be fitted into the Channel guide 624 has a rigid end at each end that pushes or pulls the panel depending on the direction of panel movement by cyl drive clips 623 attached to adjacent panels. Cyl panel #3 (center panel) consists of channel guide 624 and cyl drive clip 623. The cyl drive clip 623 from the center panel fits into the parallel and oppositely located ridges of the channel guides 624 in the right panel of FIG. 45C, referred to as cyl panel 634 #4 (exit panel). The right panel serves as an exit panel, as evidenced by the fact that it is comprised of a channel guide 624 that allows it to be pushed and pulled during storage and closure by the action of the cyl drive clip 623 of the immediately preceding panel. As characterized, it does not consist of its own drive clip 623 because as the last panel in the array it is moved by itself but does not move any other panel 604.

46A-E and 47A-E further detail the operation of cyl access panel 604 and their interface with H&D assembly 621. 46A-E show side close-up views of the left H&D 621 assembly showing five stages of panel stowage, and FIGS. 47A-E show the four-panel SC chamber 600 embodiment stowed throughout the five-stage stowage process. A top perspective view of a corresponding cyl panel 604 is shown.

Referring to FIG. 46A, the hub 616 and drum 617 slots are at hub position "0" 635 (closed) in the left housing 605 (reflected on the right). Identifying cyl rails 630 by number, #1 of cyl rail 626 corresponds to #1 of cyl panel 631 shown in FIG. 47A). Cyl rail 626 #1 includes a fixed width slot to which cyl panel 631 #1 (drive panel) connects and rotates synchronously with hub 616. Continuing clockwise rotation, the stationary drum 617 will move cyl rail #2, cyl rail #3, and cyl rail 628 as seen in FIG. 629 #4 included. Each of the three rails on the drum 617 in this embodiment includes an integrated rail with a nylon glide 149 (FIG. 44B) that continues throughout the rotating area and terminates in a cyl panel section 625. A corresponding view of the SC chamber 600 in this position is shown in FIG. 47A.

FIG. 46B shows hub position 636 #1, where hub 616 has been rotated clockwise to position below cyl rail 627 #2, as indicated by the dashed line alignment. The corresponding position of cyl panel 604 within SC chamber 600 in this position is shown in Figure 47B.

FIG. 46C shows hub position 637 #2, in which hub 616 rotates to a position below cyl rail 628 #3, entraining cyl rail 627 #2 with it, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 46C. Three laminated panels were formed as shown by the alignment of . The corresponding position of cyl panel 604 within SC chamber 600 in this position is shown in Figure 47C.

FIG. 46D shows hub position 638 #3, where hub 616 is rotated to a position below cyl rail 629 #4 and brings panels in cyl rails 627 #2 and 628 #3 together. , thereby forming four laminated panels. The corresponding position of cyl panel 604 within SC chamber 600 in this position is shown in FIG. 47D, with cyl panel 604 shown as being 75% open. Hub position 639 #4 is the final stage of the panel stowage process, as shown in Figure 46E. At this stage, hub 616 rotated to the innermost position within cyl panel section 625, bringing together cyl panel 604 with attached cyl rails #2 of 627, #3 of 628, and #4 of 629. The corresponding position of the cyl panel 604 within the SC chamber 600 in this position is shown in FIG. 47E, with the cyl access panel 604 100% retracted and reciprocally inserted into the cyl panel compartment 625, as shown in FIG. 47E. Indicates that they are laminated.

Referring in more detail to FIGS. 47A-E, they show top perspective views of the five-stage panel storage of the SC chamber 600. FIG. 47A shows a fully closed and sealed SC chamber 600, revealing a separate cyl panel 604. Viewing FIG. 47A from left to right, cyl panel 631 #1 serves as a drive panel, which is coupled to hub 616 as shown in FIG. 46A; followed by cyl panel 632 #2, Cyl panel 633 #3 and cyl panel 634 #4 are connected from left to right in this order and are attached to their dedicated rails on drum 617, as shown in FIG. 46A.

FIG. 47B shows cyl panel 631 #1 stowed beneath cyl panel 632 #2, exposing 25% of shopping cart handle 610. #1 of panel 631 now positions drive clip 623 adjacent the rear wall of channel guide 624 of #2 of cyl panel 632 such that rotation of #1 of cyl panel 631 causes #2 of cyl panel 632 to rotate. under #3 of cyl panel 633 to expose 50% of shopping cart handle 610, as shown in Figure 47C. As #1 of cyl panel 631 rotates and continues to press #2 of cyl panel 632, drive clip 623 of #2 of cyl panel 632 moves #3 of cyl panel 633 under #4 of cyl panel 634. to expose 75% of the shopping cart handle 610, as shown in FIG. 47D. At the final stage of storage, #1 of cyl panel 631 pushes #2 of cyl panel 632, and as #2 of cyl panel 632 pushes #3 of cyl panel 633, #3 of cyl panel 633 is driven. Clip 623 forces #4 of cyl panel 634 into cylindrical panel section 625, and all four panels are stacked together, as shown in Figure 47E. The steps guided by cyl panel #1 are repeated to close the panel and seal the chamber.

As used herein, the term "enclosure" is generally as described above and generally includes or may include a chamber or a chassis having one or more sides. The enclosure can be of various geometries and is generally completely free of media except for a door or access panel and an opening to accommodate the media if it is attached to something else. Seal it tightly. For example, a door handle connected to a door, or a gas pump handle connected to a gas pump, etc. In some embodiments, the housing may be a three-dimensional rectangular shape with six sides. In some embodiments, the housing may be, but not limited to, cubic, rectangular prism, spherical, conical, and/or cylindrical in shape. The enclosure may be airtight and/or watertight when the door or access panel is closed.

In some embodiments, sensors as used herein may include obstacle sensors, motion sensors or detectors, optical sensors, acoustic sensors, and/or thermal or infrared sensors. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the sensor can detect the presence of a user and then automatically initiate opening of a door or access panel of the housing or chamber. Such systems allow users to access media without contacting doors or access panels.

A trigger or trigger event is an event or trigger that opens an access door, typically detected by a sensor. That is, a user approaching the fomite may open a door or access panel of the enclosure and activate a sensor that allows access to the fomite. Accordingly, a trigger event may be an event detected by a sensor as described above. For example, in a washroom environment, motion or light sensors can be used to detect trigger events and the presence of an occupant (for flushing a toilet in a washroom stall, or turning a fixture faucet on and off). (as is done in routine work). In the case of a door handle, the trigger event may be a user approaching the door detected by a motion or light sensor, or approaching a door or access panel. Nevertheless, the present disclosure is not limited to the use of sensors; the trigger can also be generated by mechanical means, such as a foot pedal.

An access door is typically a door or panel built into or integral with the housing that can be opened to provide access to the interior of the housing. The door may be opened by any conventional means, for example by swinging open, sliding opening, accordion access door or panel opening. The size of the door or panel will necessarily vary according to the size of the medium and the access required to utilize the medium. For example, in the case of a door handle, the opening needs to be large enough to accommodate the door handle and to accommodate the hand of the user opening the door. For retail point-of-sale terminals, there must be an opening large enough for the user to use the retail point-of-sale terminal. Thus, in some embodiments, the size of the door or access panel will be at least large enough to accommodate the user's hand.

A door in the open position is any position that is not fully closed. A door in the closed position typically means that the door is completely closed to seal or protect the medium from the outside environment. In some embodiments, the door may be airtight, watertight, and may include a transparent or see-through material, such as plastic polycarbonate, glass, or any other see-through material. In other embodiments, the door or access panel may include metal or plastic or composite and may be light-tight.

A housing surrounding the vehicle usually means that the housing or chamber completely encloses the vehicle. In some embodiments, the housing surrounds the medium and provides an airtight or semi-airtight housing through which air flow cannot readily pass from the exterior to the interior of the housing.

The UV light source is described above and can be any UV light source capable of operating in the UV-C range. UV light sources are typically capable of producing sufficient UV light intensity or power to kill germs, bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens. The power of the UV light can range from 2,000 to 8,000 μW·s/cm ² . Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, see Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultraviolet_germicidal_irradiation), last revised: February 20, 2021. This document is incorporated herein by reference.

As mentioned above, the UV light source may preferably be an LED array capable of providing UV light at one or more frequency ranges optimized for killing germs, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. For example, a UV array may produce 265 nm, 220 nm, and/or 280 nm light. In other embodiments, the UV array may produce light at 220 nm, 225 nm, 230 nm, 235 nm, 240 nm, 245 nm, 250 nm, 255 nm, 260 nm, 265 nm, 270 nm, 275 nm, and/or 280 nm.

Decontamination as the term is used herein generally refers to the destruction or neutralization of bacteria or viruses. In some embodiments, a 99% reduction in bacteria or viruses is achieved in 5 seconds or less. In some embodiments, a 99% reduction in bacteria or viruses is achieved in 3 seconds or less. In some embodiments, 99% reduction of bacteria or viruses is achieved in 1 second. In some embodiments, 99.9% reduction of bacteria or viruses is achieved in 5 seconds or less. In some embodiments, a 99.9% reduction of bacteria or viruses is achieved in 3 seconds or less. In some embodiments, a 99.9% reduction of bacteria or viruses is achieved in 1 second. In some embodiments, the virus is SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-1 or a variant, including an alpha or delta variant. In some embodiments, a 99.9% reduction of SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-1 or variants, including α or δ variants, is achieved in 1 second.

The decontamination can be any relevant pathogen, bacterium, or virus, but is preferably a pathogen such as a virus, bacterium, protozoa, prion, viroid, or fungus that can cause disease in mammals, including humans. In one preferred embodiment, the pathogen may be SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-1 or a mutant including an alpha or delta variant. See, for example, Pathogen, Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathogen), last edited 8 July 2021. This document is incorporated herein by reference.

Mounting stands are typically used to mount a UV light source inside a housing or chamber. The mounting stand may be movable and may be able to direct the dose of UV light in different directions or at different angles within the housing. Attaching or coupling the ultraviolet light source to the mounting stand may be accomplished by any conventional means, including mechanical connections, screws, rivets, etc., or using adhesives.

A microprocessor as used herein generally may include any computer processor in which data processing logic and control are contained in a single integrated circuit or a small number of integrated circuits. Microprocessors are typically clocked, register-based, general-purpose digital integrated circuits that accept binary data as input, process it according to instructions stored in memory, and then provide the results as output. The microprocessor contemplated herein can manage sensors, drive systems for opening doors or access panels, UV light sources, and even power sources, including battery output.

Although this disclosure includes particular embodiments, it is intended that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and equivalents thereof. , will become apparent after understanding what has been accomplished with the disclosure of the present application.

EXAMPLES Example 1 - COVID-19 Experiment SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. To date, the current COVID-19 pandemic has been responsible for more than 4.55 million deaths worldwide, more than 645,000 of which were in the United States.
Crystal IS (Green Island, NY) is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company that manufactures Klaran UVC LEDs and systems. IS, together with the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory (NEIDL) at Boston University, USA, will study how SARS-CoV-2 responds to ultraviolet light (260nm-270nm) and different doses across the radiation range of Klaran UVC LEDs. We started research to understand this. Experiments were performed using an array of Klaran WD series UVC LEDs at a distance of 7 cm from the test surface.

An array of Klaran UVC LEDs was used to illuminate a dry plastic surface containing SARS-CoV-2 at a distance of 7 cm.
The results show the log reduction achieved by exposing the virus to a UVC intensity of 1.25 mW/ ^cm2 for different times. A UVC dose of 6.25 mJ/ ^cm2 resulted in 99.9% virus reduction (Table 1 below).

The test was repeated using a dose of 5 mJ/cm ² from LEDs of different peak wavelengths at both ends of the Klaran LED wavelength specification (260 nm and 270 nm). The results show similar effectiveness across the wavelength range tested (Table 2 below). Comparison of these results with those published by the University of Miyazaki (which uses UVC LED radiation at 280 nm) clearly shows a significant decrease in effectiveness at wavelengths above 270 nm (Inagaki et al. (2020) Rapid activation of SARS-CoV-2 with deep-UV LED irradiation, Emerging Microbes & Infections, 9(1): 1744-1747).

Conclusion SARS-CoV-2 is a relatively weak virus and can be inactivated by low doses of UVC light. SARS-CoV-2 can be effectively inactivated in a matter of seconds by exposure to low doses of UVC light in the basic germicidal range. Furthermore, the UVC wavelength is important. The results published by the University of Miyazaki (which used UVC LED radiation at 280 nm) imply a significant decrease in effectiveness at wavelengths above 270 nm. Klaran UVC LEDs emit UVC light in the wavelength range of 260 nm to 270 nm, a wavelength range that can achieve complete virus inactivation in a matter of seconds.

Example 2 - MicroLumix Product Analysis and COVID-19
A simulation of the effectiveness of pathogen decontamination equipment was performed by Crystal IS in accordance with embodiments of the present invention against SARS-CoV-2. For the door handle, the minimum average intensity on the entire surface including the rear surface of the handle was >6.25 mW/ ^cm2 . According to the results of Example 1, this allows a 99.9% reduction in SARS-CoV-2 in 1 second.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/075,040, filed on September 4, 2020. The entire contents of this provisional application are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention belongs to the technical field of infectious disease prevention. More specifically, the present invention is in the technical field of infectious disease prevention by decontaminating pathogenic microorganisms near human contact points using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation.

Infectious diseases are often caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that are transmitted directly or indirectly from person to person. Since pathogenic bacteria thrive in warm environments of 95-100°F, the human skin temperature of 98.6°F provides an optimal carrier platform for these microorganisms to survive and multiply. In fact, clinical trials have shown that some bacteria double every 20 minutes, forming millions of bacteria in just 8 hours.

Although not all pathogens cause disease, all infectious diseases are caused by pathogens. The four major types of pathogens that cause human disease include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The study found that 20% of people do not wash their hands after using the bathroom, and 30% of those who wash their hands do not use soap. In total, there are between 2 and 10 million pathogens present between a person's fingertips and elbow at any given time. Whenever an individual comes into contact with an inanimate object at a human touchpoint, such as a commercial door handle, a restroom stall latch, a credit card payment terminal, or a gas pump handle, pathogens are transferred to the fomite. The process of indirectly moving to the next user is started.

As 80% of infectious diseases are transmitted by hands, the rapid spread of pathogenic microorganisms through public contact points is a key factor in several global health pandemics, including SARS and, most recently, COVID-19. It has become. These events had a major impact on the global economy and led to millions of morbidities and deaths.

Current methods employed to solve this problem include manual cleaning, antimicrobial substances to prepare and/or coat the fomite, automatic and user-initiated mechanical disinfection devices, and ultraviolet sterilization. irradiation (UVGI). Although each of these methods is useful, their effectiveness is relatively small in high-access areas due to problems such as rapid recontamination and long decontamination cycles.

Manual cleaning requires the use of disinfectants, disinfectants, and sterilizers, each type of product designed to achieve a different result, to clean and disinfect surfaces of fomites. . Disinfectants prevent bacterial growth and/or kill bacteria in 30 seconds to 5 minutes, but viruses do not. Disinfectants act as disinfectants against bacteria, some viruses, and fungi, and typically achieve results in 10 minutes. Sterilizers are the most powerful cleaning agents and, when used properly, kill 100% of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, typically in a sterilization time of 10 to 15 minutes, but this may vary depending on the specific use. will vary depending on the agent being sterilized, the environment in which it is applied, and the composition of the material being sterilized.

In addition to health risks to cleanup workers and environmental hazards, the effectiveness of a cleaning agent depends on the application process and the surface of the material to which it is applied. As previously mentioned, cleaning agents are typically specifically required to remain wet for 5 to 15 minutes to achieve 100% reduction of pathogenic microorganisms. This time requirement is often ignored due to lack of user training, worker productivity demands, and demands for rapid restitution of user access to the media.

In addition, cleanup workers should note that most cleaning agents are formulated for specific surface types, regardless of whether the vehicle is composed of porous or non-porous materials, which reduces sterilization efficacy. , often using the same agent to cleanse all fomites. Hospital research also showed that some pathogens "killed" by cleaning products can be regenerated into living microorganisms in as little as two hours, in a process known as photoreactivation. Finally, even if the fomite is properly sterilized, it remains only until recontaminated by airborne bacteria or interaction with the next user.

Antimicrobial substances have been used both as existing vehicle materials and as surface coatings. More recently, copper and its alloys (brass, bronze, cupronickel, copper-nickel-zinc, etc.) have been shown to be natural antimicrobial substances with unique properties that destroy a wide range of microorganisms. One disadvantage for the use of copper on public touch points is that studies have shown that when combined with a regular cleaning schedule, it takes just two hours to kill 99.9% of germs. It takes up to 6 hours to kill 99.9% of the virus.

The use of antimicrobial membranes and photodynamic polymer coatings have also been discussed as possible solutions. One problem with these solutions is the time required to sensitize the material. In the case of photodynamic polymers, which require only oxygen and natural light, this process requires 60 minutes to achieve a 1 log antimicrobial reduction.

There are three major problems that prevent antimicrobial substances and coatings from being a suitable solution for preventing the transmission of infectious diseases from fomites at human contact points. First, during the long time required to achieve 99.9% inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms, millions of additional microorganisms from new users can be deposited onto the fomite, causing The aim is to eliminate the possibility that objects will be disinfected during periods of heavy use. Second, their effectiveness varies depending on the pathogens they fight. Some are only effective against bacteria or viruses, but not both. Among those that have been shown to be able to kill both bacteria and viruses, many of them are unable to kill other types of pathogenic microorganisms such as fungi, spores, and/or parasites. On the other hand, none of these substances were shown to be equally effective against all microorganisms. Finally, the cost and implementation time to replace and coat all public media makes this option undesirable and impractical.

Mechanical sterilization options for fomites at human contact points include chemicals in the form of disinfectants, disinfectants, or sterilizers, or germicidal light-activated ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (as used herein) to kill pathogenic microorganisms. , UVGI). Chemical-based devices typically have a housing filled with a purification product that is mounted near the media and applied to the target surface via a user-actuated lever or via the triggering action of an automated sensor. have User-actuated models present problems at the outset, as pathogens are transmitted from each user's hands to the lever, which accumulates with each use of the device.

Automated sensor-activated devices solve the user interface problem, but other significant problems remain, especially in combating human touch point pathogen contamination in public places. First, chemicals typically require up to 15 minutes for optimal efficacy in killing pathogenic microorganisms, which often prevents interaction with subsequent users of frequently accessed fomites. It's not the right time to eliminate the infection before. Second, chemical residues, even though effective in killing pathogens on fomites, pose new health risks. The reason is that it is distributed into the hands of subsequent users. Finally, chemical residues around the distribution area pose a potential for slip and fall injuries.

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) has been validated as a sterilization method in medical and surgical settings since the 1950s. Wavelengths between 200 and 280 nm are classified as UV-C light and have the strongest germicidal effect. Exposure to UV-C destroys the DNA of pathogens, rendering them unable to reproduce. Until relatively recently, the primary method of producing germicidal light was to use mercury-filled tubes. These are commonly known as germicidal lamps and are similar in appearance to standard fluorescent lamps. Although the production of light that peaks at 253.7 nm is effective in killing pathogenic microorganisms, it is not optimal. The reason is that 265 nm has been shown to be the most effective wavelength against a wide range of bacteria and viruses.

The use of UV-C light to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms is a globally recognized solution and is widely used in medical environments, including sterilization in equipment, equipment, surgical and patient rooms, and HVAC systems. ing. It is also commonly used to treat air, water, and surfaces in a variety of industries and sectors, including, but not limited to, water purification plants, food production and packaging, and warehousing. In recent years, small user-activated UV-C devices such as lamps and handheld wands have become available to the consumer market for sterilizing surfaces such as sinks, toilets, toothbrushes, keys, and cell phones. It's here.

However, germicidal lamps have not proven to be a commercially available solution for the eradication of pathogens on fomites at public contact points. Disadvantages of using germicidal lamps on high-access surfaces such as door handles and elevator buttons include, but are not limited to, lack of rapid repeatability, reduced overall life expectancy in case of repeated on and off cycles; slow start-up times to reach the peak wavelength, high heat generation, the need for additional equipment, i.e., ballasts, to operate, and leakage of mercury from defective or ruptured valves to human skin or Risk to the public in case of eye contact.

Therefore, there is a need in the field for novel pathogen decontamination methods, devices, and instruments that can rapidly and efficiently sterilize fomites at human contact points to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and the loss of millions of lives. exists.

The pathogen decontamination device has an access door that is configurable to be in an open or closed position, an opening for positioning the enclosure over or around the fomite, and an access door that opens in response to a trigger or triggering event. A drive assembly configured to include a housing including one or more ultraviolet light sources disposed inside the housing and configured to decontaminate the fomite. A pathogen decontamination device may include one or more sensors configured to detect a trigger event. The one or more sensors may include a motion detection sensor and/or a light sensor. The access door may include one or more access panels. The one or more ultraviolet light sources may produce UV-C radiation having a wavelength in the range of 200-280 nm.

The present disclosure describes pathogen decontamination methods and includes, but is not limited to, door handles, washroom latches, locking bolts, gas pump handles, point of sale (POS) terminals, automated teller machines, shopping cart handles, elevator control panels, public telephones. , relates to devices that attach to and form enclosing chambers of human contact point media, including paper towel removal levers, toilet handles, seats, and the like. The device automatically kills nearby pathogens within seconds with ultraviolet germicidal radiation (referred to herein as "UVGI") after each interaction with a user. The UVGI dose is determined by UV-C LED semiconductor chips (herein referred to as (also called "UV-C"). The chip preferably delivers the doses at an optimal wavelength of 265 nm or alternatively via a multi-wavelength UV-C LED array to specifically target different types of pathogens. The inner components surrounding the media within the chamber are layered with a UV-C reflective material such as aluminum foil, PTFE, UV reflective paint, or any similar material known to optimize reflectance. . Once the UVGI dose is administered, the fomite is left sealed in the enclosure to prevent recontamination from airborne pathogenic microorganisms. Upon subsequent detection of the occupant's presence by the sensor technology, the drive and pulley system retracts the laminated access panel to allow interaction of the pathogen-free contact point with the fomite; Trigger termination of panel and repeated UVGI cycles.

The present disclosure also relates to pathogen decontamination systems that include a fomite-containing product, wherein any pathogen decontamination device described herein is configured to be integrated into the fomite-containing product. . In certain embodiments, the product containing the intermediary may be a door, a restroom stall, a lock bolt, a gas pump, a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, an automated teller machine, a shopping cart, an elevator, a public telephone, a paper towel dispenser, Including computer keyboard, or toilet.

Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims.
The following figures illustrate various features and aspects of the invention. Like reference numbers may refer to like elements throughout the drawings and the detailed description. The drawings may not be to scale, and the relative dimensions, proportions, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, explanation, and convenience.

1 illustrates an elevational front view of an example pathogen decontamination chamber for human contact point fomites according to various embodiments of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 3 shows a right side elevational perspective view of a pathogen decontamination chamber consisting of battery components and a partially encased drive panel. FIG. 3 is an elevational front perspective view of the interior of the front surface including the access panel rail and obstacle sensor. FIG. 3 is an elevational rear perspective view of the base plate attached to the pathogen decontamination chamber. FIG. 3 is an exploded elevational rear view of the components contained within the upper housing assembly and baseplate assembly. FIG. 3 is a front view of the base plate of the pathogen decontamination chamber including a microcontroller and an attached UV-C source. A front view of the base plate cover is shown. FIG. 6 is an exploded front view of the arrangement of the base plate cover on the base plate. FIG. 3 is a front view of a baseplate cover that combines with the baseplate to form a baseplate assembly. FIG. 3 is an exploded elevational front view of the upper housing, base plate cover, and base plate. FIG. 3 is an exploded plan view of the adjustable UV-C mounting stand component. FIG. 4 is a side view of the swivel angle in the range 15° to 90° formed by the UV-C mounting stand; FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the UV-C mounting stand tilted at a forward angle of 30°. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the UV-C stand tilted at an angle of 75°. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the UV-C mounting stand tilted at a 45° angle. FIG. 3 is an elevational front view of the UV-C mounting stand tilted at a 15° angle. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the pivoting motion caused by the UV-C mounting stand; FIG. 3 is a front close-up view of the access panel assembly. FIG. 2 is a top view of an access panel frame with recessed rails. FIG. 3 is a close-up side view of the nylon glide within the panel rail. FIG. 3 is a side view of the drive clip. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the drive clip. FIG. 3 is an external side view of the access panel support arm. FIG. 3 shows an inside side view of the access panel support arm. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the left access panel frame, panel rail, and drive rail. Figure 8A is the side cross-sectional view shown at 8A with the addition of the pulley and chain drive clip, support arm, and exploded view. 8B is a modified side cross-sectional view to show the pulley and chain in its operative position; FIG. FIG. 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of the access panel coupled to their respective rails in a closed position and locating the panel compartments when the access panel is retracted. Figure 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of the access panel group in the closed position. A side cross-sectional view of a 25% retracted access panel group is shown. A side cross-sectional view of the access panel group 50% retracted is shown. A side cross-sectional view of a 75% retracted access panel group is shown. FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of the access panels fully stowed and parked in the panel compartment. FIG. 3 is a close-up rear view of the drive assembly. FIG. 7 is a close-up rear view of the upper housing assembly. Figure 3 shows a front interior view of the open pathogen decontamination chamber near the elevator control panel. Figure 3 shows a front interior view of the open pathogen decontamination chamber near the door handle. Figure 3 shows a front interior view of an open pathogen decontamination chamber near a wall-mounted toll-free telephone. A front interior view of the open pathogen decontamination chamber near the lavatory divider main tightening bolts is shown. FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram for a pathogen decontamination chamber. FIG. 2 is a front view of a closed and sealed pathogen decontamination chamber. FIG. 3 is a front view of the pathogen decontamination chamber with the access panel 25% filled. FIG. 3 is a front view of the pathogen decontamination chamber with the access panel 50% filled. FIG. 3 is a front view of the pathogen decontamination chamber with the access panel 75% filled. FIG. 3 shows a front view of the pathogen decontamination chamber with the access panel 100% retracted and parked in the panel compartment, exposing the elevator control panel. A front view of a removed recessed door handle base plate and a commercially available door handle and lock is shown. Figure 3 shows a front view of a recessed door handle base plate adjacent to a commercially available door handle and lock. FIG. 6 shows a front view of a removed door handle base plate cover and a recessed door handle base plate adjacent to a commercially available door handle and lock. Figure 3 shows a front view of a fitted door handle base plate assembly and a commercially available door handle and lock. FIG. 3 shows a front exploded perspective view of the door handle base plate assembly and the upper housing assembly projected into position adjacent to the commercial door. FIG. 2 shows a front view of a commercially available door handle pathogen decontamination chamber with an access panel housed adjacent to the commercially available door. FIG. 6 shows a front view of a removed telescoping gas pump base plate with microcontroller, UV-C, and gas pump handle. FIG. 3 shows a front view of a recessed gas pump base plate with a microcontroller and UV-C adjacent to the gas pump handle. Gas pump handle shows a front view of the removed gas pump baseplate cover and fitted baseplate adjacent to the handle. FIG. 4 shows a front view of the fitted gas pump base plate assembly and gas pump handle. FIG. 3 shows a front exploded perspective view of the upper housing assembly projected adjacent the gas pump base plate assembly and gas pump handle. Figure 3 shows a front view of a pathogen decontamination chamber with an access panel housed adjacent to a gas pump handle. Figure 3 shows a front view of a gas pump service pedestal with a gas pump handle pathogen decontamination chamber adjacent to the gas pump. FIG. 3 is a front view of the pathogen decontamination chamber of the lavatory latch in the closed position. FIG. 3 shows an elevational perspective view of the lavatory latch pathogen decontamination chamber and brush shield. FIG. 3 is a front view of the pathogen decontamination chamber of the lavatory latch in the open position adjacent to the latch; FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of the lavatory latch pathogen decontamination chamber and battery access door. FIG. 6 shows a front view of the removed telescoping divider hasp baseplate, microcontroller, and installed UV-C. Figure 3 shows a front view of an inset partition latch base plate with a microcontroller and UV-C adjacent to the toilet latch. FIG. 6 shows a front view of the removed partition latch baseplate cover and fitted baseplate adjacent to the lavatory latch. Figure 3 shows a front view of the telescoping partition latch base plate assembly and lavatory latch. FIG. 3 is a front close-up view of the lavatory latch access panel assembly. FIG. 3 is a rear close-up view of the lavatory latch drive assembly. FIG. 3 is a rear exploded view of the components contained within the lavatory latch upper housing assembly. FIG. 7 is a rear close-up view of the upper housing assembly of the lavatory latch. FIG. 3 is a front exploded view of the top housing, base plate cover, and base plate of the bathroom latch. FIG. 3 is a front view of the pathogen decontamination chamber of the washroom door lock in the open position adjacent to the washroom latch and door; 1 is a front view of a retail point-of-sale terminal ("POS") pathogen decontamination chamber (referred to herein as a "POS chamber") and a mounting stand; FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of an open POS chamber and mounting stand. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the POS chamber and mounting stand. FIG. 2 is a front view of a POS baseboard with a microcontroller and UV-C. FIG. 3 is a front view of a POS base plate cover with a UV-C cutout. FIG. 3 is a front exploded view of the POS baseplate cover projected onto and adjacent to the POS baseplate and mounting stand; FIG. 3 is a front view of the POS base plate assembly and mounting stand. FIG. 3 is a front close-up view of the POS chamber access panel assembly. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the POS chamber driver assembly. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the POS chamber upper housing assembly. 2 is a front exploded view of the POS chamber upper housing assembly projected into position on the POS baseplate assembly and mounting stand; FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of a closed POS chamber. FIG. 3 is a front view of the POS chamber in the closed position. FIG. 2 is a front view of a POS chamber containing one access panel. FIG. 2 is a front view of a POS chamber containing two access panels. FIG. 2 is a front view of a POS chamber containing three access panels. FIG. 2 is a front view of a POS chamber containing four access panels. FIG. 2 is a front view of a POS chamber containing five access panels. FIG. 2 is a front view of a POS chamber containing six access panels. Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of a POS chamber attached to a retail register. FIG. 2 shows a front view of a shopping cart cylindrical pathogen decontamination chamber (also referred to herein as an "SC chamber") adjacent to a shopping cart. FIG. 3 is a close-up front view of the SC chamber, access sensor, and status lamp. A front view of the SC chamber base plate is shown. A top perspective view of the SC chamber base plate and UV-C is shown. FIG. 3 is an elevational side view of an SC chamber base plate cover with a UV-C cutout. FIG. 3 is an elevated front exploded perspective close-up view of the SC chamber baseplate cover projected into position on the SC chamber baseplate that together form the substructure assembly; FIG. 3 is a front exploded view of the undercarriage assembly projected adjacent to the left and right housings of the shopping cart handle and SC chamber. Figure 3 shows a side perspective view of the constructed left housing and battery access panel. FIG. 3 is an exploded elevational side perspective view of the components including the left housing of the SC chamber. FIG. 3 is a close-up side view of the left housing and battery access panel. FIG. 3 is a side perspective exploded view of the drive hub (also referred to herein as the "hub") projected near the drive drum (also referred to herein as the "drum") of the left housing; FIG. 3 is a side close-up view of the left hub and drum assembly (also referred to herein as "H&D") in the closed position; FIG. 3 is an elevated side perspective exploded view of the components including the right housing of the SC chamber. FIG. 11 shows a side perspective view of opposing, parallel left and right housings adjacent to the cyl drive panel (also referred to herein as "cyl panel #1") in the closed position. Left hub and drum assembly in closed position and cylindrical rail group (herein collectively referred to as "cyl rail" or "rail") with projection lines showing details of rotation of the drive hub and drum parts during the retraction process It is a close-up side view of the A close-up side view of the nylon glide is shown. Figure 3 shows a top perspective view of a cylindrical access panel. FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of a cylindrical access panel. a bottom surface projecting the boundaries of three access panels with cylindrical drive clips (also referred to herein as "cyl drive clips") and cylindrical channel guides (also referred to herein as "cyl channel guides"); A perspective exploded view is shown. FIG. 4 shows a side close-up view of the left hub and drum assembly in hub position "0" (closed). A side close-up view of the left hub and drum assembly in hub position "1" (one panel stowed) is shown. FIG. 6 shows a side close-up view of the left hub and drum assembly in hub position "2" (two panels stowed). A side close-up view of the left hub and drum assembly in hub position "3" (three panels stowed) is shown. A close-up side view of the left hub and drum assembly in hub position "4" (access panel open) is shown. A) Shows an elevation plan view of the panel of the SC chamber in the closed state (hub position "0"). FIG. 3 shows an elevational plan view of a panel of the SC chamber with one access panel retracted (hub position "1"). FIG. 6 shows an elevational plan view of the panels of the SC chamber with two access panels stowed (hub position “2”). FIG. 3 shows an elevational plan view of the panels of the SC chamber with three access panels stowed (hub position "3"). FIG. 6 shows an elevational plan view of the panel of the SC chamber with all access panels retracted (hub position "4"), allowing access to the sterile shopping cart handle.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes all combinations of one or more of the related list items. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to encompass the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The terms "comprise" and/or "comprising," as used herein, indicate the presence of the stated feature, step, operation, element, and/or component. It will be further understood that the present invention does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components and/or collections thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. . Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be construed to have meanings consistent with those meanings in the context of the art and this disclosure, and should not be interpreted as idealized or overly formal. It is further understood that nothing shall be interpreted to mean anything unless expressly so defined herein.

The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in obtaining a thorough understanding of the methods, products, and/or systems described herein. However, various variations, modifications, and equivalents to the methods, products, and/or systems described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

It will be appreciated that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed in the description of the invention. Each of these has individual advantages, and each can also be used with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Therefore, in this description, in the interest of clarity, we refrain from unnecessarily repeating all possible combinations of the individual steps. Nevertheless, this specification should be read with the understanding that such combinations are fully within the scope of the present invention.

A novel method for decontaminating inanimate objects (hereinafter referred to as "fomites") of human contact points and sealing them from airborne pathogens during use to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. and devices are discussed herein. In the present invention, examples of intermediaries include, but are not limited to, door handles, washroom latches, lock bolts, gas pump handles, point of sale (POS) terminals, automated teller machines, shopping cart handles, elevator control panels, Examples include public telephones, paper towel release levers, toilet handles and seats, etc. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for purposes of explanation and to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

This disclosure is to be considered as illustrative of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated in the figures or description below.

In certain embodiments, methods of sterilizing and sealing human contact point media are provided. A device including a solid skin is proximate to or attached to the fomite to form a chamber that seals the fomite from airborne pathogens. The skin includes a cutout at the front and a rear opening. The front cutout is suitably positioned in front of the contact point and sealed with one or more retractable panels, which, when retracted, allows user access to the medium. The rear part of the skin is sealed off by a base plate to which the media is attached or directly by a structure. At the end of each use, the sterilization process is completed to kill/inactivate microorganisms, and the device is then kept closed and only opened upon user detection by sensor technology to prevent airborne pathogens from being in use. Prevents adhesion to fomites.

In certain embodiments, a device (also referred to as a "device" or "chamber") is provided that is configured to decontaminate and seal a human contact point fomite from pathogens. The device includes a solid outer front skin that is positioned over and secured adjacent to or attached to the vehicle to form a sealed chamber. The skin features an opening at the front of the vehicle, which is sealed by one or more retractable panels, and another opening at the rear, which is completely or completely sealed by the base plate. partially surrounded. The interior of the chamber is coated with a UV-C reflective material such as aluminum foil, PTFE, UV reflective paint, or any similar material known to maximize UV reflectance. The interior of the chamber can also be optimally fixed or adjustable at an angle to the upper housing assembly, including the baseplate and/or retractable panel, to ensure proper coverage and the most effective placement around the media. including one or more ultraviolet-C wavelength LED semiconductor chips (hereinafter referred to as "UV-C", "UV-C source" or "chip") attached, and the interaction with the user ends Each time, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (also referred to herein as "UVGI") kills nearby pathogens within seconds. In this embodiment, UV-C preferably delivers their doses at an optimal wavelength of 265 nm. The device remains sealed after the UVGI cycle to prevent airborne pathogens from contaminating fomites between users. Upon detection of an occupant by sensor technology, the access panel is retracted, providing unobstructed access to pathogen-free fomites, and then closed after use, allowing UVGI cycles and sealing of fomites from airborne pathogens. will be carried out again.

In certain embodiments, the device is configured with a single alternative UV-C wavelength, such as far UV-C in the range 207-222 nm, instead of 265 nm, to provide specific UV-C wavelengths that can be optimally inactivated at the alternative wavelength. Pathogen(s) may be targeted. In certain embodiments, the device may be configured with a multi-wavelength UV-C array within a chamber to target different types of pathogens that are optimally inactivated at alternative wavelengths. For example, some protein-based pathogens are optimally killed at 220 nm rather than 265 nm, while other pathogens may be more sensitive to the 280 nm wavelength. In certain embodiments, the chamber of the device may be configured with ozone-producing UV-C operating at a wavelength of 185 nm, which can be employed in conjunction with non-ozone-producing UV-C or as a stand-alone sterilization method. In certain embodiments, the UV light source within the chamber can be an LED, pulsed xenon, low pressure mercury, or any other suitable light delivery format. In certain embodiments, the device may be constructed from a single freestanding housing without a back platen.

Certain embodiments also provide a pathogen decontamination system that includes any pathogen decontamination device described herein configured to be integrated into a vehicle-containing device or product. In the present invention, examples of appliances or products containing intermediaries include, but are not limited to, doors, toilet cubicles, main bolts, gas pumps, point of sale (POS) terminals, automatic teller machines, shopping carts, elevators, Examples include public telephones, paper towel dispensers, computer keyboards, and restrooms.

In the following, the invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments are shown. Figures 1A-17E describe embodiments of pathogen decontamination chambers for use with a wide range of human contact point fomites.

1A-1D depict front, side, and front perspective views of a pathogen decontamination chamber (also referred to herein as a "chamber" or "apparatus") 100 for human contact point fomites 115; and an elevational rear perspective view, respectively. FIG. 1A shows a front view of the exterior of pathogen decontamination chamber 100, also revealing exterior elements of upper housing assembly 101 (also referred to herein as "UHA"). Chassis 102 is the outer skin of chamber 100, with a center cutout to provide front access to media 115 and a baseplate assembly 118 (FIG. 1D) onto media 115 and at the rear of chamber 100. ) includes an open back area (FIG. 1D) to allow placement adjacent to the Chassis 102 may be constructed of plastic, aluminum, carbon fiber, fiberglass, or any other suitable material. At the rear of the cutout, access panel group 103, which includes a collection of four access panels (also referred to herein as "access panels" or "panels") for device 100, is provided with ultraviolet germicidal radiation (herein referred to as "access panels" or "panels"). The front surface of the access chamber 100 is arranged to seal the front surface of the access chamber 100 to prevent recontamination by airborne microorganisms during cycles (referred to in the literature as "UVGI" or "UVGI cycles") and when access is not required. Ru.

FIG. 1A also shows an integrated emergency handle 104 located near the bottom of the access panel 103 for raising and lowering in case of power loss or mechanical malfunction. Access sensor 106 is placed under access panel 103, recognizes the presence of a user, and initiates opening of access panel 103. Two chamber status lights 105 are located on either side of the access sensor to visually report the operational status of the system: power on, UVGI progress, malfunction, and battery status.

FIG. 1B depicts the chamber 100 with access panel #4 (also referred to herein as the "drive panel") partially retracted to expose the obstacle sensor 110, also shown in FIG. 1C. A side perspective view is shown. The right side of the chamber consists of a battery access door 107, a battery release latch 108 (also referred to herein as a "battery latch"), and a battery lock 109. In a preferred embodiment, the battery 126 is lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (Li-NMC), lithium ion (“Li-ion”), or any other persistent type that would optimize chamber operation. obtain. In certain embodiments, the device can be powered by an AC connection, wireless, solar, or any other means that provides sufficient power to operate.

FIG. 1C shows a front view of the chamber 100 with a raised (not visible) access panel 103 in the panel compartment 111, with an access panel frame 113 (herein referred to as an "AP frame") as indicated by the rectangular dashed line. ), an integrated panel rail 112 (also referred to herein as "rails" or individually "rails"), a support bridge 114, and an intermediary 115. The peripheral components of item 139 (also referred to herein as the "AP assembly") are exposed. FIG. 1C further shows an obstruction sensor that detects the presence of a user or foreign object during closure of access panel 103 and prompts chamber 100 to reverse the closure procedure and retract access panel 103 into panel compartment 111. The location of 110 has been revealed. The rear side of the chamber 100 is shown in elevation in FIG. 1D and includes a base plate assembly 118 and an example of a media 115 bounded by a rectangular dashed line.

Referring to FIG. 2, an elevated rear perspective exploded view shows the major parts 100 of the chamber contained within the upper housing assembly 101 and baseplate assembly 118. Looking diagonally from the top right to the bottom left, a rear view of the chassis 102 is illustrated. A drive assembly 122 , including a drive motor 119 , a drive shaft 120 (also referred to herein as a “shaft”), a pulley 121 , and an access panel 103 , is centered in front of the chassis 102 such that it is aligned with the access panel 103 . Attached to the opening. A u-shaped shroud 123 including a UV reflective coating 124 is secured onto the drive motor 119 and the shroud legs 123 extend to cover the sides of the drive assembly 122. The UV-C 125 is mounted adjacent to the vertical arm of the shroud and delivers UVGI doses directly to the front and/or sides of the vehicle 115 from that location. In certain embodiments, UV-C 125 may be mounted at other locations within upper housing assembly 101 to deliver optimal UVGI doses, including on the back of access panel 103 facing media 115. Battery 126 is secured to the top of shroud 123 to complete the main part of upper housing assembly 101. A baseplate cover 117 consisting of a UV-C cutout 127 is attached to the back of the upper housing assembly 101, followed by a baseplate 116 consisting of a UV-C 125 located adjacent to the microcontroller 128 and medium 115. The combined baseplate cover 117 and baseplate 116 form a baseplate assembly 118, as shown in FIG. 3D.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-D, FIGS. 3A and 3B show front views of baseplate 116 and baseplate cover 117, respectively, each separated into two halves, L and R. The right side baseplate 116-R and baseplate cover 117-R each include top and bottom interlocking male tabs 129, which are connected to the left side female tab receptacle 130 of the baseplate 116-L and baseplate cover 117-L. (collectively referred to as "interlocking tabs"). This allows the baseplate 116 and baseplate cover 117 to be mounted adjacent to the base of the medium 115 as a single combined unit forming the baseplate assembly 118, as shown in FIG. 3D. do.

Returning to FIG. 3A, baseplate 116 includes a microcontroller 128 that manages power, sensors, mechanical, and all programmable functions of chamber 100. In a preferred embodiment, the base plate 116 includes one or more UV-C LED chips 125 (hereinafter referred to as Also referred to in the literature as "UV-C", "UV-C source", or "chip"). UV-C mounting stand 131 is then mounted adjacent baseplate 116. The UV-C 125 fixed to the base plate directs the wavelength to human contact in some or all of those areas, rather than at the front, such as the door handle 155 (FIG. 15B), which receives a small proportion of surface contact. This allows for directing to the back and sides of the medium 115 to be received. In an alternative embodiment, UV-C mounting stand 131 is removed, allowing UV-C 125 to be secured directly to baseplate 116.

Continuing the reference to UV-C125 in Figure 3A, the preferred embodiment is intended for UV-C LEDs to run at exactly 265 nm, which is widely recognized as the optimum wavelength for ultraviolet sterilization. do. Although it has been demonstrated that virtually all pathogens are inactivated by UV-C125 at a wavelength of 265 nm, the optimal wavelength for some protein-based pathogens is 220 nm, while for others It is most rapidly inactivated near 280 nm. Therefore, an alternative embodiment calls for a multi-wavelength or multi-mode UV-C125 array to be placed throughout the interior of chamber 100 and delivered in a pulsed format to specifically target specific types of pathogens. .

As shown in FIG. 3B, the baseplate cover 117 includes a UV reflective material or substance 124, such as a PTFE reflector, paint, aluminum foil, or any other material or coating known to enhance UV reflectance. coated with The base plate cover 117 has a UV-C cutout 127, which is placed directly on the UV-C 125 of the base plate 116. In a preferred embodiment, the UV-C cutouts 127 are not covered, but in certain embodiments they are covered with a suitable translucent material to seal the UV-C 125, as required by the application. obtain.

A baseplate cover 117 is placed over the baseplate 116, as shown in the front exploded view of FIG. 3C, and together they form a baseplate assembly 118, as shown in FIG. 3D. Baseplate 116 and baseplate cover 117 may be constructed of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material. Although this is the preferred embodiment, alternative embodiments include a cover with a hollow core to allow placement through the integral base plate 116 and intermediary 115, a base plate 116 without a cover, a single integral base plate 116, Base plates 116 and covers, or other embodiments not described herein, etc., may be employed to achieve the desired results.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an exploded front view of upper housing assembly 101 ("UHA") projected onto baseplate cover 117 and baseplate 116 is shown in further detail. A baseplate 116 with a UV-C 125 and a microcontroller 128 is mounted adjacent to the medium 115, and a baseplate cover 117 with a UV-C cutout 127 is attached to the baseplate 116, together with A bedplate assembly 118 is formed, shown in FIG. 3D. Upper housing assembly 101 is then placed over media 115 and secured to base plate assembly 118 to enable chamber 100. In an alternative embodiment, upper housing 101 and base plate assembly 118 are preassembled, allowing chamber 100 to be attached to media 115 as one piece.

FIG. 5 shows a UV-C mounting stand 131 including a mounting base 132, a pivot plate 134, and a UV-C mounting tray 137 (also referred to herein as a "UV-C tray", "tray", or "mounting tray"). Figure 1 shows an exploded top view of the As shown by the dashed projection arrow, a pivot plate 134 is coupled to the mounting base 132 and a pivot plate screw and washer 135 is threaded through the center of the pivot plate into a threaded screw receiver 133 in the mounting base 132. The rotating plate 134 can be rotated horizontally. The UV-C tray 137 is coupled using mounting tray hinge screws 138 to pivot plate hinges 136 that are arranged parallel and opposite on each side of the pivot plate 134 so that the UV-C tray 137 pivots forward and rearward. allows for turning. Once the UV-C mounting stand 131 is secured to the base plate 116, the UV-C 125 can be positioned to deliver the UV-C dose in the optimum direction and angle to most efficiently perform its UVGI function.

6A-F illustrate the directional and angular flexibility provided by UV-C mounting stand 131. FIG. 6A shows a side view of pivot angles ranging from 15° to 90° in 15° increments. Figure 6B shows a front perspective view with a 30° forward angle, Figure 6C shows a top view with a 75° slope angle, Figure 6D shows a front perspective view with a 45° slope angle, and Figure 6E shows a front perspective view with a 45° slope angle. A front perspective view is shown at an angle of 15°, and FIG. 6F shows a top view of the extent of pivoting of the mounting stand 131.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a front close-up view of an access panel assembly 139 (also referred to herein as an "AP assembly") is shown. The AP assembly 139 includes access panels (also referred to herein as "access panels") 103, panel rails 112, and parallel and includes support bridges 114 arranged oppositely to form left and right side AP assemblies 139.

FIG. 8A shows a plan view of the access panel frame 113, panel rail 112, and support bridge 114 arranged in parallel, left and right, and oppositely arranged positions. Referring to the access panel frame 113, when the access panel 103 is in operation, three integrated nylon glides 140 are shown side by side, each with a nylon glide 140, to improve sliding action and reduce friction, as shown in FIG. 8B. A panel rail 112 is present. The fourth rail of this four-panel embodiment is an opening formed between the base of the access panel frame 113, identified as the support bridge 114, and the lower end of the third incorporated panel rail.

In addition to the panel rails 112 that are identified as a group of parts, each individual panel rail is evident in FIG. 8A, individually ranging from rails #1 to 4 in this four-panel embodiment. Considering the left side view from the top rail to the bottom rail (shown from left to right), rail #1 of this four-panel configuration runs from its panel compartment 111 position to the opening of chamber 100. Move to cover the first 25%. Rail 144 #2 covers 25-50% of the opening of chamber 100. Rail 145 #3 covers 50-75% of the opening. Rail 145 #4 (also referred to herein as the "drive rail") is formed between the base of access panel frame 113, identified as support bridge 114, and the lower end of panel rail 145 #3. This is an opening and covers 75 to 100% (bottom) of the opening of the chamber 100, completing the closing and sealing of the chamber 100.

9A and 9B show top and side views, respectively, of drive clip 141. A drive clip 141 couples to (or is optionally molded into) the outer right and left portions of the drive panel 151, and its annular fork portions couple to a drive chain 147 that connects the drive panel 151 to its respective move in the direction. The flat base of the drive clip 141 travels over the protruding edge of the AP frame 113 (referred to herein as a support bridge 114) and abuts against the panel support arm 142 during storage so that the respective panel 103 Ensure synchronization and stability are maintained.

9C and 9D are elevational side and close-up views, respectively, of support arms 142 attached to (or optionally molded into) the outer left and right sides of each individual access panel in AP group 103. shows. The base of support arm 142 moves laterally along support bridge 114 to stabilize and maintain synchronization of access panel 103. During storage, the support arms 142 are pushed in by the drive clips as they are moved, stacked, and parked in the panel compartments 111.

10A-10C show side cross-sectional views of left access panel frame 113, panel rail 112, and support bridge 114 (supported by the view of mounting panel 103 in FIG. 11). FIG. 10A reveals rail 143 #1 as the top rail and serving as a side support for access panel 148 #1 (FIG. 11), as also noted in the plan view of FIG. 8A. This, in turn, is responsible for sealing off the top 25% of the chamber 100 when the panel 103 is completely closed. #2 of rail 144 is adjacent to #2 of access panel 149 (FIG. 11) and seals 25-50% of the opening of chamber 100, and #3 of rail 145 is adjacent to #3 of access panel 150 (FIG. 11). 11) and is 50-75% sealed, and #4 of rail 146 (drive rail) is adjacent to #4 of access panel 151 (also referred to herein as the "drive panel") (FIG. 11). Adjacent and 75-100% sealed. FIG. 10B increases detail from 10A by adding a perspective view of support arms 142 and drive clips 141 extending from their respective panels to support bridge 114. Additionally, FIG. 10B shows an exploded perspective view of pulley 121 and drive chain location 147 relative to access panel frame 113. FIG. 10C completes this view by placing pulley 121 and drive chain 147 in position for this embodiment. This view is reflected on the right side of the chamber.

FIG. 11 includes an AP frame 113, a support bridge 114, a rail 112, and an access panel 103, with the access panel 103 in the closed position and each panel connected to its own panel rail 112 (as shown in FIG. 10A). FIG. 13 shows a side cross-sectional close-up view of the access panel assembly 139 (previously shown). Viewing the view of FIG. 11 from right to left, panel #1 of panel 148 seals off the top 25% of the front of chamber 100, followed by panel #2 of panel 149, #3 of panel 150, and panel #1 of panel 151. #4 (also referred to herein as the "drive panel") seals off the remainder of the chamber 100 in 25% increments in this four panel embodiment. Once stowed, the panels 103 are stacked one on top of the other and "parked" in the panel compartment 111 for installation of the chamber 100 outside the media 115 coverage area, as clearly shown in FIG. 12E. Reduce area. In this embodiment, pulleys 121 are located at each end of AP frame 113 and drive chain 147 loops around the top and bottom of support bridge 114.

Referring now to the operation of the AP assembly 139 in more detail, FIGS. 12A-E illustrate side cross-sectional close-up views of five-stage panel storage in a four-panel embodiment. FIG. 12A shows access panel 103 in a closed position. Panel #4 (driving panel) of panel 151 is placed at the bottom of access panel 103, and as it is retracted, begins to push #3 of access panel 150, as shown in FIG. 12B. As panel 150 #3 continues to be retracted by drive panel 151, it captures panel 149 #2, as shown in FIG. 12C. Drive panel 151, access panel #3 of access panel 150, and access panel #2 of access panel 149 continue to retract synchronously as they connect with panel #1 of panel 148 (shown in FIG. 12D, but in this figure all access panels 103 are stacked on top of each other). The chain 147 shown in FIG. 12D continues to house the drive panel 151, and in panel #2 of panel 149 they all fit into the panel compartment 111 (the panel compartment area is bounded by the vertical dashed line in FIGS. 12A-E). #1 of panel 148 is captured as shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 shows drive motor 119, drive shaft 120, pulley 121, chain 147, access panel frame 113, rail 112, support bridge 114, APs 148, 149, 150, 151 #1-4 (individually referred to in this figure). ), a support arm 142 , a drive panel 151 , a drive clip 141 , a channel guide 153 , a guide clip 152 , a panel section 111 , and a UV reflective coating 124 . . Upon activation of drive motor 119, drive shaft 120 and pulley 121 begin to move chain 147 and attached drive clip 141, which in turn initiates movement of drive panel 151. Two oppositely disposed guide clips 152 are attached to (or incorporated into) the horizontal leading edge of the drive panel 151 and subsequently to the access panel 103, respectively, with the protruding tips of the guide clips 152 adjacent. It is fitted into the channel guide 153. During storage, the two guide clips 152 on the drive panel 151 move vertically within the channel guide 153 of #3 of the access panel 150 and begin to push it in the direction of #2 of the access panel 149. Guide clip 152 on #3 of access panel 150 and then move each access panel within their adjacent channel guides 153 to move adjacent panels until access panel 103 is parked within panel compartment 111. Push in the appropriate direction. Access panel 103 is stabilized and synchronized during movement by the base of drive clip 141 that slides along and is supported by support arm 142 and support bridge 114. In alternative embodiments, the drive assembly 122 may consist of any mechanism that can raise or lower the access panel, including, but not limited to, belts, springs, magnets, and hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical linear actuators.

FIG. 14 shows a rear close-up view of the interior of upper housing assembly 101. FIG. The parts shown in this figure are chassis 102, battery 126, panel compartment 111, UV-C 125, UV-C mounting stand 131, support arm 142, channel guide 153, guide clip 152, drive clip 141, emergency handle 104. , an obstacle sensor 110, an access panel 103, and a UV reflective surface 124 (not visible).

15A-D show front perspective views of pathogen decontamination chamber 100 with retracted access panel 103 showing examples of positioning of different agents 115 within the chamber. FIG. 15A shows the pathogen decontamination chamber 100 adjacent to the elevator control panel 154. FIG. 15B shows chamber 100 adjacent to an internal vertical bar door handle 155, such as those used in theaters and auditoriums. FIG. 15C shows chamber 100 adjacent to a toll-free telephone 156 mounted on a wall such as those in airports and hotels. FIG. 15D shows the chamber 100 adjacent the lavatory tightening bolt handle 157.

FIG. 16 shows a flow diagram 158 illustrating one operation of the pathogen decontamination chamber 100 for use with a human contact point fomite 115. In standby mode, the access sensor 106 monitors the presence of a user, the definition of which varies depending on the application. In certain embodiments, a user may be defined as any person within a certain distance, i.e., 6 feet, of chamber 100, while in certain other embodiments, a user may be defined as any person within a certain distance, i.e., 6 feet, of chamber 100; While in yet other embodiments, the user may be defined as someone who has placed their hand within a certain range, i.e., 6 inches; may be defined as anyone within chamber 100 who has similar methods or equipment defined as: If an occupant is detected, the access panel 103 is retracted and left open for a programmed period of time or until the sensor 106 no longer detects any obstructions, or a combination of both. If the closure criteria are met, the access panel 103 starts closing and stops closing only in case of an obstruction or a newly defined occupant, in which case the access panel 103 starts retracting again. Once the device 100 is sealed, the UVGI cycle begins. If a user is detected while the cycle is in progress, the cycle is stopped and the access panel 103 is opened. Once the UVGI cycle is complete, the access panel 103 remains closed to prevent recontamination by airborne pathogens, and the device 100 remains in a standby state until the presence of an occupant is detected. .

17A-E illustrate front perspective views of pathogen decontamination chamber 100 showing five levels of panel storage, using elevator control panel 154 as an example of fomite 115. 17A shows chamber 100 closed and sealed, FIG. 17B shows chamber 100 with panel 151 (drive panel) #4 housed, FIG. 17C shows chamber 100 50% open, and FIG. 17D shows chamber 100 75% open, and FIG. 17E shows open chamber 100 exposing sterile, germ-free elevator control panel 154.

Referring to an alternative embodiment, FIGS. 18A-20B illustrate a commercially available door handle and lock pathogen decontamination chamber 200 (also referred to herein as a "DHL chamber"). This embodiment is unchanged from FIG. 1A (pathogen decontamination chamber) of the present invention, apart from the configuration of the base plate 116 and base plate cover 117. The illustrations of the invention are therefore limited to the modifications and resulting embodiments of the invention.

As shown in the front of FIGS. 18A-D, the door handle and lock baseplate assembly 203 (also referred to herein as a "DHL baseplate assembly") in this embodiment It has a form-fitting cutout, in this case a commercially available door handle and lock 204, to fit the door handle and lock 204. FIG. 18A includes a microcontroller 128, a UV-C 125, and a UV-C mounting stand 131 made to fit adjacent to the base of the handle and lock 203 using male 129 and female 130 interlocking tabs. The left and right sides of a two-part door handle and lock baseplate (also referred to herein as a "DHL baseplate"), 201_L, 201_R, are shown. The resulting integrated DHL base plate 201 is shown in FIG. 18B. FIG. 18C shows a snap-in door handle and lock baseplate cover (herein referred to as "DHL baseplate cover") that includes a UV reflective coating 124 and a UV-C cutout 127 made to snap into the DHL baseplate 201. Figure 18D shows the resulting DHL baseplate assembly 203, with UV reflective coating 124 applied to the door handle and lock 204. It is fitted adjacent to it.

FIG. 19A shows an exploded front view of the upper housing assembly 101 projected in position adjacent to the DHL bedplate assembly 203, plus the DHL bedplate assembly inserted adjacent and inserted from FIG. 18D. 205 shows a distal front perspective view of a commercially available door 205 with 203, handle, and lock 204. FIG. FIG. 19B shows a front perspective view of the DHL pathogen decontamination chamber 200 attached to a commercially available door 205 with the access panel 103 open to expose the adjacent door handle and lock 204.

Referring now to another embodiment, FIGS. 20A-21C illustrate a gas pump handle pathogen decontamination chamber (also referred to herein as a "GP chamber"). This embodiment is unchanged from the FIG. 1A (Pathogen Decontamination Chamber) embodiment of the invention, apart from the configuration of the base plate 116 and base plate cover 117. This figure is therefore limited to illustrations of the modifications and resulting embodiments of the invention.

As shown in the front view of FIGS. 20A-D, the gas pump baseplate assembly 303 (also referred to herein as a "GP baseplate assembly") in this embodiment conforms to the contours of the media 115. The gas pump handle 304 has a shape-fitting cutout, in this case a gas pump handle 304 (also referred to herein as a "GP handle" or "gas pump"). FIG. 20A shows a microcontroller 128, UV-C 125, and UV-C made to fit adjacent to the base of the gas pump handle 304 and retractable hose well 305 using male 129 and female 130 interlocking tabs. The left and right sides, 301-L, 301-R, of a two-part gas pump baseplate (also referred to herein as a “GP baseplate”) including a mounting stand 131 are shown. The resulting integrated GP baseplate 301 is shown in FIG. 20B adjacent to the GP handle 304 and retractable hosewell 305. FIG. 20C shows removed left and right snap-on gas pump baseplate covers 302-L, 302-R including UV reflective coating 124 and UV-C cutouts 127 made to snap onto GP baseplate 301. (also referred to herein as a "GP baseplate cover"), FIG. A base plate assembly 303 is shown.

FIG. 21A shows an exploded front view of the upper housing assembly 101 projected in position adjacent to the gas pump handle 304, plus an adjacent inlaid GP baseplate with UV reflective coating 124 with insert view from FIG. 20D. A distal front perspective view of gas pump handle 304 and retractable hosewell 305 with assembly 303 is shown. FIG. 21B shows a front perspective view of the GP pathogen decontamination chamber 300 with the panel 103 opened to expose the adjacent gas pump handle 304 and retractable hosewell 305. FIG. 21C shows an example of a gas pump handle pathogen decontamination chamber 300 in a closed position adjacent to a gas pump handle 304 within a gas station service pedestal 306.

Referring now to another embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 22A-D each illustrate a single panel in an embodiment of a lavatory latch pathogen decontamination chamber 400 (also referred to herein as an "RS chamber"). Figure 2 shows a front closed view, a side perspective view, a front open view, and a top perspective view of the pathogen decontamination chamber. As shown in FIG. 22A, the front of the RS chamber includes a lavatory drive panel 412 (access panel) (also referred to herein as the "RS drive panel"), an emergency handle 104, an access sensor 106, and an access sensor 106. includes four system status lights 105 on the right side, and a divider latch 406 protrudes from the side.

As shown in FIG. 22B, the elevational perspective view shows the latch doorway 404 on the side of the RS chamber 400 in addition to an exploded view of the brush shield 405 projected in a position adjacent to the latch doorway 404. Brush shield 405 constitutes latch doorway 404 and seals latch doorway 404 while having a degree of freedom to allow outward movement of partition latch 406 (also referred to herein as "latch"). Consists of multiple layers of dense but flexible fibers. The inward facing fibers of the brush shield 405 are layered with a UV reflective coating 124 to promote UV reflectivity, while the outward facing layers prevent light from escaping from the interior of the RS chamber 400. It is sufficiently detailed. In certain other embodiments, brush shield 405 may be constructed of any material or substance that continues to seal latch doorway 404 while moving latch 406 laterally. In certain other embodiments, RS chamber 400 may not include brush shield 405.

FIG. 22C shows a front view of the RS chamber 400 with the drive panel 412 housed in the panel compartment 111 to allow user access to the latch 406, with an obstruction located proximate to the bottom of the RS chamber 400. Sensor 110 is revealed. An elevated top perspective view of the RS chamber 400 can be seen in FIG. 22D, showing the battery access door 107, the battery release latch 108 (also referred to herein as the "battery latch"), and the battery lock 109 (also referred to herein as the "battery latch"). (also known as a "safety lock").

As shown in the front view of FIGS. 23A-D, the lavatory latch baseplate assembly 403 (also referred to herein as the "RS baseplate assembly") is configured to conform to the contours of the media 115. It has a form-fitting cutout, in this case a washroom latch 406 (also referred to herein as a "partition latch"). FIG. 23A consists of a microcontroller 128, a UV-C 125, and a UV-C mounting stand 131 made to fit adjacent the base of the divider latch 406 using male 129 and female 130 interlocking tabs. The left and right sides of a two-part washroom door lock base plate 401 (also referred to herein as an "RS base plate") are shown. The obtained integrated RS base plate 401 is shown in FIG. 23B. FIG. 23C shows a two-part washroom latch baseplate cover that includes a UV-C cutout 127 and a UV reflective coating 124 projected onto the RS baseplate 401 and adjacent to the divider latch 406. 402 (also referred to herein as "RS baseplate cover"), FIG. 23D shows the resulting RS baseplate assembly with UV reflective coating 124 fitted into partition latch 406 403 is shown.

Referring now to FIG. 24, a front close-up view of the lavatory latch access panel assembly 413 (also referred to herein as the "RS access panel assembly") is shown. In contrast to previous multi-panel embodiments that also included rails for the second panel, RS access panel assembly 413 includes access panel frame 113, support bridge 114, and RS drive panel 412. The functionality remains the same as the previous embodiment. Access sensor 106, status light 105, obstacle sensor 110, and emergency handle 104 are also shown.

FIG. 25 shows the drive motor 119, drive shaft 120, pulley 121, drive chain 147, access panel frame 113, support bridge 114, drive clip 141, channel guide 153, guide clip 152, obstacle sensor 110, RS drive panel 412, FIG. 4 shows a rear close-up view of a lavatory latch drive assembly 410 (also referred to herein as an "RS drive assembly") including the emergency handle 104 and the emergency handle 104. The functionality is the same as 1A of the present invention.

FIG. 26 shows a washroom partition chassis 409 (also referred to herein as the "RS chassis") that includes a UV reflective coating 124, an RS drive assembly 410 that includes a UV reflective coating 124, and a shroud 123 that includes a UV reflective coating. , UV-C 125, and a battery 126 that includes a UV reflective coating 124. FIG. The functionality remains consistent with FIG. 1A of the present invention, however, the physical structure is different as it is a single panel embodiment excluding additional panels, panel rails, and associated support components.

FIG. 27 shows a visual view including the RS chassis 409, shroud 123, battery 126, UV-C 125, UV reflective coating 124, RS drive panel 412, channel guide 153, guide clip 152, obstacle sensor 110, and emergency handle 104. Figure 3 shows a rear view of the RS UHA408 with possible parts.

FIG. 28 shows a front exploded elevational view of the RS baseplate 401, RS baseplate cover 402, and RS UHA 408 projected into position adjacent to the lavatory latch 406.

FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of the washroom partition door 411, partition latch 406, and partition latch receiver 407 with the adjacent RS chamber 400 with the RS drive panel 412 opened to allow access to the partition latch 406. shows.

Referring now to additional embodiments of the present invention, FIGS. 30A-36 illustrate a retail cashier stand-alone point of sale (POS) terminal pathogen decontamination chamber 500 (hereinafter referred to as (also referred to as a "POS chamber").

30A-C show a front closed view, a front open view, and a rear perspective view, respectively, of a POS chamber adjacent to a POS mounting stand. The stand can be permanently fixed to a fixed object, such as a table or counter, with fasteners or adhesive, or it can be moved without being attached, if desired, depending on the application and environment. In this embodiment, the front of the POS chamber includes a chassis 502, an access sensor 106, a status light 105, an obstacle sensor 110, a POS stand 506, and a group of six panel access panels (also referred to herein as "access panels"). ) 524 to minimize the vertical footprint of the device as shown in FIGS. 30A-B. The rear perspective view of FIG. 30C shows the direct AC electrical output connections 509 for the POS chamber. Alternate embodiments may include a battery 126 power source for environments where AC wiring is not available. The POS chamber can be constructed of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material.

31A-B, FIG. 31A shows a POS baseplate 503 including baseplate 503, microcontroller 128, integrated POS mounting plate surface 507, UV-C 125, and UV-C mounting stand 131. A front view is shown. The depth of the POS base plate 503 allows for the installation of a POS terminal 510 (Fig. 35G), and the upwardly sloping bottom edge with the UV-C 125 and UV-C mounting stand 131 attached to its surface directs light to the POS terminal 510 (Fig. 35G). 35G) surface. In an alternative embodiment, the UV-C 125 can be placed directly on the surface of the baseplate 503 without the UV-C mounting stand 131. In another embodiment, UV-C 125 can be placed on the back of access panel 524. FIG. 31B shows a front view of POS baseboard cover 504 including UV-C cutout 127, UV reflective surface 124, and POS stand mounting plate 508.

FIG. 32A shows a mounting stand projected onto and adjacent to a POS baseplate 503 that includes a UV-C cutout 127 and a microcontroller 128, a UV-C 125, and an integrated POS mounting plate surface 507. A front exploded view of a POS baseplate cover 504 including a plate 508 is shown. As shown in FIG. 32B, the combination of the POS base plate 503 and the POS base plate cover 504 forms a POS base plate assembly 505. As shown in FIG. 32B, POS mounting stand plate 508 is attached to POS stand 506. In an alternative embodiment, the POS baseplate assembly 505 may function as a standalone assembly without the use of a POS stand 506 or external mounting equipment.

FIG. 33A shows an access panel frame 113 (also referred to herein as an "AP frame"), a POS panel rail 512 (also referred to herein as a "POS rail"), and a support POS access panel group 514 (herein referred to as "POS access panel FIG. 5 shows a front view of a POS access panel assembly 515 (also referred to herein as a "POS AP assembly") that makes up a POS access panel assembly 515 (also referred to herein as a "POS AP assembly"). POS AP assembly 515 includes relatively equivalent parts, and apart from the number of access panels 514 (6 to 4) and the number of rails 515 for supporting access panels 514 (5 to 3), It shares the same functional operation as the description given for the access panel assembly 139 shown in FIGS. 1A and 7 of the invention.

FIG. 33B shows the drive motor 119, drive shaft 120, pulley 121, chain 147, access panel frame 113, POS rail 512, support bridge 114, POS access panel 514, support arm 142, POS drive panel 513, drive clip 141, channel A rear close-up view of a POS drive assembly 516 including guide 153, guide clip 152, panel section 111, emergency handle 104, and UV reflective coating 124 is shown.

Still referring to the POS drive assembly 516 shown in FIG. 33B, upon actuation of the drive motor 119, the drive shaft 120 and pulley 121 begin to move the chain 147 and attached drive clip 141, which in turn: The movement of the POS drive panel 513 is started. Two opposingly disposed guide clips 152 are attached to (or incorporated into) the horizontal front edge of the POS drive panel 513 and then each to the POS access panel 514 such that the protruding tips of the guide clips 152 It is fitted into the adjacent channel guide 153. During storage, the two guide clips 152 on the drive panel 513 begin to move vertically within the channel guide 153 of the adjacent POS access panel 514 and push it toward the next adjacent POS access panel 514. The guide clips 152 on each POS access panel 514 move within their adjacent channel guides 153 to direct the adjacent access panel 514 in the proper orientation until the POS access panel 514 is parked within the panel compartment 111. push. POS access panel 514 is stabilized and synchronized during movement by the base of drive clip 141 that slides along and is supported by support arm 142 and support bridge 114. The POS drive assembly 516 shown in FIG. 33B includes relatively equivalent parts, apart from the number of access panels 514, rails 512, and their supporting components, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 13 of the present invention. share the same functional behavior as the detailed description of

FIG. 33C shows a rear close-up view of a POS upper housing assembly 501 (also referred to herein as "POS UHA") including an adjacent POS terminal 510, indicated by a dashed rectangle. The parts shown in this figure are POS chassis 502, optional battery 126, panel compartment 111, UV-C 125, UV-C mounting stand 131, support arm 142, channel guide 153, guide clip 152, drive clip 141, Includes emergency handle 104, obstacle sensor 110, POS access panel 514 (including drive panel 513), and UV reflective surface 124 (not visible). The POS UHA 501 shown in FIG. 33C includes relatively equivalent parts and, apart from the number of access panels 514, rails 512, and their supporting components, the detailed description of FIGS. 1A and 14 of the present invention. share the same functional behavior.

FIG. 34A shows a front exploded view of the POS UHA 501 projected onto and adjacent to the POS baseplate assembly 505, and the resulting front perspective view of the POS chamber 500 is shown in FIG. 34B. There is.

35A-G show front views of seven access panel positions of the POS chamber 500, starting with the POS terminal closed and sealed in FIG. 35A and ending with the fully available POS terminal 510 in FIG. 35G.

FIG. 36 shows a front perspective example of the POS chamber 500 adjacent to the retail register 511.

Referring now to additional embodiments of the invention, FIGS. 37A-47E illustrate a cylindrical pathogen eradication chamber 600. In a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical chamber 600 collects pathogens from elongated and horizontally displaced fomites 115, i.e., push-type door handles (e.g., panic bars, crash bars, horizontal push bars), shopping cart handles, etc. used to remove. In an alternative embodiment, the cylindrical pathogen decontamination chamber 600 may be oriented vertically or diagonally above the fomite 115 to serve the cylindrical chamber 600 better than a linear chamber.

Referring now to the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 37A-47E, a cylindrical pathogen decontamination chamber for a shopping cart handle 600 (also referred to herein as an "SC chamber") is shown. FIG. 37A provides an example of a front view of SC chamber 600 adjacent shopping cart 609. FIG. 37B shows the cylindrical access panel group 604 (also referred to herein as a "cyl panel" or "access panel"), left housing 605, right housing 606, access sensor 106, status light 105, and undercarriage assembly. 603 shows a front view of SC chamber 600 removed from shopping cart 609 with front facing parts including 603.

38A-B show a front view and an elevation front perspective view, respectively, of a cylindrical bedplate 601 (also referred to herein as a "cyl bedplate") of an SC chamber 600. As shown in FIG. 38B, the cyl baseplate 601 includes a UVC 125 positioned in close proximity to the top back surface of the slope to deliver UVGI directly in the direction of the shopping cart handle 610 (FIG. 40A). In a preferred embodiment, the UV-C 125 is incorporated or affixed to UV adhesive strips 611, which are pre-wired to power the UV-C 125. Alternative embodiments include incorporating the UVC 125 directly into the surface during the manufacturing process by, but not limited to, adhering directly to the surface, attaching to the cyl baseplate 601 with a UV-C mounting stand 131, or any other suitable method. Including getting. In another embodiment, UV-C 125 may be affixed directly to one or more of cyl panels 604.

FIG. 39A shows a cylindrical bedplate cover 602 including a UV reflective surface 124 made of UV reflective paint, TPFE, aluminum foil or any other substance/material proven to optimize UV reflectance. FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of a "cyl bedplate cover" (also referred to herein as a "cyl bedplate cover"). The cyl baseplate cover 602 also includes a UV-C cutout 612 that covers the UV-C 125 from the cyl baseplate 601 to allow light to be delivered to the shopping cart handle 610 ( FIG. 40A), and at the same time prevent unauthorized changes by the user.

FIG. 39B shows an elevated front exploded perspective view of the cyl bedplate cover 602 projected and installed onto the cyl bedplate 601 to form the substructure assembly 603 of the SC chamber 600. Cyl baseplate 601 and cyl baseplate cover 602 can be manufactured from metal, plastic, or any other suitable material.

Shopping cart handle 610 is flanked on both sides by parallel boxes identified as left housing 605 and right housing 606, as shown in the exploded front view of FIG. 40A. Left housing 605 (also referred to herein as the "drive housing") contains the functional output, electrical, and power components of SC chamber 600, including access sensor 106 and status light 105. The right housing 606 (also referred to herein as the "driven housing") serves as a receptacle for the right cyl access panel 604 (FIG. 44B). Still referring to FIG. 40A, the exploded view is centered between and adjacent to left housing 605 and right housing 606 and is projected relative to its location on chamber 600 below shopping cart handle 610. The undercarriage assembly 603 is shown.

FIG. 40B shows a side view of left housing 605 including battery access door 107, battery latch 108, and safety lock 109. Both left housing 605 and right housing 606 can be constructed from metal, plastic, or any other suitable material that can provide the necessary strength, stiffness, and durability to optimize operation of chamber 600.

FIG. 41A shows a left housing chassis 607, a microcontroller 128, a battery 126, a cylindrical drive motor 613 (also referred to herein as a "cyl motor" or "motor"), a drive shaft 615, a motor support 614, and a drive hub. 616 (also referred to herein as the "hub"), a driven drum 617 (also referred to herein as the "drum"), and an end cap 618, shown in a side perspective exploded view of parts of the left housing 605 . Hub 616 connects directly to cyl motor 613 and drive shaft 615 and rotates clockwise to accommodate cyl access panels 604 in a stacked array and provide access to shopping cart handle 610, as shown in FIG. 41A. and rotate counterclockwise to close and seal chamber 600. Drum 617, in contrast, functions as a stationary component and therefore does not rotate.

The open oval central portion of end cap 618 is placed around the end of drum 617 to secure it in place and then attached to left chassis 607 to seal left housing 605. An assembled view of the left housing 605 in hub position "0" (closed) 635 is shown in FIG. 41B.

FIG. 42A shows a front close-up exploded view of the left hub 616 projected into its position within the center portion of the left drum 617. The two integral parts form a left hub and drum assembly 621 (also referred to herein as a "left H&D assembly"), as shown in FIG. 42B. A cyl rail 630 supporting cyl panel 604 is also shown in FIG. 42B. Additional details regarding the interface between hub 616, drum 617, and cyl access panel 604 are provided in FIGS. 44A-48E.

More particularly, with further reference to FIG. 37A of the present invention, a right housing 606 including a right chassis 608, a free spinning hub 619, a drive shaft 615, a free spinning hub support 620, a right H&D assembly 622, and an end cap 618. A side perspective exploded view is shown in FIG. 43A. The right housing 606, as previously stated, is a "driven housing"; it is subordinate to the left housing 605 in that it has no power or control functions within the SC chamber 600. The right chassis 608 is further differentiated from the left chassis 607 by having less internal area due to the absence of the microcontroller 128 and battery 126 from the chassis 608, as previously shown in FIG. 40A. Alternative embodiments include, but are not limited to, electric H&D assemblies in both the left and right housings 621, 622 powered by single or multiple cyl drive motors 613 and by single or multiple batteries 126. obtain.

Further, referring to FIG. 43A, the right housing 606 includes a free spinning hub 619 and a coupled drive shaft 615 that is actuated through movement of components within the opposing left housing 605. The drum 617 is secured in a rest position overlapping the free spinning hub 619 in the right chassis 608 when the end cap 618 is inserted into the chassis 608 to close the right housing assembly 606.

FIG. 43B shows left chassis 607 (shown with side removed) coupled to cyl panel 631 #1 (also referred to herein as the "drive panel") coupled to right housing 606 in the closed position. and a side perspective view of the left H&D assembly 621 (other internal parts removed for visibility).

FIG. 44A shows a side close-up view of the left H&D assembly 621 in hub position "0" 635 (closed). The left hub 616, when viewed from the right side (inside) of the left chassis 608, rotates clockwise to move the cyl access panels 604 above each other, as indicated by the directional arrows in the left H&D assembly 621 of FIG. 44A. Stored in a stacked format. In the hub position "zero" 635 (closed position), cyl panel 631 #1 (drive panel as shown in FIG. 47A) is inserted into the slot at the 8-10 o'clock position on the hub 616, as shown in FIG. 44A. cyl rail 626 #1 (also referred to herein as the "drive rail"). The built-in rails within drum 617 each include built-in nylon glides 140, shown in FIG. 44B, to facilitate freedom of movement and prevent friction during movement of cyl panel 604. Alternative embodiments include, but are not limited to, ball bearings or similar attachments, surface coatings, materials, or any other suitable solution for the cyl panel 604 that promotes freedom of movement and reduces friction. cyl rail 630. In another embodiment, cyl panel 604 may be constructed from any material that facilitates freedom of movement and reduces friction between cyl rails 630 without the use of additional components.

45A-B show top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the cylindrical access panel 604 with cyl panel 631 #1 in the left view of FIGS. 45A-45B and 45C. The bottom view of FIG. 45B shows a cylindrical drive clip 623 (also referred to herein as a “cyl drive clip” or “drive clip”) and aluminum foil, UV reflective paint, TPFE, or UV- A UV reflective coating 124 is shown, such as any other substance/material that optimizes the reflectance of C light. All interior areas within the undercarriage assembly 603 and the access panel 604 of the SC chamber 600 are coated with UV reflective materials/substances 124, as are all media-facing components in various embodiments of the present invention. coated. FIG. 45C shows a bottom exploded view of three access panels 604, an example of their boundaries with projected arrows indicating the placement of each access panel 604 in the array. Describing FIG. 45C in more detail from left to right, the left panel is an example of cyl panel 631 #1 (drive panel), showing the panel with cyl drive clip 623 but without channel guide 624. The cyl drive clip 623 shown at the top and bottom of the figure is oriented vertically and within the recessed barrel of the channel guide 624 of #3 (middle panel) of the adjacent cyl panel 633, as illustrated by the arrow. allow them to be fitted into the Channel guide 624 has a rigid end at each end that pushes or pulls the panel depending on the direction of panel movement by cyl drive clips 623 attached to adjacent panels. Cyl panel #3 (center panel) consists of channel guide 624 and cyl drive clip 623. The cyl drive clip 623 from the center panel fits into the parallel and oppositely located ridges of the channel guides 624 in the right panel of FIG. 45C, referred to as cyl panel 634 #4 (exit panel). The right panel serves as an exit panel, as evidenced by the fact that it is comprised of a channel guide 624 that allows it to be pushed and pulled during storage and closure by the action of the cyl drive clip 623 of the immediately preceding panel. As characterized, it does not consist of its own drive clip 623 because as the last panel in the array it is moved by itself but does not move any other panel 604.

46A-E and 47A-E further detail the operation of cyl access panel 604 (previously shown in FIG. 37B) and their interface with H&D assembly 621 (FIG. 47A). 46A-E show side close-up views of the left H&D assembly 621 showing five stages of panel stowage and FIGS. 47A-E show stowage throughout the five-stage stowage process in an embodiment of a four-panel SC chamber 600. , shows a top perspective view of the corresponding cyl panel 604 (FIG. 47A).

Referring to FIG. 46A, the hub 616 and drum 617 slots are in the hub position "0" 635 (closed) in the left housing 605 (shown in FIG. 41B), which is located in the opposite side of the right housing 606. reflected (shown in Figure 43B). Identifying cyl rails 630 by number, #1 of cyl rail 626 is fixed in position on drive hub 616 as #1 of cyl panel 631 shown in FIG. 47A is identified by the dashed line between 8 and 10 o'clock. This is the drive rail that is used. Cyl rail 626 #1 includes a fixed width slot to which cyl panel 631 #1 (the drive panel shown in FIG. 47A) couples and rotates synchronously with hub 616. Continuing clockwise rotation, the stationary drum 617 will move cyl rail #2, cyl rail #3, and cyl rail 628 as seen in FIG. 629 #4 included. Each of the three rails on drum 617 in this embodiment includes an integrated rail with nylon glides 149 (FIG. 44B) that continue throughout the rotating area and terminate in cyl panel section 625 shown in FIG. 46E. A corresponding view of the SC chamber 600 in this position with the cyl panel attached is shown in FIG. 47A.

FIG. 46B shows hub position 636 #1, where hub 616 and cyl rail 626 #1 are rotated clockwise to a position below cyl rail 627 #2, as shown by the dashed line alignment. did. The corresponding position of cyl panel 604 within SC chamber 600 in this position is shown in Figure 47B.

FIG. 46C shows hub position 637 #2, where hub 616 and cyl rail 626 #1 rotate to a position below cyl rail 628 #3 and with it rotate cyl rail 627 #2. 46C to form three laminated panels, as shown by the alignment of the dashed lines in FIG. 46C. The corresponding position of cyl panel 604 within SC chamber 600 in this position is shown in Figure 47C.

FIG. 46D shows hub position 638 #3, where hub 616 and cyl rail 626 #1 are rotated to a position below cyl rail 629 #4 and cyl rails 627 #2 and 628 The panels in #3 were moved together, thereby forming four stacked panels. The corresponding position of cyl panel 604 within SC chamber 600 in this position is shown in FIG. 47D, with cyl panel 604 shown as being 75% open. Hub position 639 #4 is the final stage of the panel stowage process, as shown in Figure 46E. At this stage, hub 616 and cyl rail #1 (drive rail) are rotated to the innermost position within cyl panel compartment 625, and cyl rail #2, cyl rail #3, 628, and #4 of cyl rail 629 are rotated to the innermost position within cyl panel compartment 625. The attached cyl panels 604 (FIG. 47E) are brought together so that the cyl rails 630 are aligned on top of each other. The corresponding position of the cyl panel 604 within the SC chamber 600 in this position is shown in FIG. 47E, with the cyl access panel 604 100% retracted and mutually located within the cyl panel compartment 625, as shown in FIG. 47E. Indicates that they are laminated.

Referring in more detail to FIGS. 47A-E, these show top perspective views of the five-stage panel storage of the SC chamber 600. FIG. 47A shows a fully closed and sealed SC chamber 600, revealing a separate cyl panel 604. Viewing FIG. 47A from left to right, cyl panel 631 #1 serves as a drive panel, which is coupled to hub 616 as shown in FIG. 46A; followed by cyl panel 632 #2, Cyl panel 633 #3 and cyl panel 634 #4 are connected from left to right in this order and are attached to their dedicated rails on drum 617, as shown in FIG. 46A.

FIG. 47B shows cyl panel 631 #1 nested under cyl panel 632 #2, which should expose 25% of shopping cart handle 610 (not shown). The #1 drive of panel 631 is now positioned below #2 of cyl 623, and subsequent rotation of #1 of cyl panel 631 forces #2 of cyl panel 632 below #3 of cyl panel 633, FIG. 47C 50% of the shopping cart handle 610 is exposed, as shown in FIG. cyl panel 631 #1 rotates and holds down cyl panel 632 #2 and cyl panel 633 #3 to stack below cyl panel 634 #4 and close shopping cart handle 610 as shown in FIG. 47D. expose 75% of the In the final stage of storage, cyl panel 631 #1 forces cyl panel 632 #2, cyl panel 633 #3 and cyl panel 634 #4 into cylindrical panel compartment 625 as shown in Figure 47E. Next, all four panels are stacked on top of each other. The steps guided by cyl panel #1 are repeated to close the panel and seal the SC chamber 600 (as shown in FIG. 37A).

As used herein, the term "enclosure" is generally as described above and generally includes or may include a chamber or a chassis having one or more sides. The enclosure can be of various geometries and is generally completely free of media except for a door or access panel and an opening to accommodate the media if it is attached to something else. Seal it tightly. For example, a door handle connected to a door, or a gas pump handle connected to a gas pump, etc. In some embodiments, the housing may be a three-dimensional rectangular shape with six sides. In some embodiments, the housing may be, but not limited to, cubic, rectangular prism, spherical, conical, and/or cylindrical in shape. The enclosure may be airtight and/or watertight when the door or access panel is closed.

In some embodiments, sensors as used herein may include obstacle sensors, motion sensors or detectors, optical sensors, acoustic sensors, and/or thermal or infrared sensors. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the sensor can detect the presence of a user and then automatically initiate opening of a door or access panel of the housing or chamber. Such systems allow users to access media without contacting doors or access panels.

A trigger or trigger event is an event or trigger that opens an access door, typically detected by a sensor. That is, a user approaching the fomite may open a door or access panel of the enclosure and activate a sensor that allows access to the fomite. Accordingly, a trigger event may be an event detected by a sensor as described above. For example, in a washroom environment, motion or light sensors can be used to detect trigger events and the presence of an occupant (for flushing a toilet in a washroom stall, or turning a fixture faucet on and off). (as is done in routine work). In the case of a door handle, the trigger event may be a user approaching the door detected by a motion or light sensor, or approaching a door or access panel. Nevertheless, the present disclosure is not limited to the use of sensors; the trigger can also be generated by mechanical means, such as a foot pedal.

An access door is typically a door or panel built into or integral with the housing that can be opened to provide access to the interior of the housing. The door may be opened by any conventional means, for example by swinging open, sliding opening, accordion access door or panel opening. The size of the door or panel will necessarily vary according to the size of the medium and the access required to utilize the medium. For example, in the case of a door handle, the opening needs to be large enough to accommodate the door handle and to accommodate the hand of the user opening the door. For retail point-of-sale terminals, there must be an opening large enough for the user to use the retail point-of-sale terminal. Thus, in some embodiments, the size of the door or access panel will be at least large enough to accommodate the user's hand.

A door in the open position is any position that is not fully closed. A door in the closed position typically means that the door is completely closed to seal or protect the medium from the outside environment. In some embodiments, the door may be airtight, watertight, and may include a transparent or see-through material, such as plastic polycarbonate, glass, or any other see-through material. In other embodiments, the door or access panel may include metal or plastic or composite and may be light-tight.

A housing surrounding the vehicle usually means that the housing or chamber completely encloses the vehicle. In some embodiments, the housing surrounds the medium and provides an airtight or semi-airtight housing through which air flow cannot readily pass from the exterior to the interior of the housing.

The UV light source is described above and can be any UV light source capable of operating in the UV-C range. UV light sources are typically capable of producing sufficient UV light intensity or power to kill germs, bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens. The power of the UV light can range from 2,000 to 8,000 μW·s/cm ² . Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, see Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultraviolet_germicidal_irradiation), last revised: February 20, 2021. This document is incorporated herein by reference.

As mentioned above, the UV light source may preferably be an LED array capable of providing UV light at one or more frequency ranges optimized for killing germs, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. For example, a UV array may produce 265 nm, 220 nm, and/or 280 nm light. In other embodiments, the UV array may produce light at 220 nm, 225 nm, 230 nm, 235 nm, 240 nm, 245 nm, 250 nm, 255 nm, 260 nm, 265 nm, 270 nm, 275 nm, and/or 280 nm.

Decontamination as the term is used herein generally refers to the destruction or neutralization of bacteria or viruses. In some embodiments, a 99% reduction in bacteria or viruses is achieved in 5 seconds or less. In some embodiments, a 99% reduction in bacteria or viruses is achieved in 3 seconds or less. In some embodiments, 99% reduction of bacteria or viruses is achieved in 1 second. In some embodiments, 99.9% reduction of bacteria or viruses is achieved in 5 seconds or less. In some embodiments, a 99.9% reduction of bacteria or viruses is achieved in 3 seconds or less. In some embodiments, a 99.9% reduction of bacteria or viruses is achieved in 1 second. In some embodiments, the virus is SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-1 or a variant, including an alpha or delta variant. In some embodiments, a 99.9% reduction of SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-1 or variants, including α or δ variants, is achieved in 1 second.

The decontamination can be any relevant pathogen, bacterium, or virus, but is preferably a pathogen such as a virus, bacterium, protozoa, prion, viroid, or fungus that can cause disease in mammals, including humans. In one preferred embodiment, the pathogen may be SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-1 or a mutant including an alpha or delta variant. See, for example, Pathogen, Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathogen), last edited 8 July 2021. This document is incorporated herein by reference.

Mounting stands are typically used to mount a UV light source inside a housing or chamber. The mounting stand may be movable and may be able to direct the dose of UV light in different directions or at different angles within the housing. Attaching or coupling the ultraviolet light source to the mounting stand may be accomplished by any conventional means, including mechanical connections, screws, rivets, etc., or using adhesives.

A microprocessor as used herein generally may include any computer processor in which data processing logic and control are contained in a single integrated circuit or a small number of integrated circuits. Microprocessors are typically clocked, register-based, general-purpose digital integrated circuits that accept binary data as input, process it according to instructions stored in memory, and then provide the results as output. The microprocessor contemplated herein can manage sensors, drive systems for opening doors or access panels, UV light sources, and even power sources, including battery output.

Although this disclosure includes particular embodiments, it is intended that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and equivalents thereof. , will become apparent after understanding what has been accomplished with the disclosure of the present application.

EXAMPLES Example 1 - COVID-19 Experiment SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. To date, the current COVID-19 pandemic has been responsible for more than 4.55 million deaths worldwide, more than 645,000 of which were in the United States.
Crystal IS (Green Island, NY) is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company that manufactures Klaran UVC LEDs and systems. IS, together with the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory (NEIDL) at Boston University, USA, will study how SARS-CoV-2 responds to ultraviolet light (260nm-270nm) and different doses across the radiation range of Klaran UVC LEDs. We started research to understand this. Experiments were performed using an array of Klaran WD series UVC LEDs at a distance of 7 cm from the test surface.

An array of Klaran UVC LEDs was used to illuminate a dry plastic surface containing SARS-CoV-2 at a distance of 7 cm.
The results show the log reduction achieved by exposing the virus to a UVC intensity of 1.25 mW/ ^cm2 for different times. A UVC dose of 6.25 mJ/ ^cm2 resulted in 99.9% virus reduction (Table 1 below).

The test was repeated using a dose of 5 mJ/cm ² from LEDs of different peak wavelengths at both ends of the Klaran LED wavelength specification (260 nm and 270 nm). The results show similar effectiveness across the wavelength range tested (Table 2 below). Comparison of these results with those published by the University of Miyazaki (which uses UVC LED radiation at 280 nm) clearly shows a significant decrease in effectiveness at wavelengths above 270 nm (Inagaki et al. (2020) Rapid activation of SARS-CoV-2 with deep-UV LED irradiation, Emerging Microbes & Infections, 9(1): 1744-1747).

Conclusion SARS-CoV-2 is a relatively weak virus and can be inactivated by low doses of UVC light. SARS-CoV-2 can be effectively inactivated in a matter of seconds by exposure to low doses of UVC light in the basic germicidal range. Furthermore, the UVC wavelength is important. The results published by the University of Miyazaki (which used UVC LED radiation at 280 nm) imply a significant decrease in effectiveness at wavelengths above 270 nm. Klaran UVC LEDs emit UVC light in the wavelength range of 260 nm to 270 nm, a wavelength range that can achieve complete virus inactivation in a matter of seconds.

Example 2 - MicroLumix Product Analysis and COVID-19
A simulation of the effectiveness of pathogen decontamination equipment was performed by Crystal IS in accordance with embodiments of the present invention against SARS-CoV-2. For the door handle, the minimum average intensity on the entire surface including the rear surface of the handle was >6.25 mW/ ^cm2 . According to the results of Example 1, this allows a 99.9% reduction in SARS-CoV-2 in 1 second.

Claims (24)

A pathogen contamination removal device,
an enclosure including an access door that is configurable in open and/or closed positions;
an opening for positioning the housing so as to surround the medium;
opening means for opening said access door in response to a trigger event;
one or more ultraviolet light sources disposed inside the housing and configured to decontaminate the fomite;
one or more sensors configured to detect said trigger event; and configured to control said one or more sensors, said aperture means, and/or said one or more ultraviolet light sources. Pathogen decontamination equipment, including microcontrollers. The pathogen decontamination instrument of claim 1, wherein the opening means is a drive assembly or mechanism configured to open the access door in response to the trigger event. 3. A pathogen decontamination instrument according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more sensors include an obstacle sensor, a motion sensor or detector, a light sensor, an acoustic sensor, and/or a thermal or infrared sensor. The pathogen decontamination device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the decontamination includes inactivating 99% or more of the pathogen population. Pathogen decontamination device according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more ultraviolet light sources produce UV-C radiation having a wavelength in the range of 200-280 nm. Any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the one or more ultraviolet light sources comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs), the LEDs comprising one or more semiconductor chips and/or one or more LED arrays. Pathogen decontamination equipment as described. A pathogen decontamination device according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more surfaces inside the housing are coated with a UV reflective coating. The medium may include door handles, bathroom latches, locking bolts, gas pump handles, Point of Sale (POS) terminals, shopping cart handles, elevator control panels, public telephones, paper towel removal levers, computer keyboards, toilet handles, and/or or a sheet, the pathogen contamination removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The pathogen decontamination device according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing is airtight or semi-airtight when the door is in the closed position. Pathogen according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the one or more ultraviolet light sources located inside the housing are configured to decontaminate all exposed surfaces of the fomite. Decontamination equipment. A pathogen decontamination device according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing is configured to substantially prevent recontamination of the fomite with airborne pathogens after irradiation. Pathogen decontamination device according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the device is preassembled and configured to be fixed onto a medium without additional fittings. A pathogen decontamination device according to any preceding claim, wherein the access door comprises a laminated access panel. 14. A method for decontaminating a vehicle, comprising enclosing the vehicle and decontaminating all exposed surfaces of the vehicle by ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). A method comprising using a pathogen decontamination device as described in . A pathogen contamination removal device,
A housing including an access door configurable in open and/or closed positions, wherein one or more interior surfaces of the housing are coated with an ultraviolet reflective coating, the door being in a closed position. , the housing is airtight or semi-airtight;
an opening for positioning the housing so as to surround the medium;
a drive assembly or mechanism configured to open the access door in response to a trigger event;
one or more ultraviolet light sources disposed inside the housing and configured to decontaminate all exposed surfaces of the media;
one or more sensors configured to detect said trigger event; and configured to control said one or more sensors, said aperture means, and/or said one or more ultraviolet light sources. Pathogen decontamination equipment, including microcontrollers. 16. The pathogen decontamination instrument of claim 15, wherein the one or more sensors include an obstacle sensor, a motion sensor or detector, a light sensor, an acoustic sensor, and/or a thermal or infrared sensor. The pathogen decontamination device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the decontamination includes inactivating 99% or more of the pathogen population. Pathogen decontamination device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the one or more ultraviolet light sources produce UV-C radiation with a wavelength in the range 200-280 nm. 19. Any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the one or more ultraviolet light sources comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs), the LEDs comprising one or more semiconductor chips and/or one or more LED arrays. Pathogen contamination removal equipment as described in section. The medium may include door handles, bathroom latches, locking bolts, gas pump handles, Point of Sale (POS) terminals, shopping cart handles, elevator control panels, public telephones, paper towel removal levers, computer keyboards, toilet handles, and/or or a sheet, the pathogen contamination removal device according to any one of claims 15 to 19. A pathogen decontamination device according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the housing is configured to substantially prevent recontamination of the fomite with airborne pathogens after irradiation. Pathogen decontamination device according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the device is preassembled and configured to be fixed onto a medium without additional fittings. A pathogen decontamination device according to any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the access door comprises a laminated access panel. 24. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 23 for decontaminating a vehicle, comprising enclosing said vehicle and decontaminating all exposed surfaces of said vehicle by ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). A method comprising using a pathogen decontamination device as described in .

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