Patents by Inventor Virgil E. Littleton

Virgil E. Littleton has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4806770
    Abstract: A germicidal toothbrush holder includes a substantially closed, upright cylindrical housing having a detachable top lid. The lid has an annular array of openings through which the bristled ends of toothbrushes may be inserted and removed. A UV lamp of low intensity is operably mounted within the housing for emitting ultraviolet radiation in the 200 to 300 nanometer wavelength range, as well as some radiation in the visible range above 300 nanometers and in the ozone producing range below 200 nanometers. A removable cup structure supports the bristled ends of the toothbrushes in an annular array immediately surrounding the lamp, and has an annular interior surface coated with aluminum for high reflectance of UV radiation. The UV lamp is on continuously to expose the toothbrushes to germicidal radiation and to generate small quantities of ozone which accumulate to have some sterilizing effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: William M. Hylton
    Inventors: William M. Hylton, John M. Zabsky, Virgil E. Littleton