Source And Object Encasement (e.g., Sterilizers) Patents (Class 250/455.11)
  • Patent number: 8809817
    Abstract: A method and irradiator apparatus used for wort sterilization by radiation for production of ethanol from sugar cane, comprising a modular irradiation drum, radioactive source, ducts for transmission of a fluid through an apparatus for irradiation, and application of radiation to a fluid within an apparatus for sterilization of such fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Marcelo Gianatto Moreira, Airton Deppman, Pedro Carlos Russo Rossi
  • Publication number: 20140217307
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the hygienisation of medical instruments, in particular stethoscopes. In particular, the present invention relates to a hygienisation or sterilisation system (1) of a medical-healthcare instrument, comprising a hygienisation or sterilisation device (2) and a coupling member (3) associable to said medical-healthcare instrument, characterised in that the coupling between said coupling member (3) and said device (2) is actuated by magnetic coupling means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: EGOHEALTH S.r.l.
    Inventors: GABRIELE MESSINA, Valerio Montagnani, Sandra Burgassi, Gabriele Covenini
  • Patent number: 8795599
    Abstract: A facility (1) for sterilizing objects by electron bombardment includes a first conveyor and a second conveyor which are used for transporting objects and placed on either side of a treatment chamber. The facility is provided with an input rotatable conveyor designed for moving said objects and located between the first conveyor and the chamber, and an output rotatable conveyor also designed for displacing objects and located between said chamber and the second conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Linac Technologies S.A.S.
    Inventors: Philippe Fontcuberta, Didier Morisseau
  • Patent number: 8796641
    Abstract: An installation for treating articles with radiation, the installation comprising a structure having pivotally mounted thereon an inlet starwheel and an outlet starwheel respectively arranged facing an inlet and an outlet of a shielded enclosure in which there are mounted at least one pivotal treatment starwheel and at least one electron emitter in the vicinity of the treatment starwheel. The installation comprises a linear inlet conveyor and a linear outlet conveyor extending inside the shielded enclosure respectively facing the inlet and the outlet, the linear conveyors each comprising a respective transporter surrounding a shielded wall forming a baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Serac Group
    Inventors: Remy Fallet, Delphine Gueguen
  • Patent number: 8791441
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ultraviolet radiation system which generates UVC radiation with maximal radiation output and little or no degradation in radiation output during operation of the lamps. The system provides UVC radiation at a wavelength of 253.7 nm, which is effective to kill or deactivate pathogens on surfaces irradiated by the emitted UVC radiation and is simultaneously effective to decontaminate air which passes uniformly over the entire length of the UVC lamps. Uniformly flowing air cools the lamps to maximize the conversion efficiency of power input to the lamps to UVC radiation from the lamps, and at the same time decontaminates the flowing air such that air in the room is also decontaminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: George Jay Lichtblau
  • Publication number: 20140203188
    Abstract: A sanitizer for an article comprises an enclosure defining an internal space. A cage is mounted to the enclosure and extends into the internal space. A sanitizer bulb is disposed within the cage. At least one hanging element is fixed to the cage, the hanging element adapted to hang an article therefrom. A sanitizer for a bag including at least two handles comprises an enclosure defining an internal space and including a floor and a ceiling. A cage is mounted to the ceiling of the enclosure and extends into the internal space. A sanitizer bulb is disposed within the cage. A pair of handle hooks is fixed to the cage and each adapted to engage one handle of the bag for securing the bag around the cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Earl Yerby
  • Patent number: 8784731
    Abstract: A foot/shoe sanitizing system includes a housing having at least one opening and at least one ultraviolet emitting device supported within the housing. The ultraviolet emitting devices direct ultraviolet light around and/or through the set of foot/shoe support bars towards the foot or shoe placed on the foot/shoe support bars. The ultraviolet emitting devices are controllably powered to emit ultraviolet light and/or ozone onto the foot/shoe. In a preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet emitting device emits light that includes short wavelength ultraviolet light, causing the formation of ozone in the area of the shoe, thereby killing pathogens that are not easily killed with ultraviolet light alone. The system includes a sheet of activated carbon for catalyzing the ozone into harmless concentrations of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Hepco Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Patricia Carol Gil, Asher Gil, Daniel Gil, Norman D. Knoth
  • Patent number: 8779386
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for disinfecting/sterilizing surfaces and lumens of a device with a light source which emits disinfecting/sterilizing light. The assembly comprises a device (9) for transporting fluid having a lumen and a connector part (10), at least one light source (100) configured to emit light having disinfecting/sterilizing effect, and a separate unit (8); where the light source (100) comprises: a housing (1) comprising a light emitting unit (11) emitting light having disinfecting/sterilizing effect and a connector part (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: U-VIVO ApS
    Inventor: Jimmy Bak
  • Patent number: 8779385
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a device and method is provided for covering and sterilizing a stethoscope or other medical instrument for safer use. The device comprises a closed housing for shielding the object to be sterilized, a means for receiving the object, a power supply, an ultraviolet light source within the housing, and a switch for controlling that lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Gilda Noori
  • Patent number: 8778263
    Abstract: The invention relates to an irradiation apparatus for inactivating pathogens and/or leukocytes in a biological fluid such as a platelet suspension and/or plasma comprising: a casing (2), a support member (3) for carrying at least one irradiation bag (19) containing the biological fluid, a light source (4) comprising two banks of light (5, 6) disposed above and below the support member (3), and an agitating system (25) for moving the support member (3), the light source generating UVC light of suitable intensity to inactivate pathogens and/or leukocytes and the agitation system moving the support member in an orbital path with predetermined amplitude and rotational frequency suitable to expose the whole biological fluid to UVC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Maco Pharma S.A.
    Inventors: Wolfram Hubert Walker, Frank Tolksdorf, Thierry Verpoort, Francis Goudaliez, Maurice Behague, Arnaud Chavatte
  • Patent number: 8771606
    Abstract: A kitchen waste bin having a casing; a lid hingedly attached to the casing and moveable between open and closed positions. The lid includes an outer casing, an inner casing and a cavity there between. The inner casing having one or more apertures communicating between the cavity and the interior of the receptacle when the lid is closed; an ozone generator located within the cavity arranged to discharge ozone into the receptacle where the ozone generator is an ultraviolet source that includes an elongate lamp in an elongate channel shaped reflector; a switch that generates and transmits a control signal when the lid is moved; and a control unit arranged to switch the ozone generator on or off in response to a control signal. Ozone is discharged into the receptacle for a sterilization period when the lid is closed. Discharge of the ozone stops when the lid is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: T Plus Limited
    Inventor: Brian Sun
  • Publication number: 20140183377
    Abstract: A solution for disinfecting electronic devices is provided. An ultraviolet radiation source is embedded within an ultraviolet absorbent case. While the electronic device is within the ultraviolet absorbent case, ultraviolent radiation is directed at the electronic device. A monitoring and control system monitors a plurality of attributes for the electronic device, which can include: a frequency of usage for the device, a biological activity at a surface of the device, and a disinfection schedule history for the device. Furthermore, the monitoring and control system can detect whether the device is being used. Based on the monitoring, the monitoring and control system controls the ultraviolet radiation directed at the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: SENSOR ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy James Bettles, Yuri Bilenko, Saulius Smetona, Alexander Dobrinsky, Michael Shur, Remigijus Gaska
  • Publication number: 20140175280
    Abstract: A cognitive stimulating sterilizing device for providing visual, tactile and, or audible stimulation for infants that also selectively sterilizes select items and the surrounding ambient. This including a housing adapted for removable connection to cribs, changing tables and similar furniture, an ultraviolet light source in the housing for sanitizing items in the housing when closed and the ambient when opened, audio source and compartments for holding and storing select items. The housing may include reflective and/or transparent surfaces for directing and/or passing ultraviolet light. A sensor, such as an infrared sensor, detects the presence of a human in the surrounding area in a motion-independent manner, such as by detecting fluctuations in infrared energy emitted by the human. A microcontroller receives data from the sensor and directs the activation and/or deactivation of the ultraviolet light source according to whether a human is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Sylvia Tantillo
  • Patent number: 8758606
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including an outlet duct through which fluid can pass, a dispenser that can be actuated so as to cause fluid to be dispensed through said outlet duct, and an irradiation device that is adapted to irradiate the fluid while said fluid is passing through said outlet duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: L V M H Recherche
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Tranchant, Marc Chevalier, Jacques Gerbron
  • Patent number: 8758679
    Abstract: Methods and systems for surveying and sterilizing one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140166900
    Abstract: A dental device with an integrated sanitation chamber is configured for receiving and sanitizing a dental-device accessory, such as a brush, flosser, pic or other dental accessory within a housing of the device. The sanitation chamber is configured to sanitize the dental accessory using one or a combination of ultraviolet light and/or sound waves. The sanitation chamber may form a portion of the device handle to extend it and provide an enlarged handle for improved gripping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Laura Seegobin NELSON, Ryan Sheldon NELSON
  • Publication number: 20140170019
    Abstract: A foot/shoe sanitizing system includes a housing having at least one opening and at least one ultraviolet emitting device supported within the housing. The ultraviolet emitting devices direct ultraviolet light around and/or through the set of foot/shoe support bars towards the foot or shoe placed on the foot/shoe support bars. The ultraviolet emitting devices are controllably powered to emit ultraviolet light and/or ozone onto the foot/shoe. In a preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet emitting device emits light that includes short wavelength ultraviolet light, causing the formation of ozone in the area of the shoe, thereby killing pathogens that are not easily killed with ultraviolet light alone. The system includes a sheet of activated carbon for catalyzing the ozone into harmless concentrations of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: HEPCO MEDICAL, LLC
    Inventors: Patricia Carol Gil, Asher Gil, Daniel Gil, Norman D. Knoth
  • Publication number: 20140166901
    Abstract: Novel nail gel curing devices and methods of their use are disclosed. Novel shields for nail gel curing devices and methods of their use are also disclosed. The devices and shields are useful for curing nail gels and more particularly where light emitting diode “LED” equipped devices are used to cure UV-VIS curable nail gel resins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Danny Lee Haile
  • Patent number: 8754385
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a sanitizing treatment for a product or object while inside a package. The system provides an atmosphere inside a contained environment that reduces, or eliminates, oxygen from the atmosphere, the contained environment containing at least one product or object packaged inside a package. At least one UV energy source transmits ultraviolet energy through the atmosphere inside the contained environment and toward the packaged product or object contained therein, the ultraviolet energy providing at least one of a sanitizing, disinfecting and sterilizing treatment to the packaged product or object by converting oxygen in an atmosphere between an inside surface of the package of the packaged product or object and the surface of the product or object to ozone in the atmosphere therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Jose Gutman
  • Publication number: 20140158910
    Abstract: A sanitizing system uses ultraviolet light within a housing having an interior chamber. When items such as shopping carts or wheel chairs are moved into and out of the interior chamber, a cover is moved to reduce the light shining out of the housing. The cover is coordinated with the door of the housing to limit light shining on the users of the system. In another configuration, a switch is used to turn off the light source to reduce the light shining out of the housing when items such as shopping carts or wheel chairs are moved into and out of the interior chamber. In both of the systems described above, the sanitizing system may use a single sanitizing source such as a UV light source or a combination of sanitizing systems such as a UV light source in combination with a source of disinfecting plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Mr. W. J. Hays, Mrs. Doris M. Hays
  • Patent number: 8747737
    Abstract: An air decontamination unit is described with a housing defining an interior, an intake and exhaust in direct communication with the interior, a blower—in operational communication with a control panel—for drawing in and moving air through the housing, which further includes a filter assembly, a UV lamp, an ozone lamp, and an ozone sensor for detecting the concentration of ozone therein—positioned in the interior of the housing, all in direct communication with the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Food Safety Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel W. Lynn
  • Patent number: 8739838
    Abstract: An assembly includes a support and drive assembly, a first structure and a second structure. The first structure is in operable communication with and supported by the support and drive assembly. The first structure includes at least one filling or needle assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of filling or needle assemblies. The second structure is supported by the support and drive assembly. The second structure includes at least one seal assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of seal assemblies. A method includes determining a number of containers or vials that are to be filled concurrently and adjusting an assembly to include at least one filling or needle assembly and at least one seal assembly. A number of the filling or needle assemblies and the seal assemblies equals the number of containers or vials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Benoit Adamo, John Guthy
  • Patent number: 8739431
    Abstract: A light solidifying device includes a body, a magnetic slide cover unit connected to the body, a control unit connected to the body, and a light solidifying unit disposed in the body. An inner case of the body is a polygonal case, and an inclined sidewall of the inner case is arranged to face to a user's finger nails in a direction perpendicular to the inclined sidewall. The magnetic slide cover unit can be movable to adjust the opened area of a first opening and a second opening of the body for shielding the light rays emitted from the light emitting diode to prevent from irradiation of the light on the user's eyes and skin during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Nail Alliance LLC
    Inventor: Kuo-Chang Cheng
  • Patent number: 8742365
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultraviolet water treatment apparatus includes an ultraviolet lamp unit provided with a first plumbing flange coupling on each of both ends thereof, and further provided therein with an ultraviolet irradiation tube including an ultraviolet lamp and a lamp protective tube configured to protect the ultraviolet lamp, and a cleaning device drive unit provided with a second plumbing flange coupling on each of both ends thereof and configured to drive a cleaning device configured to clean a surface of the lamp protective tube. The ultraviolet lamp unit and the cleaning device drive unit are coupled with each other on the first and second plumbing flange couplings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Norimitsu Abe, Shinji Kobayashi, Seiichi Murayama, Takeshi Ide, Akihiko Shirota, Takahiro Soma
  • Patent number: 8742366
    Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus particularly for sterilizing drinks comprises an elongate tubular duct (110) and an elongate UV light source (111) extending longitudinally of the duct (110). The fluid flows longitudinally of the duct (110) in a thin annular low passage (114) which extends around the UV light source (111). A mixing device (112) disposed between adjacent longitudinal portions of the duct (110) for diverts all of the fluid flowing along a first portion of the passage (114) through fluid mixing means (113,116) in the device (112) and returns the mixed fluid to a second portion of the passage (114). Micro-organisms in the thin flow of fluid are killed as they come within close proximity of the light source (111). The mixing device (112) causes all of the flow to be thoroughly mixed and returned to the flow passage (114). The provision of a plurality of mixing devices along the length of the duct (110) increases the likelihood that all microorganisms receive a sufficient lethal dose of UV radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Steriflow Limited
    Inventor: Malcolm Robert Snowball
  • Patent number: 8735850
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilization of webs and products made therefrom using electron beams (ebeams) is provided. A controller is configured to modulate an ebeam to ensure that a non-continuously moving web is sterilized within a desired range of exposure. During sterilization in place operations, manifolds are configured to operate to ensure that sterilants do not enter an irradiation zone to prevent damage to ebeam emitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: P. Michael Fletcher, Arthur Somerstein, James Hoffmaster, Michael Lawrence Bufano, Stephen Whittacker Into
  • Patent number: 8728393
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of sterilizing inner walls of containers, wherein the apparatus has at least one electron beam emitter with at least one electron beam accelerator and an outlet window for the electron beams, a conveying device for conveying the containers to be sterilized and a reciprocating device for permitting a relative movement between the containers and the outlet window in a longitudinal direction of the containers. A reflector apparatus is connected to the electron beam emitter in a positively locking and/or friction locking manner at least locally in a region of the outlet window and is capable of being introduced at least locally during a defined period of time into an interior space of the container to be sterilized, in order to apply the electron beams to the inner walls of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Josef Knott, Jochen Krueger
  • Patent number: 8729499
    Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing at least a segment of an inner wall and a segment of an outer wall of containers by accelerated charge carriers, includes at least one first external application device for sterilizing at least a segment of an outer wall of containers and an internal application device for sterilizing at least a segment of an inner wall of containers. The internal application device at least in portions is arranged to be introduced through an opening into the container in order to apply the emitted charge carriers to an inner wall of the container. The containers are transported along a transport path during their sterilization, wherein along a segment of the transport path of the containers between the first external application device and the internal application device is arranged a pitch change device to change a distance between two containers succeeding each other along the transport path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Josef Knott, Guenter Frankenberger, Patrick Engelhard, Jochen Krueger, Juergen Soellner, Holger Mueller, Martin Watter, Hans Scheuren, Roland Laumer
  • Patent number: 8729498
    Abstract: High throughput UV curing systems for mass curing of a plurality of articles without compromising product quality. The systems comprise a plurality of UV banks, each bank comprising a plurality of fluorescent UV lamps, thereby creating a consistent blanket of UV energy. A plurality of coated articles are positioned between pairs of banks such that the UV exposure or dosage is evenly distributed for each article. The fluorescent UV lamps use proportionally lower energy per unit and generate less heat than standard UV lamps, while sufficiently curing the coating on each article. Throughput is increased compared to currently available systems because the systems are easier to maintain requiring less downtime, can cure significantly more articles per cycle, and reduce the number of rejected products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Harland Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Fleischhacker, Jonathan D. Anderson, Mark P. Toma
  • Patent number: 8729500
    Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge, DBD, lamp device comprises a toroid shaped discharge chamber (10) having a discharge chamber wall (12). The discharge chamber wall comprises a tubular inner wall section (14), a tubular outer wall section (16), and two ring-shaped end wall sections (18, 20). Each of the end wall sections extend between an end of the outer wall section and an end of the inner wall section. A high voltage electrode (22) is provided at an outer surface of the outer wall section of the discharge chamber wall. A low voltage electrode comprises an electrically conducting fluid surrounded by the inner wall section of the discharge chamber wall. The DBD lamp device may be part of an optical fluid treatment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Olaf Mastenbroek, Robert Bak, Jacques Maria Jozef Geboers, Michiel Van Der Meer
  • Patent number: 8729501
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultraviolet irradiation device for removing organic contaminants from implants using ultraviolet rays. In the present invention, the implants can be easily and smoothly put into or pulled out of a processing chamber, and the implants can be reliably prevented from being recontaminated after the ultraviolet irradiation process has finished. For this, the ultraviolet irradiation device includes a housing provided with an openable door, an ultraviolet lamp installed in the housing, a carriage provided in the housing so as to be extractable, and an implant mount unit placed on the carriage in such a way that the implant mount unit can be disposed facing the ultraviolet lamp in the housing. The implant mount unit includes a mounting board removably placed on the carriage, and an implant support removably placed on the mounting board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20140124681
    Abstract: A container closure sterilising unit including at least one closure treatment station and a device for feeding a plurality of container closures to the closure treatment station. The feeding device having a guiding means defining a conveying path that includes at least one linear tract and along which the treatment station is positioned. The feeding device includes a conveying means associated with the guiding means and operable to advance the plurality of closures toward the treatment state spaced along the conveying path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: SIDEL S.p.A. CON SOCIO UNICO
    Inventors: Andrea Trevisan, Emilio Gainotti Cavazzini
  • Patent number: 8715569
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for chemically stabilizing a polymer stent after sterilization. The stent is exposed to a temperature above ambient for a period of time after radiation sterilization. The exposure reduces the concentration of free radicals generated by the radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Lothar W. Kleiner, Fuh-Wei Tang
  • Publication number: 20140119987
    Abstract: Provided herein is methods of fabricating a medical implant and methods of using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Takahiro OGAWA
  • Patent number: 8710460
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for disinfecting an object by at least partially removing a biologically-active contaminant there from. A housing encloses a disinfection chamber in which a portion of the object is to be received to be disinfected, and includes an inlet aperture through which the object is introduced to the apparatus. An ultraviolet light source emits ultraviolet light to be imparted on the portion of the object introduced to the disinfection chamber for deactivating at least a portion of the biologically-active contaminant present on the object. A controller controls operation of at least one of a feeder and the ultraviolet light to achieve a level of disinfection of the object, rendering the object suitable for use in a substantially-sterile application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Daylight Medical
    Inventor: Roderick M Dayton
  • Patent number: 8710459
    Abstract: A UV liquid treatment system comprises least one UV treatment unit including a unit container having a container interior; a liquid distribution head carried by the unit container; at least one liquid inlet passage in the liquid distribution head and disposed in fluid communication with the unit container interior of the unit container; at least one liquid outlet passage in the liquid distribution head and disposed in fluid communication with the unit container interior of the unit container; a transparent light bulb shield carried by the liquid distribution head and having a shield interior; an assembly cavity in the liquid distribution head and communicating with the shield interior of the light bulb shield; a UV light assembly having a UV light bulb removably seated in the assembly cavity, the UV light bulb disposed in the shield interior of the light bulb shield; and a power source electrically connected to the UV light bulb of the UV light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas W. Davis, III
  • Patent number: 8709339
    Abstract: To prevent electrical charging inside a resin material as well as a surface of a resin vessel at a time of sterilizing the resin vessel by being irradiated with electron beam, a bottle support unit is mounted to a lower end portion of a cylindrical rotating shaft rotatably supported by a rotating wheel. The bottle support unit includes a pair of griper members by which a mouth portion of a bottle is gripped. A ground electrode is disposed to be capable of being inserted into the interior of the resin vessel through a mouth portion thereof, and the interior of the resin vessel is irradiated with the electron beam in a state of the ground electrode being inserted into the resin vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiya Kobayashi, Mitsuomi Narita, Tomohiko Sugimori, Tsunehiko Yokoi, Yukinobu Nishino, Masami Hayashi, Hideki Nishikawa, Yukihiro Yamamoto, Tokuo Nishi
  • Patent number: 8710458
    Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit includes providing a wafer, and a tape adhered to the wafer, wherein the tape has a main surface perpendicular to a first direction. The tape is exposed to a light to cause the tape to lose adhesion. In the step of exposing the tape, the wafer and the tape are rotated, and/or the light is tilt projected onto the tape, wherein a main projecting direction of the light and the first direction form a tilt angle greater than zero degrees and less than 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Hsiang Hu, Chen-Fa Lu, Chung-Shi Liu
  • Patent number: 8703051
    Abstract: A method for sanitizing headsets during a period of non-use by placing the headsets on a support construct in the form of a rack within which there is a source of ultraviolet radiation. The headsets are mounted straddling the rack, gripping the rack to be secured in place with a resilient biasing force. Then, the rack, with mounted headsets, is enclosed within a case, suitable for storage or transport. The source is activated to pass ultraviolet radiation through the rack to impinge upon the headsets, during a timed duration of operation, with the case automatically locked closed for that duration, thereby sanitizing the headsets. Reflective surfaces within the case serve effectively to immerse the headsets within ultraviolet radiation for the duration of operation, and air is circulated within the case, passing through the rack, during the sanitizing operation to assure complete sanitizing of the headsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Vcom International Multimedia Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Trabalka, Martin Siegel, David Kyhl
  • Publication number: 20140102965
    Abstract: A solar powered water purification canteen includes a container, UV LED lights and a solar power panel. The container is adapted to hold a fluid and has a reservoir, an inlet and an outlet. The UV LED lights are around the reservoir and are adapted to kill any bacteria from fluid in the reservoir. The solar power panel is positioned on the outside of the container adapted to power the UV LED lights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas L. Jones
  • Patent number: 8696985
    Abstract: A foot/shoe sanitizing system includes a housing having at least one opening and at least one ultraviolet emitting device supported within the housing. The ultraviolet emitting devices direct ultraviolet light around and/or through the set of foot/shoe support bars towards the foot or shoe placed on the foot/shoe support bars. The ultraviolet emitting devices are controllably powered to emit ultraviolet light and/or ozone onto the foot/shoe. In a preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet emitting device emits light that includes short wavelength ultraviolet light, causing the formation of ozone in the area of the shoe, thereby killing pathogens that are not easily killed with ultraviolet light alone. The system detects the identity of a user and records/transmits usage of the system by the user for sanitizing enforcement and recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hepco Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Patricia Carol Gil, Asher Gil, Daniel Gil, Norman D. Knoth
  • Patent number: 8698097
    Abstract: A system and method to provide uniform, high intensity radially inwardly directed electron beams to the interior of a cylindrical volume for the purpose of destroying toxic, hazardous, or noxious organic and/or inorganic compounds contained in air or other media flowing through a cylindrical region; or to destroy or inactivate bacteria, viruses, fungi, or mold spores in such flowing media; to sterilize contents of flowing media; to treat fluidized grains, herbs, or other products; or to destroy chemical warfare agents. A window assembly to transmit electromagnetic radiation, for example, an electron beam, x-rays, or other high energy electromagnetic radiation, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: Edgar B. Dally, Robert J. Espinosa
  • Patent number: 8698100
    Abstract: An apparatus for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface may include a housing configured to be affixed about at least a portion of said point of contact. The housing may have an interior in or through which the point of contact may be accessed and an anterior opening for access to the interior. The apparatus may further include one or more sources of a sanitizing agent configured to direct the sanitizing agent toward a location where at least a portion of the point-of-contact surface may be disposed. One or more of an anterior dome, an inner surface, and a posterior surface may also be configured to reflect the sanitizing agent toward the location where at least a portion of the point-of-contact surface may be disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Dean Schumacher
  • Publication number: 20140097355
    Abstract: A device for heating or keeping food warm. The device comprises a housing having at least one opening for inserting or removing food, an interior space formed by the housing, and at least one electromagnetic radiation source disposed in the interior space of the housing for emitting heat radiation. The device is characterized in that at least one UV light source for emitting UV radiation is disposed in the interior space of the housing, which enables a UV disinfecting of the interior space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Team Kalorik Group N.V.
    Inventor: Michael Stolle
  • Patent number: 8691146
    Abstract: To provide an efficient sterilization method for inexpensively sterilizing a medical article having a complex shape such as a body fluid treatment device of a generally-called dry or semi-dry type by so applying an electron beam that the overall absorbed dose distribution is small and to provide its application package form. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A method for sterilizing tubular body fluid treatment devices of a dry or semi-dry type contained in an electron beam-transmitting case with an electron beam. The method is characterized in that a stack structure which includes a gap layer having an average density of 0.010 to 0.180 g/cm3 and two body fluid treatment device layers having an average density of 0.050 to 0.200 g/cm3 and sandwiching the gap layer is contained in the electron beam-transmitting case, and the case is irradiated with the electron beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuko Sato, Ryo Komura, Takayuki Yano, Toshinori Koizumi
  • Patent number: 8692210
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the organoleptic properties of a beverage, such as wine in a bottle, said apparatus having a least one light-source, said light-source applying peak wavelengths at intensities and time durations optimal for modifying said beverage's organoleptic properties with a highly reflective inner surface, a translucent air flow baffle, a translucent liquid barrier, and a controlled oxygen concentration in the bottle headspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Depew Fiset
  • Patent number: 8683701
    Abstract: A vibrating razor handle assembly is provided for facilitating use of different types of razor blade cartridges with a single vibrating handle. The assembly includes an elongated housing having a first end, a second end, and a perimeter wall extending between the first end and the second end. A vibrator is positioned in the housing. An adapter is coupled to the housing and the vibrator whereby the adapter vibrates when the vibrator is activated. The adapter has a distal end relative to the housing configured for coupling to a razor blade cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Jonathan L. Loftin
  • Patent number: 8685238
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for a solar and/or AC current powered water disinfection system that is sized for portable use and is specifically tailored for use in under-developed areas of the world or in areas where natural disasters have occurred. Embodiments herein disclosed provide for a system that utilizes an ultraviolet light that is operatively coupled to a pump, inverter, battery, and a charge converter that is adapted for use with a solar panel or AC current. The system is placed into a storage container, or the like, and the water in the storage container is pumped through the ultraviolet light, which kills most waterborne, water-washed, and water-based diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew Gunter
  • Patent number: 8685318
    Abstract: An apparatus for sanitizing oral appliances is provided. The apparatus includes a housing movable between open and closed positions, at least one ultraviolet light source for emitting one or more sanitization means within the sanitizing chamber, and at least one power source for powering the ultraviolet light source. In the open position the housing allows insertion of the appliance, and in the closed position the housing defines a sanitizing chamber. The apparatus may include an appliance suspension system. The apparatus may include a reflective interior surface provided on at least a portion of the sanitizing chamber. The ultraviolet light source may be adapted to generate ozone within the sanitizing chamber. The apparatus may include control circuitry connecting the ultraviolet light source to the power source for the purpose of activating and deactivating the ultraviolet light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Glen Sheldon Gerald Collard, Robert Michael Skinner
  • Patent number: 8680496
    Abstract: A system for sanitizing an enclosed structure has a plurality of sensors, a germicidal ultraviolet light source, and a controller. A first sensor detects the presence of humans or animals within the enclosed structure, and a second sensor detects the position of at least one door of the enclosed structure. The ultraviolet light source provides electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet range. The controller receives inputs from the first and second sensors and instructs emission or cessation of emission of the electromagnetic radiation based on the received input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Elevated Health Systems, LLC
    Inventor: David G. Leben