Source And Object Encasement (e.g., Sterilizers) Patents (Class 250/455.11)
  • Publication number: 20130001435
    Abstract: Disclosed is a disinfecting docking station for at least one portable electronic device, such as a medical technician's tablet computer, that has at least one recharging connector. An enclosure is adapted to receive the at least one portable electronic device therein through an openable side that includes a selectively closable door. Each electronic device is exposed to a disinfecting wavelength of light, such as UV light, to disinfect the surface of the device. The enclosure includes supports that minimally contact each device so that the device will be substantially exposed to the UV light. A control circuit monitors the exposure time and level, and is programmable to activate the UV light based on pre-set criteria. The enclosures may be stacked and provide power and network connectivity to each device while docked therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: David G. Engelhardt, Bill Saimond
  • Patent number: 8344332
    Abstract: At a conveying path 10 for continuously carrying a sheet material 1, an electron beam irradiation means 20 is arranged in opposition to at least one surface of the sheet material 1, and at least one surface of the sheet material 1 is sterilized using such an electron beam. The conveying path 10 takes shape of a hollow box surrounding the sheet material, and has an electron beam irradiation area 11 at a part of this area, while keeping a reduced-pressure state ranging from 10 to 80,000 Pa using a pressure reduction means 16. Further, the electron beam irradiation area 11 where the electron beam irradiation means 20 is arranged at least one sub area 12 at each of adjacent hollow box-shaped conveying path 10 at carry-in side and carry-out side of the sheet material, providing the pressure reduction means 16 for depressurizing the sub area 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shiro Eguchi, Tomoyuki Hikosaka, Satoru Gohzaki, Takayuki Suzuki, Shigekatsu Sato, Isao Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8337760
    Abstract: A system and method of cleaning an enclosure of a container defined by inner walls, including providing a container, orienting the container so that the opening is lowermost and opens downwardly and generating resonant vibration in the container at a predetermined frequency and at an energy level sufficient to dislodge any loose solid particles from the inner walls of said container but not being of an energy level to impact the structural integrity of the container and maintaining the resonant vibration within the container enclosure for a sufficient time to dislodge all loose solid particles from the inner walls of said container. The system may include a resonant chamber in the form of a shroud and means to effectuate the method steps and may also include a sanitizing step in which the containers are further sanitized to render inactive any organic contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas S. Wolters
  • Patent number: 8337770
    Abstract: A writing instrument sterilization device having an automatic dispensing delivery mechanism for recycling multiple writing instruments and automatically delivering a single sterilized writing instrument on demand. The writing instrument sterilizer is comprised of a housing having a collection aperture for receiving at least one writing instrument and a discharge aperture for dispensing the writing instrument. The writing instrument is conveyed on track that is disposed within the housing and extends between the collection aperture and the discharge aperture. A UV illumination source sterilizes the writing instrument by emitting radiation to the surface of the writing instrument. An automatic dispensing delivery mechanism is provided to move an ejector member from a first writing instrument receiving position to a second writing instrument dispensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Brian E. Wind
  • Patent number: 8338809
    Abstract: A reflector for an ultraviolet lamp can be used in a substrate processing apparatus. The reflector comprises a centrally positioned longitudinal strip and first and second side reflectors to form a parabolic-type surface. The longitudinal strip and first and second side reflectors have curved reflective surfaces with dichroic coatings and the longitudinal strip comprises a plurality of through holes to direct a coolant gas toward the ultraviolet lamp. A chamber that uses an ultraviolet lamp module with the reflector, and a method of ultraviolet treatment are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Yao-Hung Yang, Tuan Anh Nguyen, Sanjeev Baluja, Andrzej Kaszuba, Juan Carlos Rocha, Thomas Nowak, Dustin W. Ho
  • Patent number: 8338808
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultraviolet radiation lamp. The lamp comprises: (i) a substantially sealed cavity comprising a mercury-containing material; and (ii) a heating unit disposed exteriorly with respect to the cavity. The heating unit is disposed in contact with a first portion of the cavity comprising the mercury-containing material. The heating unit has adjustable heat output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Trojan Technologies
    Inventors: Jim Fraser, Michael Sasges
  • Patent number: 8334521
    Abstract: The invention concerns a medical instrument disinfecting system (1) comprising a disinfecting chamber (4) adapted to implement a cycle for disinfecting the instruments. The invention is characterized in that each instrument (1) comprises identification data (5) and in that the chamber (4) is associated with means (6) for acquiring the identification data of the or each instrument (1) when it is introduced into or withdrawn from the chamber (4) at the start and at the end of a disinfecting cycle, with means (7, 8) for acquiring characterization data of the disinfecting cycle and with means (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) for associating the identification data of the or each instrument and the characterization data of the disinfecting cycle to generate traceability data of the disinfection of the or each instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Germitec
    Inventor: Clement Deshays
  • Publication number: 20120313006
    Abstract: A trash can includes a can with a lid pivotably connected to the open top thereof and multiple Ultra-Violet sterilizers are connected to the underside of the lid. A sensor is connected on the top surface of the can so as to detect the position of the lid. A control unit is connected to the can and includes a power supply which is electrically connected to the Ultra-Violet sterilizers and the sensor. When the sensor detects the lid to be in its closed position, the Ultra-Violet sterilizers are activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: FIRST CHANCE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD
    Inventor: TING-CHIN CHIU
  • Patent number: 8330121
    Abstract: A mobile sanitizer movable across a surface to sanitize the surface. The sanitizer may comprise an ultraviolet light source that illuminates the surface and a microprocessor control. The control may adjust the light source intensity in response to a speed of the movement of the light source relative to the surface. And, for instance, the control may drive a display indicating how movement of the device relates to sanitization settings input by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Verilux, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan J. Douglas
  • Patent number: 8328917
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an air filtration system and a method for making a photocatalytic oxidation substrate by powder coating a photocatalyst onto a metal substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Garfield Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Garfield, John Potter
  • Patent number: 8330120
    Abstract: Even in a case where a spark is generated in an electron beam irradiation device 28, all the vessels 2 being conveyed are sterilized by the irradiation with the electron beam. The electron beam is emitted by heating filaments 42 arranged in a vacuum chamber 40 and the vessels 2 are irradiated with the electron beam taken out into the atmosphere through a window foil 48 of an irradiation window 46 formed to an irradiation section 44. The vessels 2 are conveyed in a state of being held by vessel holding portions 36A and 36B of a vessel conveying device 24 and pass in front of the irradiation window 46. Although the electron beam irradiation is temporarily interrupted when a spark is generated, a length of the irradiation window 46 in a vessel conveying direction X is made larger than a vessel conveying distance in an interruption time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinobu Nishino, Tokuo Nishi, Yukihiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8323562
    Abstract: A vacuum packaged product and method for reducing tensile strength loss associated with sterilization of polyolefin-based products by gamma radiation, and reducing odors commonly produced by such sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Andrew Schorr, Aaron Drake Smith, Sean Gorman
  • Patent number: 8324595
    Abstract: Bacteria in water 9 exposed outdoors are effectively killed with ultraviolet (UV) light by suppressing post-treatment increase in the bacteria population due to photoreactivation. The apparatus shines UV light on the water 9 to kill bacteria and has UV light emitting diodes (LEDs) 1 that emit UVA light with a primary emission peak of 320 nm-400 nm. The antibacterial action of the UVA light emitted by the UV LEDs 1 prevents proliferation of bacteria in the disinfected water 9 due to photoreactivation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: The University of Tokushima
    Inventors: Akira Takahashi, Yohsuke Kinouchi, Masatake Akutagawa
  • Patent number: 8318089
    Abstract: A processes of sterilizing a contact lens, that is immersed in an aqueous liquid and hermetically in a container, using at least 284 mJ/cm2 of UV radiation in the range of 240-280 nm is disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan K. Brown-Skrobot, James A. Ebel, John B. Enns, Gregory A. Hill, Allan W. Kimble
  • Patent number: 8318090
    Abstract: Disclosed are a germicidal system and method for deactivating pathogens on the surface of a bodily extremity protected by a prophylactic covering substantially opaque to UV-C radiation. The device includes an enclosure having one or more openings through which the extremity can be inserted. The enclosure contains a radiation source configured to produce germicidal radiation having a wavelength of about 253.7 nm. The openings are configured relative to the radiation source such that the inserted extremity is in close proximity to the radiation source. The prophylactic covered extremity is preferably a gloved hand thereby sanitizing the surface of the glove. The extremity inserted is preferably exposed for a predetermined period of time to ensure a desired level of sanitization. Optionally, the device can include detectors to determine the position of the hand, the spread of the fingers, and whether the hand is covered by a glove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Germgard Lighting, LLC
    Inventor: Eugene I. Gordon
  • Patent number: 8319195
    Abstract: A portable air sterilization apparatus includes a portable chamber forming an interior volume, a portable source for producing a single beam of collimated light energy, and a rotating beam redirector. The portable chamber includes a first end for introducing air into the chamber, a second end for permitting air to exit from the chamber, a transparent orifice through which a single beam of collimated light energy can be introduced into the interior volume of the chamber; and at least one reflective wall. The rotating beam redirector is adapted to rotate through a complete revolution about a rotational axis and to redirect the single beam of collimated light energy within the chamber during said revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Safe Haven, Inc.
    Inventors: Lambert Darryl Berry, John Robert Berry, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8318088
    Abstract: A method of radiation sterilizing a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies includes positioning a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies on a fixture, each of the stent catheter assemblies being arranged in a planar configuration and disposed in corresponding planar packages supported on the fixture, wherein the packages are stacked horizontally on the fixture, and wherein the stents of the assemblies are positioned at a position in each package such that the stents are exposed to the same or substantially the same radiation; and exposing the packages to an incoming radiation beam, the radiation beam being at an acute angle to the planes of the planar configuration of the assemblies, wherein the packages are arranged such that a front end of the stack faces the radiation beam and a back end of the stack faces away from the radiation beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Abigail Freeman, Brian Riggs, Robert Harrison, Greg Simmons
  • Publication number: 20120273694
    Abstract: A treatment device includes one or more treatment stations each including an electron-beam emitter and supporting device for supporting a container beneath the emitter, the emitter being capable of emitting an electron beam passing through the upper opening of a container supported by the supporting means, so as to sterilize the container, and a protection system for stopping the radiation emitted by the emitter(s). The protection system includes an upper portion connected to the emitter, lower portion connected to the supporting device and a moving device capable of moving the upper portion relative to the lower portion, between a retracted position and at least one operative position in which the portions from a protective enclosure in which the emitter and container are positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: HEMA
    Inventors: Philippe Lejeune, Philippe MacQuet
  • Patent number: 8297435
    Abstract: A germicidal irradiation approach to killing germs on conveyors and other check out surfaces in stores, such as grocery stores, which sell articles such as food items where possible contamination from leaks and the like is a concern. An adaptable, portable ultraviolet light apparatus is provided to irradiate surfaces such as conveyor belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Jonathan Lathem
  • Patent number: 8299445
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lighting device for use in the control of a plant disease, which has a light source capable of emitting light containing ultraviolet ray. The light source can emit both of UV-B having a wavelength component with a wavelength of about 280 to 340 um and UV-C in which a wavelength component with a wavelength of about 255 nm or less is cut off from wavelength components with wavelengths of about 100 to 280 nm to plant in a superimposed manner. The irradiation of a plant with the UV-C and the UV-B ensures to further inhibit the spore formation or the hypha growth of a filamentous fungus that causes a disease or the like, and to induce a resistance against a disease in the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Yamada, Osamu Kuramitsu, Masaki Ishiwata
  • Patent number: 8283639
    Abstract: A system and method for sterilizing a surface on an input device is disclosed. A chamber is configured to enclose an input device such as a keyboard and is configured to be switched between an open and a closed state. A drive unit may be provided to switch the chamber between states. In an embodiment, the drive unit may include a motor. A sensor provides a signal to a controller when the chamber is the closed state and the controller actuates a UV light. In an embodiment, the controller actuates the drive unit and the UV light in response to a trigger. In an embodiment, the trigger may be provided from a change in state in a computer coupled to the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Lane, Abid Saifee
  • Patent number: 8282880
    Abstract: A bottle, a system and a method sterilize a liquid. The bottle has an interior to hold the liquid and an ultraviolet light emitting lamp that extends into the interior. A cord may be attached to the bottle so that pulling the cord may power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp and/or charge a battery used to power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp. The bottle may have a status light that indicates that the ultraviolet light emitting lamp may have an amount of power equal to or greater than a threshold value, such as, for example, an amount of power necessary for the ultraviolet light emitting lamp to operate for ninety seconds. The bottle may have a removable lid located opposite to the ultraviolet light emitting lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Neverest Travel Solutions
    Inventor: Eric James
  • Patent number: 8282879
    Abstract: A fluid purification device includes an inner tube composed of a non-conductive material and an outer tube which is spaced apart from the inner tube by predetermined space S and composed of a non-conductive material, and the tubes are concentrically arranged. A conductive member is attached to apart or entire periphery of the inside of the outer tube to provide an electrode so as to form a device main body. When a voltage is applied to the electrode of the device main body, discharge in the space S is created by using a fluid to be treated W composed of liquid such as water which flows within the inner tube as an earth electrode. This causes a gas such as oxygen or air flowing in the space S to be reacted to generate ozone and mixes the ozone with the fluid to be treated W so as to purify the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Kitz Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiharu Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20120248332
    Abstract: A system for sterilizing a sports ball comprises a housing; a door for the housing for opening and closing the housing and for permitting manual location of a ball in the housing; a sterilizing light for sterilizing a ball placed in the housing. The ball is rotatable in the housing such that the surface of the ball is exposed to the light. An elongated track extends from one end of the housing towards another end, and the light can be elongated from one end towards another end. There can be a series of rollers and one of the rollers can be motorized to rotate a ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Arthur Kreitenberg, Michael Joseph Elmoznino, Wayne Arthur VanBenschoten
  • Patent number: 8278628
    Abstract: This apparatus and method improves the way metal and other objects will be sterilized, disinfected and preserved by utilizing both electromagnetic radiation (UV light in particular) to kill anaerobic pathogens and oxygen depletion to kill aerobic pathogens. The removal of the presence of oxygen further increases the useful lifespan of the treated object by preventing corrosion in general and oxidation in particular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy Hamilton
  • Patent number: 8278632
    Abstract: In an irradiation region A in which an electron beam irradiator emits an electron beam through an irradiating surface 12a of the electron beam irradiator, a resin bottle 8 is conveyed with a distance between the irradiating surface 12a and the resin bottle 8 being maintained constant. Grippers 6 are arranged to an outer peripheral portion of a rotary body 14 in a circumferential direction thereof at an equal interval, and the resin bottles 8 are conveyed with neck portions 8a thereof being held. Rotating means (52, 58, 62) for rotating the grippers 6 with respect to the rotary body 14 and forward/rearward moving means (18, 50) keeping constant a distance from the irradiating surface 12a of the electron beam irradiator are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinobu Nishino, Tokuo Nishi, Yukihiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8274060
    Abstract: A lamp mounting assembly that mounts a UV lamp within a flow control structure includes a mount assembly that mounts at an end of the flow control structure. The mount assembly includes a conductor housing receiving opening extending therethrough. A socket base structure includes a socket base and a conductor housing extending outwardly from the socket base. The conductor housing is sized to be received by the conductor housing receiving opening of the mount assembly. A lamp socket is connected to the conductor housing to allow an electrical connection between the lamp socket and a power source. The lamp socket has a lamp engaging surface arranged offset from vertical when mounted to the flow control structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Hanovia Limited
    Inventors: Oliver Lawal, Seth Kacur
  • Publication number: 20120235060
    Abstract: An ultraviolet irradiator including a housing having an ultraviolet irradiation port through which the target is irradiated with the ultraviolet light, an ultraviolet lamp that emits ultraviolet light, a water-cooling jacket in which the ultraviolet lamp is mounted, a reflection plate that reflects light emitted from the ultraviolet lamp, the ultraviolet lamp, the water-cooling jacket and the reflection plate being mounted in the housing, and ultraviolet light emitted directly from the ultraviolet lamp and reflection light reflected from the reflection plate being irradiated to the outside of the housing, a heat withdrawing mechanism that withdraws heat of the reflection plate and discharges the heat to the outside of the housing; and a heat transfer member that transfers ambient heat in the housing to the heat withdrawing mechanism so that the heat withdrawing mechanism withdraws the ambient heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: IWASAKI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Sakai, Takuya Miyamae, Kenichirou Ono, Takanobu Fujima, Ryuichi Iwazaki
  • Patent number: 8269190
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enhancing the ultraviolet output of a water disinfection apparatus by: (i) maintaining the source of the UV radiation at a stable operating temperature and, (ii) facilitating an efficient transfer of microwave energy to the source of the UV radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Severn Trent Water Purification, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Dornblaser, Dennis Downie, Jeremy Meier, Per Olov Risman
  • Publication number: 20120228517
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the inactivation of pathogens such as bacteria and viruses in donor blood, blood plasma and erythrocyte concentrates by photodynamic treatment and/or irradiation with ultraviolet light in flexible irradiation bags under intense movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Harald Mohr
  • Patent number: 8258490
    Abstract: Prior to applying of ultraviolet rays to a surface of a wafer with a protective tape joined thereto that is placed and held on a holding table, an illumination sensor moves to a position below an ultraviolet irradiation unit having ultraviolet light emitting diodes arranged in one dimensional array to measure ultraviolet intensity in a position corresponding to a surface of the protective tape, and output voltage of each diode is controlled so as to maintain a uniform accumulated quantity of light in an area of the protective tape where ultraviolet rays are applied that is determined from the result of measurement and a turning velocity of the holding table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Yamamoto, Masaru Irie
  • Patent number: 8258486
    Abstract: An electron beam emitter including a vacuum chamber having a width. An electron generator can be positioned within the vacuum chamber for generating electrons. An elongate nozzle can extend from the vacuum chamber along a longitudinal axis and have an exit window at a distal end of the nozzle. The nozzle can have a width that is less than the width of the vacuum chamber. The electron generator can be shaped and dimensioned, and positioned with the vacuum chamber to form and direct a narrow electron beam that enters and travels through the nozzle, and exits out the exit window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventor: Tzvi Avnery
  • Publication number: 20120217415
    Abstract: The Clean as a Whistle Cleaning System is a product that will sanitize and deodorize whistles without the use of a liquid. The product accomplishes this goal by the use of a unique ultraviolet bulb. The bulb will be powered by AA batteries which will work in conjunction with the circuit board. The compact and very portable units will be equipped with a power button that will start the cleaning process and automatically shut off the units after the cleaning process has been completed. The process will take no longer than 15 minutes to complete. In addition, the units will also be designed to store additional sanitized whistles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Stanley Quinn Wormely
  • Patent number: 8246904
    Abstract: A method of radiation sterilizing a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies includes positioning a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies on a fixture, each of the stent catheter assemblies being arranged in a planar configuration and disposed in corresponding planar packages supported on the fixture, wherein the packages are stacked horizontally on the fixture, and wherein the stents of the assemblies are positioned at a position in each package such that the stents are exposed to the same or substantially the same radiation; and exposing the packages to an incoming radiation beam, the radiation beam being at an acute angle to the planes of the planar configuration of the assemblies, wherein the packages are arranged such that a front end of the stack faces the radiation beam and a back end of the stack faces away from the radiation beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Abigail Freeman, Brian Riggs, Robert Harrison, Greg Simmons
  • Publication number: 20120205552
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a microbicidal purification device employing ultraviolet light from which ultraviolet-light-irradiation dead areas have been eliminated, and more specifically relates to a microbicidal purification device employing ultraviolet light from which ultraviolet-light-irradiation dead areas have been eliminated which is able to eliminate ultraviolet-light-irradiation dead areas where ultraviolet light does not reach and sterilization does not take place, by positioning quartz tubes, into which ultraviolet lamps have been inserted, inside a plurality of cylindrical pipes connected to headers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Jong Seop Shim
  • Patent number: 8242460
    Abstract: A process module for treating a dielectric film and, in particular, a process module for exposing, for example, a low dielectric constant (low-k) dielectric film to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is described. The process module includes a process chamber, a substrate holder coupled to the process chamber and configured to support a substrate, and a radiation source coupled to the process chamber and configured to expose the dielectric film to electromagnetic (EM) radiation. The radiation source includes a UV source, wherein the UV source has a UV lamp, and a reflector for directing reflected UV radiation from the UV lamp to the substrate. The reflector has a dichroic reflector, and a non-absorbing reflector disposed between the UV lamp and the substrate, and configured to reflect UV radiation from the UV lamp towards the dichroic reflector, wherein the non-absorbing reflector substantially prevents direct UV radiation from the UV lamp to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hongyu Yue, Junjun Liu, Jacques Faguet, Dorel I. Toma
  • Patent number: 8241565
    Abstract: A shoe sole sanitizing device preferably includes a portable platform including a pair of shoe sole-receiving sections including open bottom surfaces respectively. Each of the shoe sole-receiving sections may be adapted to receive the exterior sole of the shoe thereon. The portable platform may further include a plurality of disposable transparent stratums removably positioned on the open bottom surfaces respectively. A plurality of ultraviolet light emitting sources are aligned beneath the shoe sole-receiving sections respectively. Notably, a mechanism is also provided for independently toggling each of the ultraviolet light emitting sources between on and off modes upon detecting a corresponding triggering event respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Bibi Rabbia Abdul
  • Patent number: 8237133
    Abstract: Energy sources and methods for curing in an imprint lithography system are described. The energy sources may include one or more energy elements positioned outside of the viewing range of an imaging unit monitoring elements of the imprint lithography system. Each energy source is configured to provide energy along a path to solidify polymerizable material on a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahadevan Ganapathisubramanian, Byung-Jin Choi, Liang Wang, Alex Ruiz
  • Patent number: 8236237
    Abstract: A device and method for inactivating infectious biological or chemical agents using microwave-activated diazoluminomelanin (DALM). The agents are typically vacuumed into a load cavity, which is at least partially filled with DALM. The load is irradiated with microwaves via a cylindrical waveguide disposed under the load cavity, thereby inactivating or destroying the agents. The system is preferably temperature controlled and operation is preferably automated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Fiore Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Todd Elson, David E. Lane
  • Patent number: 8226255
    Abstract: A button includes a keycap made of transparent material and including a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, a light guide block set on the first side surface of the keycap, and an ultraviolet lighting element set on the first side surface to emit ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet lighting element may enter into the light guide block, then is reflected by the light guide block to pass through the keycap to arrive to the second side surface of the keycap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao-Tsung Fan
  • Patent number: 8227239
    Abstract: A culture apparatus comprising: a housing including a culture chamber inside, culture being cultured in the culture chamber; a door configured to seal the culture chamber; an ultraviolet lamp configured to generate an ultraviolet ray for disinfecting air in the culture chamber; a lighting device configured to allow the ultraviolet lamp to be on for a predetermined time period, when the air in the culture chamber is disinfected; a detecting device configured to detect deterioration of disinfection capability of the ultraviolet lamp; and a controller configured to correct the predetermined time period, during which the ultraviolet lamp is on, so as to be longer according to the deterioration of the disinfection capability of the ultraviolet lamp detected by the detecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Busujima, Yasuhiro Kikuchi, Kenichi Ito, Kuniyoshi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8226887
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and materials that include, in certain embodiments, a mobile device, movable across a surface by a user, that provides ultraviolet light for a process of sanitizing or sterilizing the surface that comprises an ultraviolet light source for illuminating the surface with the ultraviolet light to thereby sanitize or sterilize the surface. The device may include a movement sensor operatively coupled to a microprocessor that receives movement data from the movement sensor, and an indicator that is operatively coupled to the microprocessor, with the microprocessor comprising programming to perform a comparison of the calculated dosage to a predetermined dosage, wherein the microprocessor, based on the comparison, controls the indicator to provide instructions to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Verilux, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Harmon, Ryan Douglas
  • Publication number: 20120181447
    Abstract: An article sanitizer includes a rigid opaque enclosure open at a door side thereof. An enclosure door is adapted to selectively close the door side of the enclosure. At least one UV bulb is fixed to at least one bulb fixture within the enclosure and extends at least partially into the open internal space of the enclosure. A cage is fixed around each sanitizer bulb. An article fastener is fixed with the cage and is adapted to be selectively fastened to the article for securing the article thereto. An electronic circuit is electrically connected to each sanitizer bulb and is adapted to power each bulb for a present period of time. A switch may be included proximate the door and adapted to electrically close when the door is closed to prevent bulb activation when the door is open. A wheeled support stand may be fixed with the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Earl Yerby
  • Patent number: 8222614
    Abstract: The apparatus has a rotating body 11 in an irradiation processing chamber 10. Outside the rotating body 11, plural retaining mechanisms 2 are installed at regular interval to retain open-mouthed containers. Above the conveying path, an electron beam generating means 40 is arranged. The rotating body 11 has a rotary shaft 12 that penetrates into the electron beam generating means 40. On the rotary shaft 12, a grid plate 45 of an electron beam source 41 of the electron beam generating means 40 is rotatively installed. On the grid plate 45, plural emission holes 46 are provided at the same interval as that of the retaining mechanisms 2 on the rotating body 11. In an predetermined irradiation area, the emission holes 46 and a irradiation windows 43 on the irradiation processing chamber 10 and the retaining mechanism 2 for holding the container are aligned approximately on the same axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Japan AE Power Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Shiro Eguchi, Tomoyuki Hikosaka, Satoru Gohzaki, Takayuki Suzuki, Shigekatsu Sato, Isao Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20120168642
    Abstract: Disclosed is an installation (1) for sterilizing objects (8) by means of a radiation source (50). The installation (1) comprises an irradiation zone (5) in which the radiation source (50) is arranged. An entry zone (3), which is preceded by a feed zone (2), is mounted in front of the irradiation zone (5) while an exit zone (4), which is followed by a subsequent processing zone (9), is mounted behind the irradiation zone (5). A transportation line (6) that is used for conveying the objects (8) extends through the installation (1). One respective shield (7) is associated with the entry zone (3) and the exit zone (4). The entry zone (3) encompasses a first inlet opening (31) that has a passage to the feed zone (2) as well as a second inlet opening (32) which has a passage to the irradiation zone (5). The exit zone (4) has a first outlet (41) that has a passage to the irradiation zone (5) as well as a second outlet opening (42) which has a passage to the subsequent processing zone (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas Neuschwander, John Newman, Volker Sigwarth, Paul Alexander Smith
  • Patent number: 8203124
    Abstract: Embodiments of a sterilization apparatus and methods of using a sterilization system are disclosed in the present application. The sterilization apparatus can take the form of a sterilization chamber comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, end walls and side walls which define the interior of the chamber. Throughout the interior of the chamber, multiple ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UVLEDs) irradiate energy at wavelengths for destroying pathogenic substances and achieving an efficient level of sterilization. A UV transparent plate located within the interior of the chamber can support one or more target devices, and can be proportionally sized to accommodate placement of a target device for the simultaneous and uniform distribution of UV sterilizing energy to the surfaces of a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Havens, Robert J. Hennick
  • Publication number: 20120149182
    Abstract: Silicon wafer processing system, apparatus and method of doping silicon wafers with hot concentrated acid dopant compositions for forming p-n junction and back contact layers during processing into PV solar cells. Highly concentrated acid dopant is atomized with pressurized gas and heated in the range of 80-200° C., then introduced into a concentrated acid vapor processing chamber to apply vapor over 1.5-6 min to wafers moving horizontally on a multi-lane conveyor system through the processing chamber. The wafers are dried and forwarded to a diffusion furnace. An optional UV pre-treatment assembly pre-conditions the wafers with UV radiation prior to dopant application, and doped wafers may be post-treated in a UV treatment module before being fired. The wafers may be cooled in the processing chamber. Post-firing, the wafers exhibit excellent sheet resistance in the 60-95 ?/sq range, and are highly uniform across the wafers and wafer-to-wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: TP SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Luis Alejandro Rey Garcia, Peter G. Ragay, Richard W. Parks
  • Publication number: 20120138819
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a disinfecting radiation base with a radiation source for providing disinfecting radiation to a storage case for an ophthalmic lens, such as a contact lens. The disinfecting radiation base includes a diffusing material is molded into a shape or geometry that is capable of providing disinfecting radiation to all regions of the lens being disinfected in uniform intensity and contrast. The disinfecting radiation base may also include a processor and digital memory for automated functions associated with the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Edward R. Kernick, Karson S. Putt, James Daniel Riall
  • Publication number: 20120138818
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a programmable processor in a disinfecting radiation base unit for working in conjunction with a storage case for an ophthalmic lens. The processor is operative via executable software to provide disinfecting radiation base radiation for disinfecting an ophthalmic lens. A disinfecting radiation base unit and storage case may also include sensors for providing data and a digital storage for storing the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Edward R. Kernick, William Chester Neeley, Dwight Abouhalkah, James Daniel Riall
  • Patent number: 8193514
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and methods for curing a surface that is coated with a curable resin, such as an ultraviolet light-curable surface coating. The method involves directing radiation to the curable coating material using an apparatus of the invention to form a cured surface without substantially increasing the temperature of the work surface. The surface coating material can contain ultraviolet reactive photo-initiator compounds. An apparatus for curing a surface coating material is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: UView Ultraviolet Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Ferraro, Leslie Pawlowski, Andrew Stanislaw Chochol