Patent Issued for System For Disinfecting Surfaces Using Ultraviolet Light (USPTO 10,792,381)

2020 OCT 16 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Hospital & Nursing Home Daily -- From Alexandria, Virginia, NewsRx journalists report that a patent by the inventor Poulsen, Peder Ulrik (Shelton, CT), filed on March 27, 2019, was published online on October 19, 2020.

The patent’s assignee for patent number 10,792,381 is Bridgeport Magnetics Group Inc. (Shelton, Connecticut, United States).

News editors obtained the following quote from the background information supplied by the inventors: “The growing problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics is causing a global rise in the incidence of Hospital-Associated Infections (HAI). A recent study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that in the United States during 2016, HAIs affected 5-10% of hospitalized patients. Approximately 1.7 million HAIs occurred resulting in 99,000 deaths and an estimated $20 billion in healthcare costs.

“Surfaces in hospital rooms are continually being contaminated with infectious pathogens such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), Clostridium difficile (C-diff) and others. These infectious pathogens are transmitted to surfaces by individuals with contaminated hands and clothing, contaminated instruments, items that are brought in and out of the room such as personal and hospital issued mobile devices or from the patients themselves. In addition, in some instances the air entering the room is not sterile and deposits pathogens carried by dust and aerosols onto surfaces.

“Despite rigorous manual cleaning, pathogens from previous occupants may also survive and potentially infect a next patient who is brought into the room.

“In response to the rise in HAIs, some companies are now offering Ultraviolet Light (UV-C) based transportable disinfection devices for supplementing manual room cleaning. These devices are brought into the room and turned on, nominally disinfecting relevant surfaces in 15-20 minutes. The process must be carried out while the room is vacant due to the hazards of UV-C radiation to unprotected eyes and is normally performed after manual chemical cleaning.

“These devices generally feature multiple UV-C emitting tubular lamps mounted vertically onto a wheeled base which is positioned centrally in the room. Low pressure tubular mercury lamps can be effective for germicide purposes because they emit two narrow peak wavelengths of 185 nm and 254 nm where the latter peak is close to the wavelength where DNA and RNA exhibit maximum ultraviolet absorption.

“The fluence level (a time-integrated flux describing the energy delivered per square cm of surface area) is relative to the distance of a surface from the UV source. The time required to deliver a typical bactericidal dose of about 30 mJ/cm2 depends on the lamp power, the angle of approach and the presence of objects which may block the line of sight to the source. A relatively short cycle time is important because the process must take place during the absence of patients and staff due to the harmful effects of intense UV radiation and in order to increase the room turnaround rate in a medical facility.

“In some installations, UV lighting fixtures have been permanently installed onto the ceiling of certain spaces (e.g. an operating room) and are activated between procedures. The number and wattage of stationary fixtures can depend on the size of the room and the placement of equipment and furniture to be sterilized.

“The majority of systems being offered (Steris-Pathogen, Lumalier, American Air-ARTZ, Clorox-Optimum, UV-C Technologies, Xenex, and others are transportable. The units are moved manually into patient rooms, IC rooms and treatment rooms with known risk of infection. They are mostly single source systems which must be relocated in between cycles in order to effect full coverage of a room. One system includes three column shaped sources meant to be placed strategically in order to reduce distances and minimize shadows. However, the staff must be trained in moving and operating the systems, often working around the clock, in order to amortize the capital investment and to achieve faster room turnover rates.

“All of the above described systems, whether light fixtures installed in the ceiling or portable lighting stands that are moved into and positioned in a space, unfortunately rely at least partially on reflection of the UV light from walls and ceilings in the space for full treatment of surfaces blocked from line of sight.”

As a supplement to the background information on this patent, NewsRx correspondents also obtained the inventor’s summary information for this patent: “What is desired then is a system and method for disinfecting the surfaces in a space that more efficiently and more effectively kills bacteria.

“It is also desired to provide a system and method for disinfecting surfaces in a room with UV light that more effectively prevents HAIs.

“It is further desired to provide a system and method for disinfecting surfaces in a room automatically with reduction of the negative effects of shadowing due to surfaces being blocked from line of sight to the disinfecting UV light source.

“It is still further desired to provide a system and method for effectively disinfecting surfaces in a room that does not require specific or detailed training for personal to operate.

“These and other benefits are achieved in one configuration by the provision of a surface disinfection system comprising one or a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting fixtures and a control interface for controlling the system. In one configuration it is contemplated that the UV light fixtures may be oriented in a horizontal plane and extend radially from a central vertical column, which may be affixed to the ceiling. In another configuration, it is contemplated that the system may be affixed to the floor or may comprise a transportable wheeled base that can be moved into a space to be treated. In particular, a motorized controllable rotator enables the fixture to rotate around an axis defined by the vertical column. Each fixture may include one or a plurality of UV lamps and ballasts for lamp power supply. Additionally, a disinfection cycle may be programmed into the system and could comprise one or several slow full or partial revolutions of the system. The rotation serves to distribute the UV radiation evenly and minimize shadows throughout the space.

“It is contemplated that the system could be provided as a UV-C surface sterilizing system designed primarily for permanent installation in patient rooms, intensive care units, emergency units, operating rooms and other venues presenting a high risk of infections.

“The UV light source could comprise light fixture (e.g., up to 8 feet in length), which is suspended from the ceiling by a single column terminated in a set of bearings, which could be located about 2 feet from the end. A motor and reduction gear may serve to rotate the assembly relatively slowly in a horizontal plane about 7 feet above the floor. A sterilization cycle may be performed in the course of two full revolutions, (e.g., first clockwise and then counterclockwise, returning the unit to the starting point). In one configuration, a (sliding) hinged panel in front of the lamps may (move backward) open automatically to expose the lamps at the start and may then close at the end of the cycle.

“The UV-C emitters (high intensity mercury amalgam lamps or UV LEDs) and reflector could be mounted on the underside of the (6 foot long) section opposite the drive end. When energized, due to the slow, barely visibly noticeable, rotation, all objects within the room will receive germicidal UV light from varying directions. In this manner, even if there are objects that may create a shadow on a surface to be sterilized, the rotation of the light source will ensure that the surface is properly sterilized.

“The efficacy of the system described above exceeds that of vertical, column based systems. The horizontal facing of the light sources (the elongated lamps) enables an improved angle of approach to most critical target surfaces. For example, the distribution of UV light onto a flat surface such as a counter top, will be better from a horizontally mounted light source than a vertically mounted light source. This is because the light from the horizontally mounted light source will strike the surface at close to a perpendicular angle.

“Horizontally mounted light sources also ensure that the vertical distance from the light fixture to beds, bedding, table tops, chairs and equipment is minimized, typically not exceeding four to six (4-6) feet. This ensures a higher amount of energy is transferred to the surface to be disinfected.

“Additionally, most surfaces which would be shaded from a stationary emitter are opened to a direct line of sight due to the rotating (moving) nature of the UV-C light source.

“It should further be noted that dosing can be customized to suit the particular room and furniture set up by means of programmed stops at selected angles during the sweep. For example, the system could be programmed to stop (e.g., for a full minute or longer) in front of an open bathroom door to thoroughly flood the location, or stop for a programmed time frame at other areas deemed critical or more likely to be supporting bacteria. This feature is also useful in order to provide coverage in an elongated room. For example, if one fixture is being utilized in the space, the rotation of the device at certain angles, corresponding with longer sections of the room, could be slowed to increase the amount of radiation transmitted to surfaces at a further distance.

“When the system is permanently installed (e.g., the ceiling mounted embodiment), a customized cycle may be programmed and then duplicated again and again, eliminating the need for remote UV-C dosing sensors.

“Another benefit to the current system is that is does not require trained staff to operate it properly. This is due to the fact that the system rotates and can be run via a program that may be designed specifically with the space in mind. Nor does the current system need complicated logistics to suit patient rotation as the system could simply be initiated when a patient vacates the room. Likewise, the permanently mounted type system does not require storage space between uses.

“For this application the following terms and definitions shall apply:

“The term ‘network’ as used herein includes both networks and internetworks of all kinds, including the Internet, and is not limited to any particular network or inter-network.

“The terms ‘first’ and ‘second’ are used to distinguish one element, set, data, object or thing from another, and are not used to designate relative position or arrangement in time.

“The terms ‘coupled’, ‘coupled to’, ‘coupled with’, ‘connected’, ‘connected to’, and ‘connected with’ as used herein each mean a relationship between or among two or more devices, apparatus, files, programs, applications, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, and/or means, constituting any one or more of (a) a connection, whether direct or through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, programs, applications, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, (b) a communications relationship, whether direct or through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, programs, applications, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, and/or © a functional relationship in which the operation of any one or more devices, apparatus, files, programs, applications, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means depends, in whole or in part, on the operation of any one or more others thereof.

“In one configuration a light fixture adapted to disinfect surfaces is provided, the light fixture comprising: a base, a shaft coupled to the base, and an enclosure coupled to the shaft. The light fixture further comprises at least one ballast positioned in the enclosure, the at least one ballast adapted to be connected to a source of electrical power. The light fixture still further comprises at least one Ultraviolet (UV) lamp positioned in the enclosure and coupled to the at least on ballast, the at least one UV lamp adapted to emit radiation in a frequency that is harmful to bacteria, and an electric motor positioned in the enclosure and adapted to rotate the enclosure about an axis.

“In another configuration a method of disinfecting surfaces in a room with UV light fixture is provided comprising the steps of coupling a shaft to a base, coupling an enclosure to the shaft, and positioning an Ultraviolet (UV) lamp and an associated ballast in the enclosure. The method further comprises the steps of emitting UV light from the UV lamp into the room, rotating the enclosure about an axis of rotation with a motor positioned within the enclosure, and controlling the rotation via predetermined settings.

“In still another configuration a light fixture adapted to disinfect surfaces is provided, the light fixture comprising an enclosure coupled to a shaft, where the shaft is coupled to a base. The light fixture further comprises a plurality of Ultraviolet (UV) lamps positioned in the enclosure and coupled to a source of electrical power, the UV lamps being adapted to emit radiation in a frequency that is harmful to bacteria. The light fixture still further comprises an electric motor positioned in the enclosure and adapted to rotate the enclosure in a horizontal plane around an axis of the shaft, and an interface adapted to operate the light fixture.

“Other objects of the invention and its particular features and advantages will become more apparent from consideration of the following drawings and accompanying detailed description.”

The claims supplied by the inventors are:

“What is claimed is:

“1. A system for disinfecting surfaces in a room comprising: a base; a shaft coupled to said base and having an axis of rotation; a mounting element coupled to said shaft, said mounting element having an upper surface and a lower surface; at least one ballast positioned on said mounting element, said at least one ballast adapted to be connected to a source of electrical power; at least one Ultraviolet (UV) lamp positioned on the lower surface of said mounting element and coupled to said at least on ballast, said at least one UV lamp adapted to emit radiation in a frequency that is harmful to bacteria; an electric motor positioned on said mounting element and adapted to rotate said UV lamp about the axis.

“2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said mounting element further comprises an enclosure including a cavity having a reflective backing and said at least one UV lamp is mounted in the cavity.

“3. The system according to claim 2, further comprising a door that is positioned to cover said cavity and is adapted to open to allow the radiation from said at least one UV lamp to exit from said cavity.

“4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one UV lamp comprises an elongated lamp that extends at least partially along a length of said mounting element.

“5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one UV lamp comprises a plurality of UV lamps.

“6. The system according to claim 5, wherein said plurality of UV lamps comprise elongated lamps that extend at least partially along a length of said enclosure.

“7. The system according to claim 6, wherein said plurality of elongated UV lamps comprise lamps having at least two different lengths.

“8. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a reduction gear adapted to rotate the mounting element in a horizontal plane around the axis.

“9. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a visual indication position outside of the room adapted to provide an indication that the light fixture is in operation.

“10. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an interface adapted to operate the light fixture.

“11. The system according to claim 10, wherein said interface is selected from the group consisting of: a switch, a card reader, a key pad and combinations thereof.

“12. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a fan positioned on said mounting element.

“13. The system according to claim 1, wherein said base comprises a portable frame adapted to sit on a floor to be positioned within a room.

“14. A system for disinfecting surfaces in a room comprising: a base; a shaft coupled to said base; an enclosure coupled to said shaft; at least one ballast positioned in said enclosure, said at least one ballast adapted to be connected to a source of electrical power; at least one Ultraviolet (UV) lamp positioned in said enclosure and coupled to said at least on ballast, said at least one UV lamp adapted to emit radiation in a frequency that is harmful to bacteria; an electric motor positioned in said enclosure and adapted to rotate said enclosure about an axis; an interface adapted to operate the light fixture; a processor; and a storage accessible by said processor, said storage adapted to store a program for operating said UV lamp and said electric motor in a predetermined manner.

“15. The system according to claim 14, wherein said base is adapted to be mounted to the ceiling of a room and the predetermined manner of operation is based on a configuration of the room.

“16. The system according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined manner of operation comprises control operations selected from the group consisting of: a speed of rotation, a direction of rotation, a sequence of direction changes, a sequence of pauses, an intensity of the lamp and combinations thereof.

“17. The system according to claim 14, further comprising a computer coupled to said processor via a network connection, wherein said processor is adapted to be programmed by said computer.

“18. The system according to claim 14, further comprising a computer coupled to said processor via a network connection, wherein said storage is positioned in said computer and said system is adapted to be controlled by said computer.

“19. The system according to claim 14, further comprising a sensor such that if movement is detected in the room, the UV lamp will cease emitting radiation.

“20. The system according to claim 14, further comprising a door sensor such that if a door to access the room is detected as open, the UV lamp will cease emitting radiation.

“21. A system for disinfecting surfaces comprising: an enclosure comprising a mounting element having an upper mounting surface and a lower mounting surface, said enclosure coupled to a shaft, where the shaft is coupled to a base; a plurality of Ultraviolet (UV) lamps positioned on said lower mounting surface and coupled to a source of electrical power, said UV lamps adapted to emit radiation in a frequency that is harmful to bacteria; an electric motor positioned in said enclosure and adapted to rotate said enclosure in a horizontal plane around an axis of said shaft; and an interface adapted to operate or program the system.

“22. The system according to claim 21, wherein said interface is selected from the group consisting of: a switch, a card reader, a key pad and combinations thereof.

“23. The system according to claim 21, further comprising: a processor; and a storage accessible by said processor, said storage adapted to store a program for operating the UV lamps and the electric motor in a predetermined manner.

“24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the predetermined manner of operation is based on a configuration of the room.

“25. The system according to claim 23, wherein the predetermined manner of operation comprises control operations selected from the group consisting of: a speed of rotation, a direction of rotation, a sequence of direction changes, a sequence of pauses, an intensity of the lamp and combinations thereof.

“26. The system according to claim 23, further comprising a computer coupled to said processor via a network connection, wherein said processor is adapted to be programmed by said computer.

“27. The system according to claim 23, further comprising a computer coupled to said processor via a network connection, wherein said storage is positioned in said computer and said system is adapted to be controlled by said computer.

“28. The system according to claim 21, wherein the light fixture is positioned within a room and further comprising a visual indication position outside of the room adapted to provide an indication that the system is in operation.”

For additional information on this patent, see: Poulsen, Peder Ulrik. System For Disinfecting Surfaces Using Ultraviolet Light. U.S. Patent Number 10,792,381, filed March 27, 2019, and published online on October 19, 2020. Patent URL: http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=10,792,381.PN.&OS=PN/10,792,381RS=PN/10,792,381

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