Sterilization device utilizing low intensity UV-C radiation and ozone

Abstract

A sterilization system uses ultraviolet radiation and ozone to eradicate deadly pathogens to sterilize a zone of a surface of an object or wound/incision sites. The sterilization system offers a safe sterilization method prior to or after surgery and/or closure wounds/incisions. The sterilization system has ultraviolet emitters that emit ultraviolet light in wavelengths that kill pathogens and in wavelengths that produce ozone at the sites, therefore killing/disabling several hard-to-kill pathogens. The sterilization system has proximity detectors to enable ultraviolet emission only when the system is properly located near or against the surface so as to protect from unwanted radiation from the ultraviolet light.

Claims

1. A system for killing pathogens, the system comprising: an enclosure; one or more ultraviolet emitters housed within the enclosure and configured to selectively emit ultraviolet light from the enclosure onto a surface where the ultraviolet light produces ozone at the surface; one or more sensors for detecting proximity to the surface; and a timer, the timer connecting a source of power to the one or more ultraviolet emitters for a period of time responsive to the one or more sensors detecting proximity to the surface.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more visible light emitting devices housed within the enclosure for providing feedback that the enclosure is proximal to the surface.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more ultraviolet emitters comprise one or more ultraviolet emitting tubes.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more ultraviolet emitters comprise one or more ultraviolet light emitting diodes.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors for detecting proximity to the surface comprises one or more rods extending from the enclosure, each of the rods coupled to a switch, wherein activation of all of the switches signals activation of the timer.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors for detecting proximity to the surface comprises a magnetic sensor.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors for detecting proximity to the surface comprises an ultrasonic distance measuring system.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more ultraviolet emitters are protected by a filter, the filter comprises a material selected from fused silica and quartz glass.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising an electric current sensor interfaced is series with each of the one or more ultraviolet emitters and if during when the source of power is connected to the one or more ultraviolet emitters any of the electric current sensors measures zero electric current, indicating that a respective one of the one or more ultraviolet emitters has failed.

10. A method of radiating a surface, the method comprising: detecting proximity to a zone of the surface that is a target of the radiating, the detecting is by one or more surface proximity detectors; responsive to detecting proximity to the surface, enabling a flow of electrical current to one or more ultraviolet emitters to emits ultraviolet light, thereby illuminating the surface with the ultraviolet light and the ultraviolet light produces ozone at the zone of the surface; delaying for a period of time; and disabling the one or more ultraviolet emitters, thereby stopping emission of the ultraviolet light and stopping production of the ozone at the zone of the surface.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising measuring the electrical current flowing to each of the one or more ultraviolet emitters and if the electrical current flowing to any of the one or more ultraviolet emitters is less than a predetermined electrical current, indicating a failure of a respective one of the one or more ultraviolet emitters.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the detecting proximity to the zone of the surface comprises detecting pressure against two or more position sensors, the two or more position sensors located at a periphery of the zone that is the target of the radiating.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the detecting proximity to the zone of the surface comprises using an ultrasonic distance measurement device that detects proximity to the surface.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the detecting proximity to the zone of the surface comprises a magnetic sensor for detecting surfaces of magnetic materials.

15. A system for killing pathogens, the system comprising: an enclosure; one or more ultraviolet emitters housed in the enclosure and covered by a filter, the filter passing ultraviolet light from the one or more ultraviolet emitters, the one or more ultraviolet emitters configured to emit ultraviolet light from the housing, through the filters, and onto a zone of a surface where ozone is produced by ultra violet light emitted from the one or more ultraviolet emitters; means for detecting proximity to the surface, the means for detecting proximity prevents the one or more ultraviolet emitters from emitting the ultraviolet light until the system for killing pathogens is at the surface; and a timer configured to connect a source of power to the one or more ultraviolet emitters for a period of time responsive to the means for detecting the surface indicating contact with the surface.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising one or more visible light emitters housed in the enclosure and covered by the filter.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the means for detecting proximity comprises one or more position sensors coupled to switches, the position sensors positioned at a periphery of the zone of the surface.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the means for detecting proximity comprises a magnetic sensor.

19. The system of claim 15, further comprising a shroud interfaced to the enclosure, the shroud made of a pliable material that seals against the zone of the surface, thereby preventing escape of the ultraviolet light from an area between the enclosure and the zone of the surface when the one or more ultraviolet emitters emit the ultraviolet light.

20. The system of claim 15, further comprising a base and an articulating arm connected to the base, the articulating arm supports the enclosure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system for directly radiating skin.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a device head showing some of the components incorporated in the head of the system for directly radiating skin.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device head showing a protective shield.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the system for directly radiating skin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

[0022] Throughout this description, the term sterilize is used to describe the act of killing pathogens. Although sterile often refers to something being void of pathogens, the term sterilize is the process of destroying (killing or disabling) microorganisms, as it is anticipated that most or all pathogens will be destroyed, though depending on UVC dosage and ozone exposure, it is anticipated that not all pathogens will be destroyed with each use of the described apparatus.

[0023] Throughout this description, the system is described as a system to directly radiate a surface (e.g. a wound), for example, an area in which an incision will be made, an incision that was made during an operation, either an open incision or a closed incisionclosed by, for example, stitches, medical instruments, etc. The wound is also anticipated to be a wound that has occurred by accident (e.g., an abrasion or dog bite) or due to an ailment such as a bed sore, etc. There is no limitation on how the described system is used. For example, it is fully anticipated that the described system be used to radiate an area of skin where there is no wound, for example, before an incision is made, etc.

[0024] Ultraviolet radiation is well known for its ability to eradicate deadly pathogens. However, the time required to do so is a serious consideration as extended exposure to UV-C has the potential of being harmful to tissue/skin around wound/incision sites. The system for directly radiating a wound herein described circumvents the potential dangers of exposure by reducing the time necessary for eradication of deadly pathogens by incorporating a short burst of ozone. The ozone acts as a catalyst to destroy the protective membrane (shell) that surrounds certain pathogens that are capable of causing an infection that is capable of leading to death. By reducing the time needed to expose the surrounding skin the system for directly radiating a wound reduces potential dangers of exposure to UV-C and at the same time reduces the time necessary for the sterilization process.

[0025] The invention generally relates to using ultraviolet radiation in combination with ozone to eradicate deadly pathogens (germs and viruses, spores and fungus) to sterilize, for example, an object or a wound/incision site. The invention relates to a system for directly radiating a surface of an object or a wound either prior to surgery, prior to closing an incision following surgery, or at any time. This system for directly radiating a surface is activated, for example, by a person placing the head of the device above the surface, wound/incision and initiating UV-C bulbs to therefore emit ozone which will sterilize (kill a number of pathogens) at the wound/incision site using UV-C radiation and ozone. The surface or wound/incision site will be exposed for a time specified by and controlled by an electronic timer that begins by, for example, operating a switch or a foot control device. Once activated, the system for directly radiating a wound produces both UV-C and ozone on the wound/incision area. For example, the period of time is from 5 to 100 seconds, which is sufficient to kill/disable pathogens but short enough to prevent damage to the skin.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the system for directly radiating a wound described herein incorporates a protective shield that is designed to direct the UV-C plus ozone light to the wound/incision site and at the same time protecting the user from unnecessary exposure the both UV-C and ozone.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the system for directly radiating a surface or wound incorporates safety sensors to ensure that the device is activated only when it is in optimal position. This prevents the system for directly radiating a wound from emitting UV-C until it is in position (e.g. against the patient's skin).

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the system for directly radiating objects 1 is shown in an exemplary physical embodiment. The system for directly radiating objects 1 includes, for example, a base 2 for housing electrical components (see FIG. 4), an articulating arm 3 hingedly connected to the base, an optional counter-weight 4, a head 5 having there within the ultraviolet emitters 70 (see FIG. 4) that also emit ozone, optional handles 6, position sensors 7, a computer display 8, indicator light 9 (e.g. LEDs), a control panel 10, an optional lock 11, electrical cord 12, an optional foot control 13, wheels 14 and a camera 15. Although shown as a floor-based system, it is fully anticipated that system for directly radiating objects 1 be embodied in a hand-held device including the head 5 with all controls, ultraviolet emitters 70, etc., contained there within the head 5.

[0029] Note that the position sensors 7 are located around a periphery of the head 5 such that, when the head 5 is positioned over a zone of a surface to be radiated with the ultraviolet light, the position sensors 7 contact only peripheral areas of the zone of the surface so as to not apply pressure to, for example, a wound or incision.

[0030] The ultraviolet emitters 70 preferably emit ultraviolet radiation at wavelengths that kill/disable pathogens and also generate ozone, as ozone is a gas that is known to aid in the destruction/disablement of certain pathogens that may not be killed solely by ultraviolet light. For example, the ultraviolet emitters 70 emit at a wavelength of around 254 nm to kill/disable many pathogens and emit at a wavelength of 185 nm to generate ozone to kill/disable some hard to kill pathogens such as MRSA, etc. In such, it is fully anticipated that a single ultraviolet emitter 70 emit both wavelengths of radiation or some of the ultraviolet emitters 70 emit at one wavelength of radiation and other of the ultraviolet emitters 70 emit at another wavelength of radiation. There is no limitation on the types and configuration of ultraviolet emitters 70 as long as the requisite wavelengths of radiation are emitted and directed towards the wound to kill/disable pathogens in the area of the wound.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the system for directly radiating objects 1 showing details of the head 5, position sensors 7, handles 6, and one or more ultraviolet emitting bulbs 70. In some embodiments, there are additional LEDs 17 to shed visible light on the patient while positioning the head 5. This emission of visible light aids in locating of the head as well as providing feedback to the technician as to where the ultraviolet light is or will be irradiating, as ultraviolet light is not visible to humans.

[0032] The head 5 includes one or more ultraviolet emitters 70 (e.g. ultraviolet emitting tubes, ultraviolet emitting light emitting diodes or LEDs, etc.) and, for protection from electrical shock, it is preferred that the one or more ultraviolet emitting bulbs 70 be protected by a cover 71 that is made of a sturdy material that efficiently passes ultraviolet light in both the wavelengths that are known to kill/neutralize pathogens (e.g. 254 nm) and wavelengths that are known to create the requisite ozone (O.sub.3) (e.g. 185 nm). In some embodiments, the cover 71 comprises fused silica. In a less preferred embodiment, the cover comprises fused quartz.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the system for directly radiating objects 1 showing a protective shield 18. The protective shield 18 is made of a pliable material such as rubber or soft plastic that, when pressed against, for example, a patient's skin, conforms to contours of the patient's skin, thereby sealing against the patient's skin and reducing emissions of ultraviolet light from the one or more ultraviolet emitting bulbs 70, as such emissions have the potential to affect the technician's and doctor's eyesight. As it is difficult to see ultraviolet light (human eyes typically do not visualize ultraviolet light), the optional LEDs 17 provide visible light emanating from the head 5, beneath the protective shield 18. Therefore, should the protective shield 18 not seal properly against the surface or patient's skin, the technician/doctor is able to see the visible light and can adjust the head 5 or stop operation of the one or more ultraviolet emitting bulbs 70.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 4, block diagram showing an exemplary electrical sub-system 96 of the exemplary system for directly radiating objects 1 is shown. This is an example of one implementation, utilizing a processor 100 to control operation of the system for directly radiating objects 1. There are many other implementations anticipated, with or without the use of a processor 100 or processing element 100.

[0035] The exemplary processor-based sub-system 96 is shown having a single processor 100, though any number of processors 100 is anticipated. Many different computer architectures are known that accomplish similar results in a similar fashion and, again, the present invention is not limited in any way to any particular processor 100 or computer system. In this exemplary processor-based sub-system 96, the processor 100 executes or runs stored programs that are generally stored for execution within a memory 102. The processor 100 is any processor or a group of processors, for example an Intel 80051 or processors that are known as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). The memory 102 is connected to the processor as known in the industry and the memory 102 is any memory or combination of memory types suitable for operation with the processor 100, such as SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, RDRAM, DDR, DDR-2, flash, EPROM, EEPROM, etc. The processor 100 is connected to various devices (e.g. sensors, relays, lights, etc.) by any known direct or bus connection.

[0036] For AC powered operation, AC power is conditioned and regulated by a power regulator 110, as known in the industry. The power regulator 110 provides power for operation of the one or more devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70, for the processor 100, and for any other component of the processor-based sub-system 96. In this example, one or more devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 are ultraviolet emitting bulbs 70, similar in operation to small florescent bulbs, though the present invention is not limited to any particular devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70; and ultraviolet emitting LEDs or any ultraviolet emitter is anticipated. In general, such devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 operate at a specific voltage and draw a typical amount of current per specifications from suppliers of such devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70. As the devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 age or fail, such aging or failure is detected by monitoring of the current and/or voltage provided to the devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 by one or more sensors 120/125. For example, one sensor 125 monitors voltage over the devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 and another sensor 120 monitors current to/from the devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70. Outputs of the sensors 120/125 are connected to the processor 100. Upon detection of a failed or aging devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70, the processor 100 signals such aging or failure by eliminating one or more lamps or LEDs 104, changing the color of one or more lamps or LEDs 104, emitting a sound through a transducer 106, and/or sending a message through the network 135 to, for example, an operations system (computer) 140 that is connected to the network 135. In such, the system for directly radiating objects 1 includes a network adapter or modem 130 to enable communication through the network 135 to, for example, an operations processor 140.

[0037] It is important that a certain number of devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 are functioning in order to properly radiate the target surface and kill sufficient pathogens. Being that it is difficult to discern if any of the devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 have failed because the devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 typically do not emit visible light and/or because it is harmful to expose one's eye to the light emitted by the devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70, in some embodiments, separate current sensors 120 are configured in series with each of the devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70. In such, the processor 100 reads the current going to/from each of the devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 and the processor 100 indicates which device(s) that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 has aged or failed by illuminating the lamps/LEDs 104 in a certain pattern, colors, or sequence (e.g., blinking 3 times if the third device that emits ultraviolet 70 has failed) and/or encoding an indication of the failed devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 in a message that is sent through the network 135 to an operations system 140.

[0038] Also in this example, one or more sensors 90, magnetic sensors 16, and/or pressure sensors 25 are interfaced to the processor 100. Any known and/or future sensor 90/25 that detects proper placement is anticipated and is connected to the processor 100. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1-3, position sensors 7 are activated as the head 5 of the exemplary system for directly radiating objects 1 is pushed against the patient's body, for example using sensors 25 that are micro switches. There are many known proximity detectors, including pressure sensors 25 to detect pressure of the head 5 against the surface to be sterilized, ultrasonic distance sensor (sonar), skin continuity sensors, mechanical switches (e.g. coupled to the position sensors), ambient light detectors, cameras 15, magnetic sensors 16, etc. Magnetic sensors 16 are anticipated for use in sterilizing metallic medical objects such as surgical devices, etc. In this, as the head 5 the exemplary system for directly radiating objects 1 nears the medical object; the magnetic sensor detects the medical object and initiates operation of the ultraviolet light and ozone. After sufficient exposure, the medical object is turned over and as the head 5 the exemplary system for directly radiating objects 1 nears the second side of the medical object; the magnetic sensor detects the medical object and initiates operation of the ultraviolet light and ozone. This kills pathogens on both sides of the medical object.

[0039] The processor monitors the status of the sensor(s) 90/25 and enables or disables operation of the devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 through operation of a power switching device 115 (e.g. solid-state switch or relay). In such, it is also anticipated that the processor 100 illuminate one or more indicators 9 or LEDs to signal that the devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 are operating after detection of proper placement of the head 5 against the patient and after supplying power to the devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 through operation of the power switching device 115.

[0040] Once the processor 100 detects the proper placement of the head 5 against the patient, the processor 100 closes the power switching device 115, thereby illuminating the device(s) that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 for emission of the ultraviolet light onto the patient (e.g. at a location prior to or after an incision is made). In some embodiments, the processor 100 also illuminates one or more lamps/LEDs 9 to provide feedback to the technician that the sterilization process is in operation. In some embodiments, the processor 100 retains power to the devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 until it is detected that the technician has moved the head 5 away from the patient's body. In other embodiments, the processor 100 retains power to devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 for a fixed or settable length of time. In either embodiment, once the devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 are shut off, any lamps/LEDs 9 that were illuminated are extinguished to indicate to the user that the sterilization has stopped and it is safe to move the head 5. It is anticipated that, in some embodiments, a display 8 provides instructions and the technician operates the system for directly radiating objects 1 through a control panel 10, for example, a touch screen control panel or a keyboard, or any other known input device.

[0041] In some embodiments, operation of the system for directly radiating objects 1 is controlled by a foot control 13, for example, pressing the foot control 13 turns on the devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 and/or initiates a timer that turns on the devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 for a period of time.

[0042] In some embodiments, the system for directly radiating objects 1 includes one or more patient detectors 99 that are interfaced to the processor as known in the industry, for example through a Universal Serial Bus interface (USB), a serial interface such as RS-232 or RS-422, RS-485, wireless connection, etc. In such, the patient detectors 99 are, for example, bar code readers (e.g. QR code or any type of bar code), Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) readers, facial recognition devices, retinal scanning devices, fingerprint scanners, etc. In such, the system for directly radiating objects 1 communicates with the remote operations system to retrieve patient records related to the patient being treated and, in some embodiments, the patient records are used to make system settings controlling the operation of the system for directly radiating objects 1, for example, the emission power and/or the duration of emission.

[0043] The processor 100 initiates operation of the devices that emit ultraviolet radiation 70 through, for example, the power switching device 115 to start the reduction of pathogens in the exposed area of the patient's body. The processor indicates operation by, for example, illuminating one or more of the indicators 9 (e.g. LEDs), in some embodiments with a specific color, sequence, pattern, etc. In some embodiments, the processor terminates the ultraviolet emission through, for example, the power switching device 115 after a period of time, which is either predetermined globally, predetermined based upon the identification of the user as determined by the one or more patient detectors 99. It is anticipated that the processor 100 query the remote operations system 140 to obtain information regarding the amount of exposure time, user identities, passwords/pins, current environmental conditions, pathogen alerts, etc. it is also anticipated that the system for directly radiating objects 1 include one or more environmental sensors (not shown), coupled to the processor 100 such as temperature sensors and humidity sensors, etc.

[0044] In some embodiments, once the processor 100 terminates the ultraviolet emission, the processor notifies the user that the user of completion by, for example, illuminating or blanking one or more of the indicators 9 (e.g. LEDs), in some embodiments with a specific color, sequence, pattern, etc. Also, in some embodiments, a completion record is created for the user. The completion record is transmitted to the operations processor 140 through the network 135, stored in the memory 102 for later retrieval, etc.

[0045] Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.

[0046] It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.