18257716. ULTRAVIOLET-C EMITTING DISINFECTING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME simplified abstract (3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY)

ULTRAVIOLET-C EMITTING DISINFECTING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

Organization Name

3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY

Inventor(s)

Timothy J. Hebrink of Scandia MN (US)

John A. Wheatley of Stillwater MN (US)

Bharat R. Acharya of Woodbury MN (US)

Tao Liu of Woodbury MN (US)

Stephen P. Maki of North St. Paul MN (US)

Gilles J.B. Benoit of Minneapolis MN (US)

Sean M. Sweetnam of Minneapolis MN (US)

ULTRAVIOLET-C EMITTING DISINFECTING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18257716 titled 'ULTRAVIOLET-C EMITTING DISINFECTING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a device for disinfecting materials using ultraviolet radiation, specifically UV-C radiation. The device includes a housing that blocks UV radiation, a window with a UV-C band-pass mirror film, and an ultraviolet radiation source.

• The device includes a housing that is impermeable to ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of 280 nm to 400 nm.
• The window in the housing contains a UV-C band-pass mirror film that transmits UV-C radiation (100 nm to less than 280 nm) while blocking UV-A and UV-B radiation.
• An ultraviolet radiation source within the housing emits ultraviolet radiation at wavelengths from 100 nm to 400 nm.
• An optional ultraviolet mirror film reflects the radiation emitted by the source.

Potential Applications

The technology can be used for disinfecting various materials, such as medical equipment, water, air, and surfaces.

Problems Solved

The device helps in disinfecting materials by effectively killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens using UV-C radiation.

Benefits

- Efficient disinfection of materials - Elimination of harmful pathogens - Non-chemical disinfection method

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology can be applied in healthcare facilities, laboratories, food processing plants, and public transportation for disinfection purposes.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be UV-C disinfection devices used in healthcare settings or water treatment facilities.

What are the safety measures in place to protect users from UV radiation exposure?

Users should not be exposed to UV radiation emitted by the device. Safety measures such as automatic shut-off mechanisms, warning signs, and protective gear can be implemented to prevent exposure.

How does the device ensure uniform disinfection across different materials and surfaces?

The device may include features such as adjustable exposure times, multiple radiation sources, and reflective surfaces to ensure uniform disinfection across various materials and surfaces.

Original Abstract Submitted

A device including a housing that is substantially impermeable to ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength of from 280 nm to 400 nm, and at least one window defined in the housing, the window including a UV-C radiation band-pass mirror film having a multiplicity of alternating first and second optical layers collectively transmitting UV-C radiation at a wavelength from at least 100 nm to less than 280 nm and not transmitting UV-A and UV-B radiation at a wavelength of from 280 nm to 400 nm, and an ultraviolet radiation source positioned within the housing, the ultraviolet radiation source being capable of emitting ultraviolet radiation at one or more wavelength from 100 nm to 400 nm. The device optionally further includes an ultraviolet mirror film positioned within the housing so as to reflect ultraviolet radiation emitted by the ultraviolet radiation source. A method of disinfecting a material is also disclosed.