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Uv sterilization of user interface fomitesUv sterilization of user interface fomites description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20090123331, Uv sterilization of user interface fomites. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
This application is a Continuation Application claiming priority under 35 USC §120 to PCT Application Number PCT/US2007/063100 filed on Mar. 1, 2007 designating United States, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/436,288, filed on May 17, 2006, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The present disclosure relates to sterilization techniques using ultraviolet (UV) electromagnetic radiation. For example, UV sterilization techniques can be applied to sterilize user interface fomites such as a computer keyboard and a telephone. Fomites are inanimate objects that can carry infectious pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, spores, viruses, and fungi. Depending on the nature, use and location of the fomites, certain fomites are more susceptible to be carriers for disease causing microorganisms. For example, a hospital is an environment with multiple sources of disease carrying infectious pathogenic microorganisms. The possible cross contaminations include patient to staff, staff to staff, and staff to patient. While some fomites in a hospital can be easily sterilized, sterilizing electronic fomites such as a keyboard or a telephone can be problematic. A keyboard or a telephone cannot be autoclaved due to the sensitive electrical elements housed inside the plastic outer shell. While an alcohol wash can be applied, extreme care is required to avoid short circuiting the electrical elements with the alcohol liquid and thus rendering the fomites permanently damaged. Techniques for sterilizing user interface fomites using UV electromagnetic radiation are disclosed. In an implementation, an apparatus for sterilizing a fomite can include a housing able to envelop a fomite inside the housing. The housing is composed of a material or a combination of materials that prevents transmission of electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet range. A closure element is attached to the housing to provide access to inside the housing, and the closure element is also composed of a material or a combination of materials that prevents transmission of electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet range but allows visual light to pass through the closure element. The apparatus also includes an ultraviolet (UV) light source located inside the housing. The UV light source is capable of sterilizing the fomite enclosed inside the housing by directing ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation towards the fomite. Implementations can optionally include one or more of the following features. The closure element can be implemented to include an automated closure element, a sliding closure element, a rotating closure element, an integrally formed closure element, or a closure elements with separate pieces. The closure element can be also be a door. The ultraviolet light source can be attached to an internal surface of the closure element. The fomite can be permanently attached to the housing or detachably attached to the housing. The housing can envelop a computer keyboard and a computer mouse inside the housing. Alternatively, the housing can envelop a telephone that includes a receiver and a control module. For the housing enveloping the telephone, a second ultraviolet light source can be included to sterilize the receiver by directing ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation towards the underside of the receiver. Also, a display unit can be located on an external surface of the closure element, and the display unit can be designed to provide visual cues to an user and facilitate operation of the telephone. The display unit can be an LED display. The apparatus can further include an interface module. The interface module can include a power outlet for plugging-in power cords and a computer input/output interface module for physically connecting to a plurality of computer peripheral devices permanently or detachably connected to the housing. The computer input/output interface can include at least one of a universal serial bus port, a FireWire port, a peripheral component interconnect port, a serial interface port, and a parallel interface port. The interface module can also include a telephone jack. Implementations can further optionally include one or more of the following features. The housing can include an automatic switch linked to the closure element. The automatic switch can be designed to turn-on the ultraviolet light source for a predetermined period of time when the closure element is closed and to automatically turn-off the ultraviolet light source when the closure element is open. Alternatively, a programmable timing module can be included and connected to the automatic switch and the closure element. The programmable timing module can be programmed to periodically turn-on and turn-off the ultraviolet light for a predetermined period of time. In addition, a motor can be connected to the closure element to automatically open and close the closure element. The motor can be operated by having an automatic control module sending a signal to the motor to automatically open and close the closure element. The automatic control module can be a motion detector. Computer program products, tangibly embodied in a computer or machine readable medium are also described. Such computer program products may cause a data processing apparatus to conduct one or more operations described herein. Similarly, systems are also described that may include a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory may encode one or more programs that cause the processor to perform one or more of the method acts described herein. Further, features described in this specification can be implemented as one or more methods or processes. The subject matter described herein provides many advantages. For example, the UV system enables efficient sterilization of fomites, such as a keyboard and a telephone, that could potentially spread infectious diseases to users coming in contact with the fomites. In addition, the UV system is portable and can be implemented at the usual locations of the fomites. The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the techniques will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. Continue reading about Uv sterilization of user interface fomites... Full patent description for Uv sterilization of user interface fomites Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Uv sterilization of user interface fomites patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Uv sterilization of user interface fomites or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Method of sterilizing a package Next Patent Application: Sterilization pouch with internal and external indicators Industry Class: Chemical apparatus and process disinfecting, deodorizing, preserving, or sterilizing ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Uv sterilization of user interface fomites patent info. 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