CN116669778A

CN116669778A - Equipment comprising purification device

Info

Publication number: CN116669778A
Application number: CN202180087778.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 卢·塔西克
Original assignee: Tesla Uv Purification System Co ltd
Current assignee: Tesla Uv Purification System Co ltd
Priority date: 2020-10-28
Filing date: 2021-10-28
Publication date: 2023-08-29

Abstract

The present application relates to a system for decontaminating a subject, the system comprising a power source and at least one decontamination area comprising one or more light sources emitting Uv-C radiation for decontaminating a surface of the subject. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a power source; and at least one purification zone. In another embodiment, the device object includes a power source; and at least one purification zone. In this embodiment, the device object further comprises a contact area that may be contaminated; the decontamination area is located within another portion of the device object and is accessible only when the device object transitions from the first use state to the second use state.

Description

Equipment comprising purification device

PRIORITY INFORMATION

The present application claims priority from patent AU2020903911 filed 28 in australia at 10/month 2020, patent AU2020904846 filed 24 in australia at 12/month 2020, and patent AU 2021900635 filed in australia at 3/month 5 2021, the contents of which are all incorporated herein by cross-reference.

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to a device for minimizing or preventing the transmission of infectious agents (e.g., bacteria and viruses) to humans through surface contact.

In particular, the present application relates to an apparatus that minimizes or prevents the transmission of infectious pathogens and reduces contamination of EFTPOS (point of sale electronic transfer) and ATM (automated teller machine) terminals. The application also relates to a device for use in a potentially contaminated environment, the device comprising purification means for purifying the most likely contaminated parts of the device when the device is in use. The integrated decontamination device minimizes or prevents the spread of infectious agents and reduces the likelihood of contamination of the user from the use of the device.

Background

Although the transmission of infectious pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, through surface contamination has been a factor in disease transmission, it is of particular concern during global disease pandemics, such as the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Many potentially infectious bacteria, viruses, yeasts and molds can survive on a surface for a considerable period of time. For example, in coronavirus studies, the most adaptable viruses survive on non-porous plastics and steel. Infectious particles can be detected as surviving on both types of surfaces for up to 72 hours, and in some cases on steel for up to 28 days. Of particular concern when viruses are transmitted on surfaces, there is still concern about non-porous surfaces that we often contact but rarely clean. This concern is especially prevalent when many people touch a non-porous surface in rapid succession, greatly increasing the likelihood of infection.

Devices belonging to this class of high infection risk points include EFTPOS and ATM terminals, elevator buttons, etc., as these are made of non-porous materials such as plastics and metals, are devices that are exposed to high frequencies by many people and are used in rapid succession and frequently by many people.

Traditionally, the method of minimizing the transmission of infectious agents is to frequently clean the EFTPOS and ATM terminals, particularly their keyboards, which are often touched by the fingers and hands of the user. However, frequent cleaning of these terminals with liquid chemicals may cause accidental damage to the machine equipment, or at least result in equipment having a service life that is shorter than normal, because these equipment are not designed to take into account such frequent cleaning.

Alternatively, individual users of these terminals may be responsible for their hygiene and disinfecting their hands before and after use of such devices, either by thoroughly cleaning the hands (which is often not possible at the location of the terminal device) or by alcohol or other suitable hand wash, spray or wet towel. However, sometimes users may not have access to the proper hand wash and in some cases not all users are well responsible for hand cleaning, which may lead to an increased risk of spread of infection. While proper use of alcohol based hand sanitizers can be very effective in inactivating many types of microorganisms 1-15, one may not apply sufficient disinfectant or wipe it off before it dries, and thus use of the hand sanitizer may not eliminate all microorganisms, bacteria, and viruses.

Another consideration of the present application stems from concerns in using devices such as pens and electronic device styluses, which may generally be categorized as high touch objects, especially when used in public areas. Contrary to theory, during viral disease pandemic, many venues insist on requiring a visitor/customer to "log in" to record his detailed information, so that if there is a positive record to be contacted by the health officer at a later date, and using a conventional pen, this may be a source of infection. In other cases, some devices require cleaning and sanitizing after each use, such as sexual stimulation devices. The application may find application in more efficient and effective cleaning regimes for such devices.

Traditionally, individual users of these terminals are responsible for their hygiene and disinfecting their hands before and after use of such devices, either by thoroughly cleaning the hands (which is often not possible at the location of the terminal device) or by means of alcoholic or other suitable hand wash, spray or wet towel. However, sometimes users may not have access to the proper hand wash and in some cases not all users are well responsible for hand cleaning, which may lead to an increased risk of spread of infection. While proper use of alcohol based hand sanitizers can be very effective in inactivating many types of microorganisms 1-15, one may not apply sufficient disinfectant or wipe it off before it dries, and thus use of the hand sanitizer may not eliminate all microorganisms, bacteria, and viruses.

Accordingly, there is a need for an alternative solution to the problem of surface contamination and to prevent transmission of infectious agents from person to person using high frequency contact devices such as EFTPOS and ATM terminals, elevator buttons, etc., or at least to provide a suitable alternative thereto, and to provide a more efficient and effective method of decontaminating devices used in potentially contaminated environments.

Disclosure of Invention

In a first aspect, the application relates to a system for decontaminating objects, the system comprising a power source, and at least one decontamination area; characterized in that at least one of the purification zones comprises one or more light sources emitting UV-C radiation.

Preferably, according to a first embodiment of the application, the system comprises a device for decontaminating a surface of a subject, characterized in that the device comprises a power source and at least one decontamination area, and that the device decontaminates the surface of the subject when the subject is placed in the decontamination area and the one or more light sources are turned on.

Preferably, according to a second embodiment of the application, the device is intended for use in a potentially contaminated environment and the device is configured to contain a power source and at least one decontamination area, characterized in that the device further comprises a contact area which is potentially contaminated when the device is used in a potentially contaminated environment, the at least one decontamination area being located in a further part of the device than the contact area and being accessible only when the device is switched from a first to a second use state, the decontamination area comprising a space accommodating the device contact area and further comprising one or more light sources which decontaminate the device contact area when turned on.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows an apparatus for decontaminating surfaces of objects, wherein the objects are fingers of a user, in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 shows the device of FIG. 1 depicting how a user's finger enters the decontamination area;

FIG. 3a shows an apparatus for decontaminating a surface of an object, the apparatus having both a finger decontamination area and a bank card decontamination area, wherein the object is a user's finger or a bank card, in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3b shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for decontaminating surfaces of objects, which has both a finger decontamination area and a bank card decontamination area, wherein the object is a user's finger or a bank card, in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 4a shows an apparatus for decontaminating surfaces of objects in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present application, wherein the objects are EFTPOS terminals;

FIG. 4b shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for decontaminating surfaces of objects in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present application, wherein the objects are EFTPOS terminals;

FIG. 4c shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for decontaminating surfaces of objects in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present application, wherein the objects are EFTPOS terminals, although they are not shown;

FIG. 4d shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for cleaning a surface of an object (shown with a power source) in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present application, wherein the object is a manipulation interface of a gaming machine, although it is not shown;

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for decontaminating surfaces of objects in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present application, similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 4a and 4b, wherein the objects are EFTPOS terminals, although they are not shown;

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for decontaminating surfaces of objects in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present application, similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 4a, 4b and 5, wherein the objects are EFTPOS terminals, although they are not shown;

FIG. 7 shows an apparatus for decontaminating surfaces of objects in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present application, wherein the objects are fingers of a user, although they are not shown;

fig. 8a shows an apparatus for decontaminating surfaces of objects, in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present application, wherein the objects are fingers of a user, although they are not shown;

FIG. 8b shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for decontaminating surfaces of objects in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present application, wherein the objects are fingers of a user, although they are not shown;

FIG. 8c shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for decontaminating surfaces of objects in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present application, the apparatus being shown on a display stand, wherein the objects are fingers of a user, although they are not shown;

fig. 9a shows an apparatus for cleaning a surface of an object according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the application, similar to the embodiment in fig. 1, wherein the object is a user's finger, although it is not shown;

fig. 9b shows an apparatus for decontaminating surfaces of objects, similar to the embodiment in fig. 1 and 9a, according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present application, wherein the objects are fingers of a user, although they are not shown;

fig. 9c shows an apparatus for decontaminating surfaces of objects, similar to the embodiments in fig. 1, 9a and 9b, according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present application, wherein the objects are fingers of a user, although they are not shown;

FIG. 10a shows an apparatus for decontaminating surfaces of objects in accordance with a seventh preferred embodiment of the present application, wherein the objects are shopping carts, although they are not shown;

FIG. 10b shows the seventh preferred embodiment of the application of FIG. 10 a;

FIG. 10c shows a seventh preferred embodiment of the present application of FIGS. 10a and 10b, and in particular a shield therefor;

fig. 11a shows an apparatus for cleaning a surface of an object according to an eighth preferred embodiment of the present application, wherein the object is a display, although it is not shown;

FIG. 11b shows the eighth preferred embodiment of the application of FIG. 11a, shown mated with a display;

FIG. 11c shows an eighth preferred embodiment of the application of FIGS. 11a and 11b, showing the decontamination apparatus in operation with a display;

FIG. 11d shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for decontaminating surfaces of objects in accordance with an eighth preferred embodiment of the present application, wherein the objects are displays, although they are not shown;

FIG. 11e shows the embodiment of FIG. 11d, particularly showing the eighth preferred embodiment of FIG. 11d, wherein the equipment assembly is moved through the finger rest of the decontamination portion of the equipment;

fig. 12 shows an apparatus for decontaminating surfaces of objects in accordance with an eleventh preferred embodiment of the present application, wherein the objects are embodied in the form of pens and the apparatus is part of a pen;

FIG. 13 shows the device and object of FIG. 21, showing the purge area in the cap and visible only when the cap is removed from the barrel;

fig. 14 shows the device and object of fig. 21, showing that the shaft can be inserted into a purge zone located in the cap;

FIG. 15a shows a cross-sectional view of the device and object of FIG. 21, showing the writing tip of the pen being insertable into the purge region of the cap;

FIG. 15b shows a close-up cross-section of the pen cap, showing details of the purge area, consisting of a chamber and a UV-C light source;

fig. 16 shows an apparatus for cleaning a surface of an object according to a twelfth preferred embodiment of the present application, wherein the object is embodied in the form of a stylus-integrated pen and the apparatus is part of the stylus-integrated pen;

FIG. 17 shows the device and object of FIG. 25, showing the purge zone at the end of the barrel near the contact, but only visible when the contact is removed from the barrel;

FIG. 18 shows the device and object of FIG. 25 showing the contact insertable into a purge zone located in the barrel;

FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of the device and subject of FIG. 25, showing the contact insertable into the purge zone of the barrel in a position adjacent the contact;

fig. 20 shows an apparatus for decontaminating surfaces of a subject in accordance with a thirteenth preferred embodiment of the present application, wherein the subject is embodied in the form of a sexual stimulation apparatus and the apparatus is part of the sexual stimulation apparatus; and

fig. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the device and subject of fig. 29, showing the detachable vibrating end insertable into a decontamination area in the device body proximate the detachable end.

Detailed Description

The present application relates to a system for decontaminating objects, which may include various devices or objects used in or reactive to a potentially contaminated environment, and which contain decontamination means to decontaminate the objects.

In some embodiments of the application, the device is separate from the object, while in other embodiments of the application, the device and object are integrated. In these embodiments, the device is converted from one use state to another, and then the portion of the device that is most likely to be contaminated when the device is used in a potentially contaminated environment is purged, so that the purge area integrated within the device becomes accessible and another portion of the device can be purged.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of the present application relates to an apparatus 10 for decontaminating a surface of an object 12, in this embodiment the object 12 being a user's finger 12. The apparatus 10 includes a power source (not shown) and at least one decontamination area 16, the decontamination area 16 including a space into which a surface of the subject 12 may be placed or inserted. Best seen in fig. 2, wherein the arrow shows the direction of the user's finger 12 as it is inserted into the space of the decontamination area 16. The decontamination area 16 also includes one or more light sources 18 that emit UV-C radiation, which light sources 18, when turned on, decontaminate the surface of the subject 12. The UV-C light source is preferably an array of UV-C light emitting LEDs (light emitting diodes).

It is well known to use UV-C radiation for sterilization, making it unable to grow and adversely affecting health. For example, UV-C radiation has been used to disinfect surfaces and to purify water and air for 10 years. Ultraviolet light is invisible to the human eye and is classified as UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. UV-C radiation was found to be in the range of 100-280nm, with its bactericidal effect being strongest at 254nm and weaker on both sides of this wavelength.

Ultraviolet (UV) is a portion of electromagnetic waves that lies between the lower wavelength limit in the visible spectrum and the X-ray radiation band. By definition, the spectral range of ultraviolet light is between 100 and 400nm (1 nm=10 ^-9 m) are not visible to the human eye. According to the CIE classification, the ultraviolet spectrum is subdivided into three bands:

UV-A (long wave) wavelength range of 315 to 400nm

UV-B (Medium wave) wavelength range of 280 to 315nm

UV-C (short wave) wavelength range of 100 to 280nm

UV-C radiation acts by means of a photolytic effect whereby the radiation destroys or kills microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce. For DNA, UV-C radiation creates a dimmer by forming chemical bonds between adjacent thymine bases, and if enough dimmers are created, the DNA cannot replicate.

The ultraviolet light emitted by the light source is expressed in watts (W), and the irradiation density is expressed in watts per square meter (W/m) ² ) And (3) representing. For bactericidal effect, the dose is important. The dose is the irradiation density times the time (t) In seconds, in joules per square meter (J/m) ² ) And (3) representing. (1 Joule is 1 Watt second).

The effective resistance of microorganisms to ultraviolet light varies widely. Furthermore, the environment of a particular microorganism has a significant impact on the radiation dose required for microbial killing.

The viability of microorganisms when exposed to ultraviolet light is approximately given by:

N _t /N _o ＝exp.(-kE _eff t)

·N _t is the number of bacteria at time t.

·N ₀ Is the number of bacteria before exposure.

K is the rate constant, depending on the species.

·E _eff Is the effective irradiance in w/m ² 。

E _efft The product of the time and the time is called effective dose H _eff And by J/m ² W.s/m of (F) ² And (3) representing.

Table 1 gives some k-value indices, which can be seen to be 0.2m for viruses and bacteria ² J, 2.10-3 of mould spores and 8.10-4 of algae.

TABLE 1

Dose with 10% survival rate under 254nm radiation (J/m 2) and rate constant k (m 2/J)

Short-wave UV-C band optical radiation produces a strong bactericidal effect, which, although in small doses, presents health and safety risks. For example, such radiation may cause erythema (redness of the skin) and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye mucosa). Therefore, when using germicidal ultraviolet lamps, it is important to design the system to exclude UV-C exposure so as to avoid these effects. The present application contemplates these health and safety concerns when designing the apparatus of the present application.

For example, as particularly shown in the embodiments of the present application shown in fig. 4a, 4b, 4C, 4d, 5, 6, 9a and 10C, the decontamination area 16 of the apparatus 10 may include a shielding member 24 that at least partially blocks the line of sight into the decontamination area space to protect the eyes of the user from UV-C radiation, which may be harmful. The UV-C radiation cannot penetrate the shielding member 24, thus providing a barrier to the UV-C radiation for the user. However, the shielding member 24 itself may be at least partially transparent so that the user can observe the decontamination area, since the frequency of the UVC light waves is small enough that it does not readily pass through the material, so that even a substantially transparent shielding material will act as a shield.

Furthermore, the device 10 for cleaning the surface of an object may in some cases also comprise a motion sensor, which is designed to detect whether/when the device is moving. When the sensor detects, it is connected to the UV-C light source and automatically shuts off the UV-C radiation to ensure that the UV-C radiation is not accidentally and inadvertently exposed to the person.

Although not shown in the figures, the decontamination area 16 may also include an automatic sensor to detect when an object is introduced therein, and when an object is detected, the sensor will automatically turn on one or more light sources 18.

This design is particularly useful for the embodiment of the application shown in figures 1-3, 7 and 9a, 9b and 9C, where a user inserts his finger into the decontamination area 16, and figures 8a, 8b and 8C, where a user inserts his hand into the decontamination area, to turn on the UV-C light without touching the device 10. For greater user satisfaction, the device 10 further comprises a second light source (not shown in the figures) which emits visible light when turned on. The light source is designed to emit UV-C radiation simultaneously with the UV-C light source, so that when the UV-C light source is turned on, visible light is indicated to the user. Such light is preferably bright violet or blue, most preferably visible spectrum UV-Sup>A or UV-B light, which is relevant for sterilization and decontamination of the user.

The second visible light source is positioned within the decontamination area 16 such that the space and objects therein are simultaneously illuminated by both visible light and UV-C radiation emitted from the UV-C light source.

As shown in table 1 above, different illumination intensities and times are shown for different infectious pathogens. Given the deployment location and use of the device of the present application, as described above, wherein the object is a user's finger, it is shown that the UV-C light source is automatically turned on when the user inserts the finger into the space of the decontamination area for about 10 seconds. However, if the object is an EFTPOS terminal, it will be purged for a set period of time, preferably for a period of two (2) minutes, according to the set frequency of the timer. However, for safety reasons, if movement is detected during this period, the UV-C light will automatically turn off and re-turn on and complete the purge after a set period of time, which can be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual operator. At the end of the purge period, the UV-C light will be turned off automatically.

The apparatus 10 for cleaning a surface of an object may further comprise a digital display (shown in the figure) which prompts the user in real time with information about the duration of the UV-C light source on. The digital display may include, for example, a countdown timer to display the on duration of the at least one UV-C light source 18.

Embodiments of the apparatus 10, 20 of the present application are primarily designed for cleaning the extremities of a user, for example, for cleaning fingers, hands, etc., as shown in fig. 1-9 c. In these embodiments, the user may insert a portion of their body (e.g., a finger or hand) into the decontamination area 16 of the device 10, 20.

1-2, in a preferred embodiment of the present application, the device 10 is designated as a scene in which the object 12 is a user's finger.

The embodiment shown in fig. 3 is slightly different in that the device 10 comprises two decontamination areas, a first decontamination area 16 for the user to insert his finger 12a and a second decontamination area 22 for the user to insert his payment card 12b. It is also contemplated that the user may choose to insert his driver's license or any other card for purging, if desired.

In the third, fourth and fifth embodiments of the present application shown in fig. 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 5 and 6, apparatus 10 and apparatus 20 are designed for use in connection with an object 12 in the form of an EFTPOS terminal 12 c. The embodiment shown in fig. 4a and 4b is designed to be used optimally with EFTPOS terminals on a display stand (as shown), whereas the embodiment shown in fig. 5 and 6 is designed to be used optimally with EFTPOS terminals not on a display stand, in which case the EFTPOS terminals and devices 10, 20 are simply placed on a work station, desktop or point of sale or display stand. These particular embodiments of the apparatus of the present application are particularly well suited for other applications and may also be used to decontaminate telephones (particularly mobile or cellular telephones), game console operators, and the like, which may be placed in a decontamination area of the apparatus.

Another embodiment of the device 10 of the present application is shown in fig. 7, which is similar to the device shown in fig. 1-2 in that the device is designed for decontaminating an object 12, i.e. a user's finger. Similar embodiments are also presented in fig. 9a, 9b and 9c and are designed for cleaning the user's fingers.

A further embodiment of the device 10 of the present application is shown in fig. 8a, 8b and 8c, wherein the object 12 is a user's hand.

A further embodiment of the application, which is primarily designed to decontaminate a portion of the physical object and user that are not attached, is shown in fig. 10a to 11 e.

Fig. 10a to 10c show a device 10 according to the application, wherein the object 12 to be decontaminated is a shopping cart. The device 10 is designed to be installed outside or inside a grocery store or other retail store, most likely near the store entrance or at some other convenient location (e.g., perhaps in a parking lot or the like), or may be installed inside the store as well. It is common and common practice for shopping carts to store them in similar "pens" in two use neutral positions, which allows the shopper to conveniently retrieve the cart for use, keep the cart limited and out of the way when not in use, and allow the shopper to return the cart in an area after use.

It is contemplated that the apparatus 10 of the present application may be turned on by a manual activation, or automatically triggered, or timer, when the carts in the decontamination area 16 are decontaminated by the UVC lights 18 being turned on. As shown in fig. 10c, a curtain or shielding member 24 may be used to enclose the decontamination area, which in this embodiment is a transparent curtain covering the frame of the apparatus 10, and has an openable end through which a cart may be inserted into and removed from the decontamination area 16.

Further, another embodiment of the device 10 of the present application is shown in fig. 11a to 11 c. In this embodiment, the device 10 is adapted to be mounted on a display 12, typically a touch screen display. A purge area 16 adjacent to the screen of the display 12 is formed between two arms extending from respective ends of the device body. The two arms form a track along which the apparatus body is adapted to move, as shown in fig. 11c, which allows the apparatus body to move along and thus through the decontamination area 16. In this way, the display screen within the decontamination area 16 is decontaminated as UVC light is turned on and the device body passes along the track of the two arms.

Furthermore, an alternative embodiment of the device 10 of the present application is shown in fig. 11d and 11 e. In this embodiment, the device 10 is adapted to be mounted on a display 12, typically a touch screen display. The device 10 also includes a finger rest 21 in which the user places an index finger in order to move the device body over the surface of the touch screen display. This embodiment is preferred because it further reduces the risk of contaminating the user, because the user is easier to control or move the device body along the track by a single finger (typically the index finger). Rather than the embodiment shown in fig. 11a to 11c, the user grips the tab with the index finger and thumb, in which case both fingers are likely to be contaminated and cleaning the thumb is particularly difficult, meaning that the finger cleaning device can typically be deployed/installed in the vicinity of the touch screen cleaning device.

In all of the foregoing embodiments, the inventive apparatus 10 includes a power source, which may be a battery or a mains (or both). The power supply may also include an array of solar panels that are particularly useful in remote or mobile applications of the device 10 of the present application, where there is no mains supply, to facilitate increasing the endurance of the device and recharging the battery.

However, according to a further embodiment of the application, the apparatus is arranged for use in an environment that may be contaminated, and the apparatus is arranged to contain a power source and at least one decontamination area. The device also includes a contact area that may be contaminated when the device is used in an environment that may be contaminated. At least one decontamination area is located in a region of the device other than the contact region and is accessible only when the device is changed from one use state to another. The decontamination area comprises a space for placing the contact area of the device and one or more light sources emitting UV-C radiation, which when turned on decontaminates the device contact area.

A device 31 in the form of a pen 32a according to an eleventh embodiment of the application is shown in fig. 12 to 15 b. In an eleventh embodiment of the application, the device 31 comprises a power source (shown in the figures), and at least one purge zone 36 comprising a space or chamber 37 in which a contact zone 39 of the device 32a can be placed or inserted. The contact area 39 is most susceptible to contamination when the device 32a is used in an environment that may be contaminated. In the case of the device 31 embodied in the form of a pen 32a, the contact area 39 comprises the writing tip 34 and a portion of the barrel located in the vicinity of the writing tip. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that it is this area of the pen 32a that is generally grasped by the user when manipulating the pen to write or draw, and that area is most likely contaminated with viruses or the like, and similarly that any pathogens are most likely to be transmitted to the next user of the pen 32a at a later stage/time.

As best shown in fig. 13-15B, the purge region 36 is located within the cap 33 in this embodiment of the application. In this way, the purge zone 36 is accessible (in fact only visible) only when the cap 33 has been removed from the barrel 32 a. In other words, the purge area 36 is not visible or accessible when the cap 33 is mounted on the barrel 32 a. In order to enter the purge zone 36, the cap 33 must be removed from the barrel 32a, so that the device 31 as a pen can be said to change from one use state to another (i.e., capped to uncapped).

As best shown in fig. 13 and 15a, the decontamination area 36 includes a space 37 into which the device contact area is placed, and also includes one or more UV-C radiation emitting light sources 38 that decontaminate the contact area when the device 31 is turned on.

The barrel 32a and cap 33 cooperate with each other, as best shown in fig. 13-15 b, with a purge area 36 disposed therebetween.

A device 31 according to a twelfth embodiment of the application, embodied in the form of a pen with an integrated touch head 32b, is shown in fig. 16 to 19. In a twelfth embodiment of the application, the device 31 comprises a power source (shown in the drawings) and at least one decontamination area 36, the decontamination area 36 comprising a space or chamber 37 into which a contact area 39 of the device 32b can be placed or inserted. The contact area 39 is most susceptible to contamination when the device 32b is used in an environment that may be contaminated. When the device 31 is in the form of a pen integrating the touch head 32b, the contact area 39 comprises the contact 40a. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the contact 40a is typically one of the surfaces most likely to be contaminated by viruses and the like.

As best shown in fig. 17-19, the purge zone 36 in this embodiment of the application is located within the barrel 32b adjacent the location of the contact 40a when in use. In practice, the contact 40a is arranged such that one end of the contact is adapted to be removably secured within the cavity 37 of the decontamination area 36 in use, such that the operative end of the contact is exposed and blocks the inlet of the decontamination area cavity. To decontaminate the contact 40a, it is removed from the barrel, and the contact 40a is redirected with its contact surface aligned with the cavity 37 of the decontamination area 36 so that the contact 40a is inserted therein for decontamination.

In this way, the purge zone 36 is only accessible (in fact only visible) once the contact 40a has been removed from the barrel 32 b. In other words, the purge zone 36 is not visible or accessible when the contact 40a is installed in the barrel 32 b. To enter the purge zone 36, the contact 40a must be removed from the barrel 32a, so the device 31 (the stylus of the integrated touch head 32 b) can be said to be transitioned from one use state to another (e.g., from the stylus-integrated pen being in the operational position to the stylus-integrated pen being in the purge position).

As best shown in fig. 17 and 19, the decontamination area 36 comprises a space 37 for the device contact area to be placed into, and also comprises one or more UV-C radiation emitting light sources 38 which, when turned on, decontaminate the contact area of the device 31.

The device 31 in the form of a sexual stimulation device 32c comprises a detachable vibrating end 40b and a device body according to a thirteenth embodiment of the application as shown in fig. 20 and 21. In a thirteenth embodiment of the application, the device 31 comprises a power source (shown in the figures) and at least one decontamination area 36 comprising a space or chamber 37 into which a contact area 39 of the device 32c can be placed or inserted. The contact area 39 is most susceptible to contamination when the device 32b is used in an environment that may be contaminated. In the case where the device 31 is a sexual stimulation device 32c, the contact area 39 includes the detachable end 10b.

Similar to the twelfth embodiment described above, the detachable vibrating end 40b is detachable from the body of the sexual stimulation apparatus 32c like the contact 40a and can be flipped over and inserted into the decontamination area 36 located within the apparatus body, with the decontamination area 36 being located adjacent to the location of the detachable vibrating end 40b when in use.

Also similar to the twelfth embodiment described above, the detachable vibrating end 40b is configured such that one end of the vibrating end is adapted to be detachably secured within the cavity of the decontamination area 36 in use such that the operating end of the vibrating end exposes and blocks the entrance to the cavity of the decontamination area. To decontaminate the vibrating end 40b, the vibrating end 40b is removed from the body of the sexual stimulation apparatus 32c, and the vibrating end 40b is redirected with its contact surface aligned with the cavity 37 of the decontamination area 36 such that the vibrating end 40b is inserted therein for decontamination.

In this way, the decontamination area 36 is only accessible (in fact only visible) when the detachable vibration tip 40b has been removed from the body of the sexual stimulation apparatus 32 c. In other words, the purge region 36 is not visible or accessible when the vibrating end 40b is mounted within the body. To access the decontamination area 36, the shock end 40b must be removed from the body of the sexual stimulation apparatus 32c, so that the apparatus 31 (sexual stimulation apparatus with detachable shock end) can be said to be changed from one use state to another.

As best shown in fig. 20 and 21, the decontamination area 36 comprises a space 37 into which the device contact area is placed, and further comprises one or more UV-C radiation emitting light sources 38 which, when turned on, decontaminate the contact area of the device 31, as in the eleventh and twelfth embodiments of the present application.

It is well known to use UV-C radiation to kill microorganisms, making them unable to grow and adversely affecting health. For example, UV-C radiation has been used to disinfect surfaces and to purify water and air for 10 years. Ultraviolet light is invisible to the human eye and is classified as UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. UV-C radiation was found to be in the range of 100-280nm, with its bactericidal effect being strongest at 254nm and weaker on both sides of this wavelength.

Although not shown in the figures, the decontamination area 36 may also include an automatic sensor to detect when an object is introduced therein, and when an object is detected, the sensor will automatically turn on one or more of the light sources 18.

In order to be more satisfied by the user, the device 40 further comprises a second light source (not shown in the figures) which emits visible light when turned on. The light source is designed to emit UV-C radiation simultaneously with the UV-C light source, so that when the UV-C light source is turned on, visible light is indicated to the user. Such light is preferably bright violet or blue, most preferably visible spectrum UV-Sup>A or UV-B light, which is relevant for sterilization and decontamination of the user.

The second visible light source is a light source located somewhere in the body and functions like a power indicator lamp.

The device 31 may also comprise a digital display (shown in the figure) which prompts the user in real time with information about the duration of the UV-C light source on. The digital display may include, for example, a countdown timer to display the on duration of the at least one UV-C light source 38.

In the eleventh to thirteenth embodiments, the device 31 of the present application comprises a power source in the form of a battery, which may be a disposable or rechargeable battery.

While the application has been described with reference to the above preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the application is not limited to these embodiments, but may be embodied in many other forms, variations and modifications besides those specifically described. The present application includes all such variations and modifications. The application also includes all of the steps, features, components and/or devices referred to or indicated in the specification, as well as any and all combinations or two or more of the steps or features, individually or collectively.

In this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the word "comprising" is not intended to have an exclusive meaning, such as "consisting only of. The same applies to the case where other grammatical forms of the word vary, such as "include" and the like.

Other definitions of certain terms used herein may be found throughout the detailed description of the application. Unless defined otherwise, all other scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs.

Any promise made in this document should be understood to be relevant to certain embodiments of the application and is not intended to be promised for the application in all embodiments. If there are promises that are deemed suitable for all embodiments of the present application, the applicant/patentee reserves the right to later delete it from the description, and it does not rely on these promises to obtain patent approval or grant later in any country.

Claims

1. A system for decontaminating an object, the system comprising: a power supply and at least one decontamination area, characterized in that: the at least one decontamination area includes one or more light sources that emit UV-C radiation.

2. The system for decontaminating a subject of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a device for decontaminating a surface of the subject, the device comprising the power source and the at least one decontamination area, and wherein the device decontaminates the surface of the subject when the subject is placed in the decontamination area and the one or more light sources are on.

3. The system for decontaminating objects of claim 2, wherein the decontamination area comprises a space for surface placement of the object into.

4. A system for decontaminating an object according to claim 3, wherein the decontamination area further comprises an automatic sensor for detecting when an object is placed therein, and when an object is detected, the one or more light sources are automatically turned on.

5. The system for purifying an object of claim 2, wherein the device further comprises a second light source that emits visible light to indicate when the user turns on the at least one UV-C light source.

6. The system for decontaminating objects of claim 5, wherein the second visible light source is located within the decontamination area such that the decontamination area and objects located therein are simultaneously illuminated by visible light and UV-C radiation emitted from the UV-C light source.

7. The system for purifying an object of claim 2, wherein turning on the UV-C light source is immediate.

8. The system for purifying an object of claim 7, wherein the device further comprises a digital display that prompts a user in real time for information about the UV-C light source on duration.

9. The system for purifying an object of claim 8, wherein the digital display includes a countdown timer that displays an on duration of the at least one UV-C light source.

10. The system for decontaminating an object of claim 2, wherein the object is one or more of a user's hand or finger, an EFTPOS terminal, a payment card or a mobile phone or a cellular phone.

11. The system for purifying an object of claim 2, wherein the power source is selected from one or more of a battery or a mains supply.

12. The system for purifying an object of claim 2, wherein the power source further comprises a solar panel array.

13. The system for decontaminating objects of claim 2, wherein the decontamination area includes a shielding member that at least partially blocks vision into the decontamination area space to protect the user's eyes from UV-C radiation that would otherwise cause eye damage if looking directly at UV-C.

14. The system for purifying an object of claim 2, wherein the device includes a motion sensor that detects movement of the device or that turns off the UV-C light source when movement is detected in the vicinity of the device.

15. The system for decontaminating an object of claim 2, wherein the apparatus further comprises a body in which the one or more light sources are located, and having first and second rail members extending laterally from opposite ends thereof, the rail members defining edges of the decontamination region.

16. The system for decontaminating objects of claim 15, wherein the device is adapted to be mounted at a peripheral edge of a display.

17. The system for decontaminating objects of claim 16, wherein the device body cooperates to extend along the first rail member and the second rail member such that when the light source is turned on, the light source passes through a display screen surface of the display to decontaminate it.

18. The system for decontaminating objects of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is for use in an environment that may be contaminated, and the apparatus is configured to contain the power source and the at least one decontamination area;

the device also includes a contact area that may be contaminated when the device is used in an environment that may be contaminated;

the at least one decontamination area is located in a portion of the device other than the contact area and is accessible only when the device is transitioned from the first use state to the second use state;

the decontamination area includes a space for placing the contact area of the device and also includes the one or more light sources that decontaminate the device contact area when turned on.

19. The system for purifying an object of claim 18, wherein the device is a pen, the contact area comprises a writing end and a portion of a barrel located proximate the writing end, the purifying area is located in a cap of the pen.

20. The system for purifying an object of claim 19, wherein the first use state is a state in which the cap is mated with the pen end distal from the writing end, and the second use state is a state in which the cap is mated with the pen end proximal to the writing end.

21. The system for decontaminating objects of claim 18, wherein the contact area is removable from the apparatus, and once removed, the contact area is reoriented such that it contacts a space that is aligned with the decontamination area so that it can be inserted therein for decontamination.

22. The system for purifying an object of claim 21, wherein the device is a stylus incorporating a contact, the contact being disposed at a pen end distal from the writing end, the contact area comprising the contact, and the purifying area being located inside a barrel proximal to the contact.

23. The system for purifying objects of claim 22, wherein the first use state is a state in which the contact is mated with the pen tip remote from the writing tip, and the second use state is a state in which the contact has been removed from the pen tip, redirected so that it contacts a space facing the purifying area so that it can be inserted therein for purifying.

24. The system for decontaminating a subject of claim 21, wherein the device is a sexual stimulation device comprising a detachable vibrating end and a device body, the contact area is the detachable vibrating end, the detachable vibrating end is insertable into one or more body cavities during use, and the decontamination area is located within the body of the sexual stimulation device proximate the detachable vibrating end.

25. The system for purifying an object of claim 24, wherein the first use state is a state in which the detachable shaking end is engaged with an end portion of the device body of the sexual stimulation device, and the second use state is a state in which the detachable shaking end has been removed from the end portion of the device body, redirected so that it contacts a space facing the purifying area so that it can be inserted therein for purifying.

26. The system for decontaminating an object of claim 18, wherein the decontamination area further comprises an automatic sensor for detecting when an object is placed therein, and when an object is detected, automatically turning on one or more light sources.

27. The system for purifying an object of claim 18, wherein the device further comprises a second light source that emits visible light to indicate when the user turns on the at least one UV-C light source.

28. The system for purifying an object of claim 18, wherein turning on the UV-C light source is immediate.

29. The system for purifying an object of claim 18, wherein the device further comprises a digital display that prompts a user in real time for information about the UV-C light source on duration.

30. The system for purifying an object of claim 29, wherein the digital display includes a countdown timer that displays an on duration of the at least one UV-C light source.

31. The system for purifying an object of claim 18, wherein the power source is a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery.